The key factor in designing a basement is to make sure that it can be remodeled into a living space. It sounds easy but requires serious consideration and an architect’s creativity and experience.

If your house is old, you might find it hard to add a basement that can serve as an additional living area. But if it’s a modern construction, the transition becomes a lot easier.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Plan Inlets and Outlets

Basements are already removed from the main house, which is why you have to be extra cautious while planning the exits and entrances. You never know when an emergency may strike! It could be a fire hazard or flooding, which poses the risk of electrocution. (Just having a sump pump in the basement is crucial but doesn’t always suffice.)

You need a floor plan to evacuate the place safely. That’s why the exit routes need to be accessible and designed to assist you in emergencies. It may be in the form of an escape window, a door, or a stairway to the upper house.

Assess the Soil Conditions

This is crucial for the long-term durability of your basement. Before getting on with the construction project, make sure the experts have looked at the ground conditions. The quality and suitability of the soil play a vital role in helping you build a sturdy structure.

There can be many possible problems with the soil around your house when you’re building a basement. Unsuitable bedrock, high water table, archaeological treasures, or older structures sunken deep are a few to consider. You need a leveled ground for the structure to stay strong. Eliminate these possible problems before laying down the groundwork for a basement.

Basement Waterproofing

Unwanted water during the rainy season can enter the basement and wreak havoc on the interiors. It can also become a safety hazard if the water level gets too high. But more than that, the water damage can weaken the foundations and compromise the basement’s structural integrity. It can seep into the walls and the floors.

Another source of damp basements due to water damage is when the groundwater rises and builds hydrostatic pressure on the foundations. Moisture penetrates the cracks and hollow cores in the cinder walls or enters through the cove joints, where the floor meets the wall. It’s important to waterproof your basement at the time of construction so that your lower house is safe from damage.

Are you ready to get on with your basement construction project? Adding a basement to your house does wonders for expanding the living space and enhancing the property value. And with all these factors we’ve mentioned, your construction will be a success.

But our experts can help make it sturdier with basement waterproofing. Our experts have over 30 years of experience in waterproofing basements and repairing damp walls in New Castle. We’ll put our best men on the job!

Call us at 1-877-373-9084.