Tips to take your renovation to the next level!
Many homes, especially new builds, come with unfinished basements. Although buying a home that requires basement renovations in Ottawa can seem tedious, it gives you an opportunity to create your own customized space. When you begin the renovation process, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is choosing your flooring. But choosing a floor for a basement renovation is a little bit different than it is for other levels. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind:
The Type
You can install almost any type of flooring in your renovation – but when it comes to a basement some options are more suitable than others. The crucial first part of the renovation is to determine the purpose of the room. Will it be a workshop, a playroom or perhaps a multi-functional space? Once you determine the room’s utility, an obvious choice should become clear. For example, opting for soft carpet is great for adding insulation and warmth to a play area or spare bedroom, while tile or laminate can help give the space a more sophisticated look.
When choosing the flooring for your basement renovations in Ottawa, it’s also important to keep in mind how it can hold up to moisture. Because these areas are so close to the ground and surrounded by porous concrete, it’s important to choose an option that won’t be affected by some water vapour. This is why most homeowners avoid using hardwood in a basement renovation.
The Base
Before you begin your renovation you need to make sure the sub-floor is level. If not, you can level it out with cement before applying your flooring. Once your subfloor is level, the flooring process can begin. If you’ve chosen flooring that can be installed directly on the slab (e.g. ceramic tiling), you’re halfway there; however, an additional underlayment is required if you’re going with laminate and a subfloor sleeper system is needed for carpeting. Installing a vapour barrier over the concrete can also help to further protect your new floors.
The Height
Choosing a thicker floor for your basement renovations in Ottawa can take valuable inches off a room with an already low ceiling. Before your renovation, double-check your building codes to make sure the minimum ceiling height is met.
Basement renovations in Ottawa are a great way to revamp an old, tired or unfinished space. When choosing the flooring for your renovation, just remember to keep the properties of a basement in mind. With a little pre renovation planning, your new basement will be ready for a lifetime of memories!
