Any kind of home improvement is going to be an investment, and one that inevitably improves the value of your home. In some cases, the increase in value can be substantial and if you sell your home it’s quite easy to gain a return (and even profit over) that initial investment. Unfortunately sometimes natural occurrences can damage the work you’ve done that reduce or destroy that investment. With basement renovation your biggest nemesis is going to be moisture.
Most modern homes are designed to lock out moisture and when a basement is dug out and built up, the foundation and surrounding walls are reinforced and sealed to prevent moisture from backing up into the home. Older homes can also be reinforced and sealed to prevent moisture from coming in, unfortunately that doesn’t stop the issue.
A basement is naturally a damp environment because of utilities and water points, along with the fact that its below ground. Being cooler than the house above it, the moisture can settle. This why even the most well-sealed Bathroom Renovations Burlington sometimes have issues with being “musty”, especially where a laundry or utility room is present.
You can take steps to help reduce moisture load during basement renovation to finish a basement, but you have to be conscious of the sources of moisture in order to correct the issue. There is however one area many homeowners overlook when prepping their basement for renovation – the drain.
Prior to finishing your basement – before work even begins – you should work with a contractor or specialist to come into your home and examine the plumbing throughout the basement, including the drain and sewer line leading from your home. This inspection is vital if you want to protect your newly finished basement.
What to Look For
A plumber or general contractor inspecting the drain and sewer line will snake a camera line into the sewer as it exits the home. The inspection will look for pipe cracks from the ground around the house settling. In some cases the drain can break and become disconnected from the home. They will also look for places where plants and roots penetrate the pipe or if the pipe is corroded. The condition of pipes can deteriorate quickly once there is some kind of damage, and this especially true in older homes.
With broken pipes, a blockage can occur quickly. This is bad news for any homeowner when it comes to the sewer line. Imagine pouring your money into a newly completely basement renovation only to have raw sewage backup into the space. This is where even a properly sealed and moisture-free basement can fail you and ruin your investment. The entire finished area would need to be stripped clean. Take the time to plan ahead and inspect your plumbing and drains. A simple inspection provides a great deal of protection for the investment you’re about to make by finishing your basement.
