Basement Development is the fastest way to add significant living space to your house without changing its footprint. We understand that many homeowners view their basements as dark, chilly storage areas for old boxes and holiday decorations. Our team observes that a properly finished basement can serve as a movie theatre, a home gym, or even a guest suite. Because the space is underground, we must pay special attention to moisture protection and high-quality insulation. We want to help you design a lower level that feels just as warm and bright as your main floor. By using modern lighting and warm flooring materials, you can transform your basement into the most popular room in the house. We believe that every square foot of your home should be useful and comfortable for your family.
Ensuring a Dry and Healthy Environment
Before we put up any drywall, we must ensure the foundation walls are completely dry and free of cracks. We find that moisture is the biggest enemy of any lower-level living space in our local climate. Consequently, we install a high-quality vapour barrier and specialized insulation to keep the dampness away from your new walls. This prevents the growth of mold and ensures the air remains healthy for your children to breathe while they play. Furthermore, we suggest installing a subfloor system that creates an air gap between the cold concrete and your finished flooring. This tiny gap makes the floor feel significantly warmer on your feet during the long winter months.
Designing for Natural and Artificial Light
Basements often suffer from a lack of natural light because the windows are small or located high on the walls. We see that enlarging window wells is a great investment to bring in more sunshine and meet safety codes. Additionally, we use plenty of pot lights in the ceiling to provide a bright and even glow across the entire floor. You should also consider using light paint colours and glass doors to help the light bounce into every corner. Moreover, mirrors placed opposite windows can trick the eye into thinking the room is much larger than it actually is. Our team focuses on creating a lighting plan that eliminates dark shadows and makes the space feel inviting.
Choosing the Best Flooring for Lower Levels
The type of flooring you choose for your basement must be able to handle potential moisture and cold temperatures. We find that luxury vinyl plank is the most popular choice because it is waterproof and looks exactly like real wood. Unlike traditional hardwood, vinyl will not warp or rot if it gets damp from a minor plumbing issue. Furthermore, high-quality carpet with a thick underlay is a great choice for media rooms where you want extra comfort and sound dampening. You might also consider cork flooring, which is naturally warm and soft for a home yoga studio or play area. We suggest avoiding real hardwood or cheap laminate in basements because they often fail when the humidity changes.
Creating a Functional Layout for the Family
A great basement needs to have a clear purpose so it doesn’t just become another cluttered storage zone. We find that dividing the large open space into specific “zones” makes the area feel much more organized. For example, you can have a dedicated TV area on one side and a home office or craft nook on the other. Additionally, adding a small wet bar or a bathroom increases the convenience and the overall value of the home. We are the Best Renovation Services for helping you plan a layout that grows with your family’s changing needs. If you want to finish your lower level, please Contact Us to see our past projects.
FAQ
Do I need an egress window?
Yes, if you plan to have a bedroom in the basement, you must have a window large enough for a person to escape during an emergency. This is a strict safety rule in Calgary.
How do I stop my basement from being cold?
Using spray foam insulation and a raised subfloor are the two best ways to keep the cold out. We also suggest adding extra heat vents or electric baseboard heaters for extra warmth.
Can I add a bathroom to my basement?
Most homes have “rough-in” plumbing already in the floor, but we can add a bathroom even if your home doesn’t have it. We use specialized pumps if the drain needs to go uphill.
How long does a basement finish take?
A standard basement takes about six to eight weeks to complete from the first stud to the final coat of paint. We manage all the trades to keep the project moving every day.
Will finishing my basement increase my taxes?
Adding finished square footage can increase your home’s assessed value, which might slightly change your property taxes. However, the increase in resale value is usually much higher than the tax change.