4 Concerns That Hold Homeowners Back From Finishing Their Basements

Is your basement still unfinished? If so, you are not alone. Many homeowners either purchased an existing home with an unfinished basement or just have never gotten around to finishing theirs. The reasons vary, but a few common concerns hold back many from completing this project. Learn about a few that may affect you and what you should know about them.

1. The Remodeling Costs Too Much

Any remodeling project is an investment of money and time to make permanent improvements. And certainly, finishing a basement is not the cheapest or simplest of renovations. Home Advisor estimates the average project to cost about $18,400. Yours may cost more if you need structural changes or less if the space is small or nearly finished.

However, the expense of basement finishing also provides one of the best returns on investment for any renovation. You may get back up to 75% in the improved value of your property when you sell. It can save you from having to move to a new house if your family gets larger or your lifestyle changes. And you may find it less invasive to your daily living than most other large-scale remodel projects.

2. You Don't Know What to Do

Basements often offer a nearly unlimited range of choices regarding how you can use the space. However, this blank canvas can also be a disadvantage if you simply do not know where to start and how to use it best. 

The best way to overcome this obstacle is to meet with a remodeling professional. They will work with you to identify what is lacking in your home and what your goals are. While some homeowners finish their basement with specific uses in mind—such as a home office, master suite, or apartment—others leave their options open with a bonus room or play area for the kids. 

3. You Might Find Other Problems

Do you worry about what you might find if you start poking around the structure of the basement? This can be a common worry for homeowners who are already concerned about the quality of their home's construction or whose house is getting older. Structural issues in basements can include water damage, rot, sagging joists, humidity, cracked foundations, and poor ventilation. 

However, these problems exist whether or not you are aware of them. If your basement could require additional waterproofing, sump pumps, or sealing, that moisture is already threatening your house. Foundation cracks will only get larger and more expensive. And rot from pests or water will become more hazardous. Dealing with it now, while improving the overall value of the house, only helps you and your home.

4. The Basement Is Unwelcoming

Basements can seem cold, dark, and damp. This is especially true of unfinished ones. Can you really turn yours into a great place to sleep, play, or entertain? In fact, you can.

You have many ways to improve the lighting in a basement, such as adding wide egress windows or clerestory windows and minimizing light-blocking walls. Or you can embrace a darker space in the basement by building a speakeasy, wine cellar, or exciting home theater. As with any remodeling challenge, an experienced pro can maximize the strengths of the environment in the basement.

Start overcoming these and other concerns about your basement project. Meet with A-1 Renovations for help. We will put our experience and skill in renovating Maryland homes to work for you. No matter what your budget, the condition of your basement, or your goals, we can help you make the most of this wasted space. Call or request a visit today.