Unfinished Basement Remodeling Done Right

If you need additional living space and your home has an unfinished basement, then you're halfway there! Even if it's currently being used for storage and crammed full of boxes, the lowest floor of the house has a ton of potential.

Your unfinished basement already has walls, a floor, and infrastructure like plumbing and electrical, which can save you a lot of money over an addition. With proper planning and a little extra work, you can turn that storage space into usable square footage that the family will love!

However, there are some technical considerations to consider. In this post, we'll take a closer look at where to start and the steps you need to take to prepare and plan for your unfinished basement remodeling.

Start With The Layout

Planning is a critical step with any home improvement project, and that includes your basement. Taking the time before you start construction will help you turn your unfinished basement into space where your family will love spending time.

Whenever possible, when planning your space, put the main socializing area in the spot that gets the best natural light.
Code states that a bedroom needs a closet, and a window as a means of egress, so you will need to locate them on the perimeter of the basement.
Place the TV viewing spot in a darker area of the basement. This will reduce glare and create a more intimate viewing experience.
If you're planning a kitchen, locate it in an area that can be accessed without crossing in front of the TV.

Planning for function and flow can make your finished basement more user-friendly. Talk with your family about how you'll use the space before you start construction.

View Our Portfolio Of Finished Basement Projects

Before You Start Construction on Your Unfinished Basement

white bar area with black refrigerator and tv — a second tv at the bar can make gameday special!

One of the primary issues to resolve before you start construction on your unfinished basement is dealing with any water issues. Nothing is worse than spending money finishing your basement than dealing with a flood or summer humidity setting you up for serious problems later, like dangerous mold. This is just one consideration that will need to be addressed before you begin framing walls.

Even if your basement is not prone to flooding, you may still be subject to high levels of moisture. To test for moisture, tape 2-foot squares of plastic sheeting to the walls and floors. Wait a couple of weeks. If condensation forms underneath, your foundation is not sealed properly. If droplets form on top, then your basement needs dehumidifying.

Check your floor joists for sagging by climbing a ladder until you're at eye level with the underside of the joists. Look across them to see if any are out of line. Next, use an awl to check for rot or insect damage in the floor joists, rim and header joists, the sill plate, and any wood-framed windows.

Finally, if your furnace is located in the basement, have a professional check any fuel-burning equipment and your ventilation system to ensure that you won't have carbon monoxide buildup. If you live in an area of the country that has radon, you may want to test. If radon is detected, you'll want to install a mitigation system before you begin building.

Other Important Factors to Consider

Once your space has been inspected and you've designed your layout, there are still some elements you'll need to consider as you begin construction. These include meeting specific building codes and building in protections to mitigate common basement issues that can arise. You'll also want to consider materials choices and technical specs in your infrastructure planning.

Here are some key elements to factor into your unfinished basement remodeling plans.

Do You Need More Headroom?

entertainment center built in cabinets and lighted floating shelves — many basements today have taller ceilings and so the ductwork is less obtrusive than it would be in a home from 25 or 50 years ago.

Check your local building codes. Many locales call for 7 to 7 ½ feet of clearance. If you don't have that height, you may need to dig out and lower the floor, but it's a complex and expensive proposition. Talk to your contractor and see if you can make the needed adjustments by moving ductwork and pipes. Pro tip: In Wisconsin, the code requires 7’-0” minimum ceiling height, except that beams and soffits can be as low as 6’-4”, providing that this is not more than 50% of the room area.

Backup Your Sump Pumps

It's a good idea to have a battery backup on your main sump pump as well as a second backup pump in case one gives out. If your house is hooked up to municipal water, invest in a water-powered backup pump that is powered by pressure in the supply line.

Basic Waterproofing

The homeowner can often handle minor leaks. Typically a few simple fixes can solve many moisture issues. Install diverters to move gutter water at least 10-feet from the foundation and slope soil away from the house. Seal small cracks and gaps around pipes with concrete patching compound and fill larger cracks with hydraulic cement. If you find cracks larger than a pencil, you'll need to consult with your remodeler or call a structural engineer to handle these.

Insulate Pipes, Then Box Them In

finished basement with fireplace and bar — the beams, pipes and hvac ducts were covered by soffits, and the soffit was integrated into the design of the bar at this finished basement in windsor wi.

When the pipes are exposed, use insulation sleeves to prevent heat loss in hot water pipes and to prevent condensation from cold water pipes from dripping inside the walls or ceiling.

Leave Space Around the Furnace, Water Heater, and Other Mechanicals

Whether you're relocating equipment or closing it in, make sure you leave enough room for someone to get access when repairs are needed.

Prevent Mold by Using Non-Standard Drywall

Mold can grow on paper coating, and the gypsum core can crumble. Consider using USG's Sheetrock Brand Mold Tough Gypsum panels or Georgia Pacific's nonpaper-faced DensArmor Plus High=Performance Interior Panels. Both offer the highest levels of mold resistance. Pro tip: If your finished basement is built right - and properly insulated, heated, cooled, and dehumidified - then regular drywall will work just fine. Your goal should be to have a finished basement that is every bit as comfortable as the main level of your home. Done properly, moldy drywall will be a minimal concern.

When it comes to finishing your basement, planning and preparation are the keys to a successful project. To make sure that your basement will be a space that your family will love for years to come, make sure you address issues before you build. By taking the right steps before you put up walls and install the flooring, you can prevent serious future problems like mold, which can be dangerous and costly to fix. When handled properly, a finished basement can be a valuable addition to your home.

Working with a design-build firm for your unfinished basement remodeling project is a great choice. If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and plan a remodeling project, give the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. Their award-winning design team is ready to help you realize your creative vision. Call today and arrange a free consultation to discuss your upcoming project.

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/26/2022.