As families grow they find themselves looking for more living space. Developing the basement is an economical and least difficult way to expand the house. Finishing the basement has the same effect as adding another level to your crowded home.
Start with an overall plan including the functions of the rooms you want to develop. Remember that by Canadian Building Code the windows in the bedrooms must be a minimum of 0.35 sq m (3.77 sq ft) in area and have no dimension less than 380 mm (15″) this is the total opening for emergency and rescue proposes (referred in the industry as egress). Windows can be changed to hopper windows that pop off the hinges giving you a full opening to escape or have to be cut bigger to accommodate safety codes. The window wells also have to have specific dimensions as prescribed by code.
If there are any moisture problems those have to addressed from the start when all walls are exposed. Walls should be inspected for leaks and mold and possible causes explored and mitigated. Most problems are minor and are caused by improper drainage, ventilation or vapour barrier. Whatever the cause now is the time before all wall cavities are covered. Older concrete floors have no vapour barrier under the concrete and in some instances are the source of moisture in the basement; if so the floor can be sealed with a concrete paint.
Layout of your new rooms can be now drawn on the floor and final adjustments can be made. Remember to leave adequate space for utility room access including electrical panned ( minimum of 3′ ) and all heating and plumbing for future maintenance and replacement. It may be time to replace the furnace or the hot water tank at this time as it will be easer and safer as not to damage the newly finished space.
TBC – Rafal Milczynski
Coming Soon!!!
I will describe some special room ideas and fun uses of the basement…
Information about construction costs, timing and other important details can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page here: Frequently Asked Questions page
