Redoing your basement to create more living space is a great way to increase the value of your home. Waterproofed cellars and basements can be converted into kitchens, bathrooms, wine cellars, living rooms, studies, or even recording studios. You are limited only by your imagination. In commercial premises, common uses for basements include extra storage / retail space, car parks, bars/nightclubs, and restaurants.

There are certain factors that you must bear in mind before you take on a project for your basement’s conversion.

1. Utility of the basement space i.e. what kind of a conversion you would prefer it to be. An extra bedroom or a library. If you are thinking of a kitchen or bathroom, you need to think of taking plumbing services too.

2. Length of time as the home owner. Converting your basement may not be very cheap but it is worth the investment if you are going to stay for long

3. Your Budget for basement conversion. If you have a big budget you can have a kitchen or bathroom also included in basement, otherwise you can only go for rooms or studies.

Costs for Basement conversions include following:

Electrical: Homeowners living in older houses may find that their electrical system needs a bit of upgrading.

Heating
Since basements are situated below ground, they are usually naturally cooler so an arrangement for heating is must.

Flooring:  The most popular choice for basements is usually a carpeted floor. However, if your home is prone to leaks, or you just want to be different, you can always go with hardwood floors, vinyl floors or tiled floors.

Plumbing: If you are thinking of having a bathroom or kitchen too.

Staircase: You will need to buy a staircase to access the basement

Windows and Doors: You need to cover the costs of windows and doors also because ventilation is most needed in a basement

If you are planning to convert your uninhabitable basement or cellar into additional living space one of the most important aspects of the whole project will be controlling the damp (damp proofing). Tapco HomeDry.com will advise you from the very beginning on what is the best method of damp proofing your basement or cellar or on any aspect regarding the structural part of the work that may be required.