What do you think of when you hear “basement”?

For many, the term may conjure images of dark, cold, damp storage rooms – complete with flickering fluorescent lighting, noisy sump pumps, and rusty shelving with old paint cans and holiday decorations.

However, in today’s design renaissance, these once neglected spaces are now being transformed into man caves, social retreats, music studios, dedicated workspaces, houseguest suites, bars, custom theaters, teenager paradises, entertainment hubs, and anything in between!

Whether you have the vision and know-how to undertake a basement project alone, or you’re considering hiring a contractor, here are some things to consider when planning your remodel:

      1. Watch out for moisture.

In Maryland, the weather is unpredictable, but the one thing you can count on is rain – a basement’s worst enemy. According to weather.com, Maryland averages almost 44 inches of precipitation a year. So, before planning that dream gathering spot for your family and friends, understand how your basement manages the weather.

The most common concern when refinishing a basement is moisture, which can result in the growth of mold or mildew – a serious health threat. If you notice signs of water seeping up through floor seams, moisture coming through below-grade walls or puddles after a rainfall, these are red flags. Even more, be wary of any significant cracks in foundation walls or floors, as they may develop into more serious issues.

As you plan for the remodel, keep a close eye on how the basement responds to weather, like heavy rains or extreme cold. Discuss any potential concerns with your remodeling contractor. At Tomas Brothers, we want to ensure all moisture issues are professionally resolved prior to you making a significant investment in a basement project.

     2. Consider your heating and cooling options.

If you’re fortunate, the basement will have an air duct system that is exposed and can be modified to deliver conditioned air to your new space. If you’re not so lucky, then you’ll need to consider options that will keep your family and guests comfortable. Nowadays there are plenty of budget-friendly HVAC solutions to match your living environment. Tomas Brothers will leverage our HVAC partners to ensure your new basement will be comfortable all year-round.

      3.  Maximize your ceiling height.

Basement heights will vary between homes, primarily due to the style and age of the home. For instance, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, the building code for basement ceiling height is 6’8”. For the average person, that may feel cramped and potentially uninviting.

When refinishing a basement, you’ll want to look for ways to maximize the height. A drywall ceiling is the best option for maximum height, but comes with challenges --- like navigating around air ducts, electrical and cable lines, and plumbing pipes. Sometimes the easiest, most cost-effective option is framing around them, or using a suspended ceiling. Nonetheless, talk with your contractor about options to relocate some of those obstacles, as you may be surprised how a few extra inches of height changes the feel of a space.

      4. Plan for a utility room.

One of the benefits of a newly finished basement is hiding the unsightly and noisy things, like the water heater, HVAC system and even washer and dryer. Though it’s certainly tempting to frame around and hide the equipment, there are building codes that require open space for maintenance, repair and safety. Tomas Brothers will work within the local code to design an aesthetically-pleasing and safe layout for your basement remodel.

       5. Adhere to the building codes.

Do you know the local code for emergency escape and rescue openings for a finished basement? How about the requirements for firestopping between floors? Building codes are designed to protect the health, safety and general welfare of residents. As one of Maryland’s leading basement refinishing contractors, Tomas Brothers adheres to all local jurisdictional building codes.

As a professional refinishing contractor, we’ve helped many customers design and complete their dream basement project in Maryland. Call us today and let’s get started!