You wouldn’t think your bathroom renovation and your basement renovation plans needed to have anything in common – after all, they’ll serve two completely different purposes and need completely different finishes – but the truth is when it comes down to it, your bathroom and your basement have one very important similarity: they both have to be moisture-resistant.
It makes sense a bathroom renovation would need to be water tight (think of all the water and steam that will penetrate everything) but people often forget the basement renovation needs to include just as much, if not more, waterproofing.
Flooding, of course, is a major risk in a basement because of the simple fact it is underground, so water-resistant materials are recommended. In addition to flood concerns are general condensation and mould concerns. Basements (and bathrooms) are damp areas and special precautions are necessary to keep mould at bay.
Bare bones
When undertaking a bathroom renovation or a basement renovation, it’s a good idea to start right from the bare bones of structure to really ensure your finished room is moisture and mould resistant.
Nowadays you can purchase mould-resistant wood, for building studs and framing walls, and drywall (both of which are dyed blue as opposed to the traditional colours) which are great materials for damp places like bathrooms or basements. Using blue wood or and drywall will give you peace of mind your beautiful renovation will not need to be torn down in a few years due to excessive mould growth.
Flooring
Choosing finishes for a renovation can be a fun, creative process, but when it comes to flooring it’s better to think more practically than decoratively; when it comes to bathroom renovations or basement renovations, not all flooring is created equal.
Carpet, as warm as it may be on your feet, is not an ideal option for either space, although it can be done. Some synthetic-fibre carpets are moisture resistant and would do well in a basement space. However, you’re best to stick with tile in either space because of its easy-to-clean, mould-resistant properties. Laminate and hardwood are also an option, but should be installed professionally to avoid warping down the road.
Paints
Moisture-resistant paints (often called kitchen and bathroom paints) have been around for a number of years and are the best way to ensure a lasting paint job in damp areas of your home. Paint adds the final touch to a bathroom renovation or a basement renovation, and having it look clean and well done adds a touch of finesse to the space. These moisture and mould resistant paints can be mixed in any colour just like ordinary paints, but won’t warp or bubble in the presence of condensation.
