A finished basement is a valuable asset when purchasing a home or even if you already possess one. It has the potential to double the amount of usable space in your home. If you are also here to know about, “What is a finished basement?” So, that’s all there is to know about completed basements.
What is the definition of a finished basement? It has a finished level, an HVAC system, power, finished flooring, an accessible entry or stairway, level ceilings, and finished walls, to name a few amenities. It has a closet and a window if it is a bedroom.
Let’s look at why these matters, what makes a basement unfinished or finished, what to think about when adding a finished basement, the benefits and drawbacks of doing so, and when it’s worth it to do so.
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An Overview Of Finished Basement
When a basement is finished, the whole level looks comparable to the living areas on the first floor. An electrical system, heat, finished floors, an accessible entrance/stairway, level ceilings, and finished walls are typically included. If the space has a designated bedroom, it must have a closet and an egress window to be considered a bedroom.
The finished basement entails putting up foundation walls and completing wiring, flooring, plumbing, and finishing work such as doors, windows, and trim. A finished basement must be liveable and have the same attributes as the rest of the house’s finished spaces.
Why Does Finished Basement Matter?
If you have a finished basement in your home, it can improve the home’s overall appearance and value. Even if the square footage of a finished basement isn’t counted in your neighborhood, it can still value higher because it’s a finished basement.
The outside access, windows, and the quality of the construction will consider by an appraiser. You can also use this space for suites and games. It’s also relevant since some homeowner’s debate whether to complete their basement or add an upper-level extension. So, it’s your choice to finish or keep the basement unfinished.
A Few Considerations of Finished Basement
Anything beyond the bare concrete floor and foundation walls, structural first-floor framework, and any attached and suspended electrical and mechanical equipment is considered a finished basement. It’s a good idea to know the state of your basement before embarking on a costly home repair project.
Your basement may be unfinished, partially completed, or finished, according to Cline. The facts can affect how you utilize the space, the cost of upgrades, and the value of your home. So, let’s start discussing each consideration in detail:
1) Proper Lighting
Proper lighting is a crucial aspect of a finished basement. Ceiling fluorescents are harsh and too bright, producing eye-stressing glare and casting minimum to no shades and shadows. So, it’s better to use incandescent floor blubs and lamps as the best alternative for the lighting in the finished basement.
2) HVAC System
For a basement to be deemed finished, it must include a heating and cooling system. It should be a central air conditioner, just like the rest of the house. A window air conditioner, such as a space heater, does not count as part of a finished basement.
This is because, unlike wall heating units and baseboard units, they are not permanent installations. Heating is critical. Different heating systems or modifying your existing systems might cost more than $1500 on insulating your basement walls.
3) Floor Type
The floor needs to be covered and match the flooring used throughout the rest of the property. However, tile is a beautiful choice because basements can flood, and carpets can grow mold.
The reason is that the flooding also destroys laminate and wood flooring. Finishing a basement by merely leaving concrete or plywood on the floors is insufficient.
Make sure to drywall and finished the walls ultimately. Additionally, the basement should be connected to the rest of the house and accessible from other rooms. So, you can access the basement from any floor of your home quickly and efficiently.
4) Staircase
Stairs leading to the basement should be permanent for it to be term finished. It is not permanent if you reach or access the basement with a ladder or a loft. It’s okay if steps from the basement to the exterior stairs lead to the basement from inside the house.
Disadvantages Of Finished Basements
Unfortunately, unlike an addition on the upper level of the house, a finished basement does not add value. It would help if you also kept a watch on this area because it is prone to high humidity, smells, and mold.
If the finished basement is essential to you, you should check with the local assessor’s office because some states may not recognize any work that is underground as a finished basement. You might have ended up paying more tax if you had additional space or area, even in the basement count in the regional laws and suites.
The room must be at least a specific size, have a window, and pass egress through the window. In other words, the window must be large enough to allow escape in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Final Thoughts
Adding value to your property by finishing your basement is a terrific option. It is a living area that can increase your home’s value and your quality of life by providing additional space. Of course, you could always leave the basement unfinished, but basement finishing and the process of a basement remodel are both exciting.
It’s crucial to consider how you’ll fund the upgrades. Regardless of why you want to finish the basement, make sure you can afford it. Borrowing the money could be dangerous, especially if you need to qualify for a home equity loan or line of credit.
If you can’t make the monthly payments right now, it’s probably best to put off finishing the basement until you can. So, it’s entirely your choice. Take a decision wisely.
