Home improvements are usually done to increase your home satisfaction, but unless you plan on living in the same house forever, you should also consider how they affect your home’s overall value. Finishing your basement can yield up to a 70% return on your investment (ROI) at resale according to
Remodeling Magazine’s 2013 Cost vs. Value Report. These tips will help you plan for your basement renovation needs with a focus on resale value:

• Increase Living Space – Finishing your basement is a cost-effective way to get more usable square footage without having to build an addition on your home. An unfinished basement can sometimes translate to a large amount of inefficient use of space in your home; by finishing that space, you can increase the livable space in your home.

• Think Form and Functionality – Determine how to finish your basement to best address both your needs and wants. This may include adding more bedrooms, bathrooms, storage areas, a home theatre, an in-law-suite or a rental apartment. Our TruYouDesign™ process is particularly useful in helping customers determine the best remodeling decisions for their budget! Also, be sure to look into any zoning or permit issues to ensure that what you have planned is within code.

• Plan Ahead – Get a few professional quotes to help you determine what is possible within your budget. This may include an architect to design the job and provide drawings, a contractor to build it, and an interior designer to make your dreams become reality. Look online and in magazines and price out various finishes and products to help with planning your budget.

• Start with a Solid Foundation – Fix any foundation problems and/or any structural issues within your home first. Professional engineering help may be required for assessing load capacity, excavating and fixing foundation issues if the design (and your budget) calls for it. In addition, fixing moisture issues before you begin will increase the thermal performance of your insulation, among other benefits.

• Comfort Control – Address any potential dampness issues before your renovation starts. An added dehumidifier or air conditioner may be required in summer months. Ensure that you have proper heating and cooling distribution which may mean installing or relocating registers and/or adding cold air returns.

• Lighting – Increasing the natural light in your basement by adding or enlarging windows is a great investment. Your contractor should be able to determine if the surrounding walls can support the increased structural load of adding windows. Recessed lighting is also a popular choice today to complement the natural light or to add natural-looking light if the real thing is not an option.

• Flooring – Choose appropriate materials for your flooring. Carpeting, hardwood and some laminates are generally not recommended due to higher moisture in basements. Consider installing a vapor barrier and a product which acts as an insulator below the flooring. Research the product you want to use to ensure it can be used below grade.

• Ceilings – Consider a suspended ceiling to allow easy access to the plumbing, electricity and ductwork. Drywall doesn’t offer these benefits, but it is often chosen for a more clean and polished appearance. If drywall is chosen, include access panels for water and gas shutoffs.

A basement renovation is a great way to increase the resale value of your home while adding new, useable space for your family’s enjoyment. If you’re considering finishing or remodeling your basement, let the professionals at MDV Remodeling provide you with a fast, free estimate to get you started!

*header image courtesy of Sean Madden/Flickr.com