BASEMENT FINISHING IN ARLINGTON

Most homeowners use their unfinished basements as extra storage space, and while that works great on its own, your basement could be used much more effectively if it were finished. To pull off a successful basement remodel, there a few crucial things you need to consider: 

Although you can flex DIY muscle, it may not be the smartest choice. 

Experienced DIYers love to remodel their projects, including framing walls, installing insulation, and hanging drywall. Although this may seem well within your capabilities, improper installment can block access to gas, electric, and water lines. Plumbing and wiring are best left to professionals.  

Run a radon test 

One step that homeowners usually overlook is testing out the basement’s radon levels. Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. If it gets into the air you breathe, it can be a severe health hazard. Fixing a radon problem is more convenient and less expensive when done before a basement is finished. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing promptly to keep your home safe and your expenses in check. 

Evaporate moisture worries 

The first thing should be to ensure good drainage off your roof. Watch for pools of water, dripping walls, water stains on walls, or cracks in the foundation. Additionally, provide adequate ventilation for bathrooms and kitchens and avoid opening windows during humid months. Do not just rely on dehumidifiers and installed breathable insulation. We recommend adding a vapor retardant between interior stud walls and floors and between foundation walls and floor slabs. 

Because Arlington is in a warm region, having a basement specifically built to resist moisture must avoid pests, mold, rot, and dampness. Arlington Basement Finishing Pus only uses products in your finished basement that comes with long-term warranties for water and humidity resistance. 

Obtain a reliable flooring option 

Wood is a favorite flooring option among many homeowners. If your house is mainly designed with wooden floors, then it would seem reasonable to add the same material to your basement, right? Not really.  

All flooring materials used in a basement should be of solid construction to avoid accidents from scrapes, bumps, and impacts. Bear in mind also needs to be durable enough to withstand daily usage and heavy foot traffic. Do not get tempted to buy cheap materials. It will cost more to replace and fix over time. At Arlington Basement Finishing Plus, we offer a wide variety of products. Let us explore some of the most common materials we use in basement flooring: 

Carpet 

Carpet is one of the most popular flooring options. When homeowners decide to turn the space into bedrooms and guest rooms, this material provides a “homey” feel. But before you jump right into carpeting, consider the humidity, moisture, and condensation levels. If these are high, carpet can be a disadvantage as it can cause mold growth issues and require constant cleaning. Also, carpet can bubble up if there are uneven spots in your concrete. 

Laminate Flooring 

Vinyl or laminate materials are an excellent option for flooring if your basement experiences variant temperature or high moisture levels. It is exceptionally durable and wears well when applied over concrete. A wide variety of colors, textures, and finishes enable a homeowner to customize the design to their taste. One disadvantage is that laminate flooring costs more than carpet. Additionally, your basement floors must be level and smooth before installing laminate flooring. 

Ceramic or Vinyl Tile 

Tile is a highly versatile option for flooring. With its durable, water-resistant material, it works perfectly in basements. Tile comes in many varieties and colors. If you love the natural appearance of wood, there are even some that look just like timber. An added advantage to tile is that they are not susceptible to mildew growth and if you routinely treat your grout with a water barrier sealant, you will be able to avoid mold. 

Finished Concrete 

Of all the flooring options, finished concrete is the known for being low maintenance, inexpensive, and easy to install. Finished concrete works great for basements that are built for loud use and heavy foot traffic- such as a basement workshops, music rooms, and movie theaters. On the downside, finished concrete lacks the comfortable feel or carpet and wood but you can easily achieve that by placing area rugs and adding overall décor. 

Do not forget your walls 

Unless you intend to use your basement sparingly, avoid using fiberglass and cloth basement walls. The type of material you use can affect the adaptability of mounting items on the walls. Let us look at several options available for basement walls: 

Insulation 

Basements can be extremely damp and cold, even when you have the heater running or the fireplace on. Regardless of how you choose to use your basement, insulating a concrete floor will benefit you in many ways. A major source of heat loss in the basement is an uninsulated or under-insulated floor. Furthermore, lack of insulation in the basement accounts for one-third of the overall heat loss in a home. By installing adequate insulation, you can improve comfort, conserve energy, and lower your utility costs. 

Although concrete flooring appears to be solid, moisture from the ground easily penetrates it. It does not matter if you put wood, vinyl, or tiles on top of concrete, lack of proper insulation causes mold, mildew, and water damage especially in older homes. 

At Arlington Basement Finishing Plus, our excellent team of contractors will properly insulate your basement’s concrete floor to start your comfort level will go up while your bills go down.  

Drywall 

Once your insulation is installed, the next step would be to frame your walls and install drywall. Drywall is the most simple and inexpensive option for finishing your basement walls. It allows you to choose any color of paint or wallpaper you want. If installing drywall panels, ensure it is moisture- and mildew-resistant. 

Natural brick 

There are a few homeowners who adore the warm aesthetics that brick offers. Natural brick walls in a finished basement offer a modern and stylish ambiance. It can help add a unique artistic touch that does not take much effort. 

Painted Brick or Concrete Walls 

Painting brick or concrete walls is a straightforward way to easily add your personal touch and cover up any stains or blemishes from heavy usage. Here is a quick guide on painting walls: 

1. Thoroughly clean your walls before you paint them. Ensure you clean off efflorescence, which is a powder-like salt deposit that settles on brick or concrete walls. You can easily remove it by wiping with a brush or rinsing well with water. 
2. If you find any traces of mold and mildew, simply use a mild bleach solution to remove it. 
3. Repair any holes or cracks on the walls with concrete fill. 
4. Prime and paint walls with specially formulated interior masonry material. Remember to allow walls to dry completely before you do. 
5. When complete, do not forget to give yourself a pat in the back and admire your handy work! 

Windows 

It can be challenging to get the right amount of light and ventilation if you choose the wrong basement windows. When installing windows, new vinyl basement windows are the best and easiest option. Design options include Double Hung Windows, Sliding Windows, Hopper Windows, Awning Windows, and Transom Windows. 

Arlington Basement Finishing Plus uses windows and wall products for your basement that works best at preventing mild, allows ample light and ventilation, and can be routinely cleaned without causing damage over time.  

Decide how to finish the ceiling. 

A basement ceiling may seem like the least important aspect of a finished basement, but it is an aspect that presents the opportunity to further customize your space. The way you design your ceiling can make your space noticeably smaller or larger. You can also choose multiple lighting options that enhance the overall décor. Lastly, beautifying your ceiling is a smart way to disguise ductwork, joists, and wiring. Here are a few popular options: 

Painter Rafters 

Painted rafters result in a clean and modern look especially when you decorate with pale-gray furniture, deep-gray floors, and white statement pieces. 

Natural Wooden Planks 

This ceiling design is popular for man caves and sport-themed basements. Polished wood planks, along with Illuminated with hidden lighting, can emanate a warm glow that makes any basement feel comfortable and cozy—perfect for watching Championship games with your friends and families. 

Traditional Box Ceiling 

The traditional box ceiling design is composed of embellished beams. When painted pure white, they work like crown molding and adds undeniable beauty. It also makes the ceilings seem both higher and look like it was an original part of your home. 

Adding a splash of color 

Utilizing the proper color scheme can turn your basement from a boring white box into an attractive space to inhabit.  

Painting your basement ceiling is the quickest option to achieve this. A few hours are all it takes to transform your basement magically. For those avid DIYers, ensure you use a primer to avoid chipping or peeling. That way, you will not have to go through the hassle of redoing the paint. 

Check permit requirements 

An essential part of the preparation process when finishing a basement is checking to see if a permit is required. Typically, this ensures an escape route is integrated into the design in case of an emergency. Local building codes demand exit paths and egress windows for a basement room to be approved for remodeling. The windows must be large enough to fit a firefighter in full gear if there is a house fire. Additionally, occupants must be able to escape if stairways are blocked by fire safely. Failure to acquire a permit can incur fines and delays. 

To save yourself from the hassle, hire qualified basement finishing contractors in Arlington, Virginia. Our basement contractors in Arlington Basement Finishing plus use only the finest quality products that not only look great but last a lifetime.  

Contact Arlington Basement Finishing Plus today to speak with one of our basement contractors in Arlington, Virginia, so we can start and finish your basement the right way.