If you are in need of some extra living space, consider finishing your basement. Even if the area is currently being used as storage, you can make some changes, tighten up things, and end up with a well-organized storage area along with the space your family needs for comfort. However, before you start putting up drywall or paneling, there are a few things you need to take care of to ensure the new space is safe and comfortable.

Moisture Issues

Many basements are damp. Take a few days, after some rain, and check where the water may be seeping in. Now is the time to seal the concrete walls. It is also a good idea to add a moisture barrier to prevent the drywall from crumbling or the paneling from warping. It is also important to treat any moist areas with a product to kill and prevent mold and mildew before sealing the blocks.

Drop Ceiling

A lot of the pipes for your home are tucked away in the basement ceiling. You don't want to put up drywall that will cover them completely if there is a problem. However, you also don't want them just hanging there where people may reach up and tug on them or hang things on them. The best solution is to install a drop ceiling in the new living space. This way, if you have a plumbing problem, you can simply lift out a few of the ceiling tiles to expose the pipes and fix the issue. In addition, ceiling tiles will give the area a nice finished look instead of having beams and pipes overhead.

Lighting

Because the basement is underground for the most part, there will not be a lot of sunlight streaming in to brighten the area. While you could put lamps on tables or the floor, it would be best to install lights in the ceiling. This will allow the light to disperse across a wide area so you will see well without lamps in every corner. The fewer lights you need, the lower your electric bill will be.

The basement is a perfect place to add a room or two to your home. You won't have to worry about building from scratch, so you will save money. In addition, you won't need to buy roofing materials or any siding. Contact a basement finishing contractor to help create the space you want. The contractor can make the extra space fit in with the rest of your home. No one need every know it was once a damp, dark basement.