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One factor that should not be overlooked in basement remodels is safety. The homeowner's protection is of paramount importance when planning basement renovations. Safety guidelines are also incorporated in local building codes and following them will also prevent unnecessary revisions.
Basement windows, window wells and covers have a double purpose. They serve as emergency egress in case of fire and other calamities (this is a major requirement in all local building codes) and also allow entry for natural light. Basement bedrooms require windows with lower ledges measuring not more than 44 inches from the floor and at least 5.7 square feet of clear opening space. Window wells are formed by digging out the ground in the area around basement windows to allow for the construction of larger windows. Window well covers are then fastened to its tops to keep debris or animals from falling.
Waterproofing before proceeding with basement remodels is a health and safety concern especially for children and elderly people since these age groups are very susceptible to diseases. Waterproofing includes repairing all defective plumbing and cracks on floors and walls which add to the dampness and humidity in the basement since this is fertile ground for molds. Molds can cause many diseases, common among them skin rashes, dermatoses and allergies, asthma and other respiratory illnesses and even eye problems.
Alarms and detectors should be an integral part of basement remodels for them to be considered safe. Since fire can be caused by carelessness or faulty wiring installations and accidents in basements are less likely to be detected immediately than in the main house, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will do the job.
Renovating the basement must be a carefully planned project to ensure the homeowner's safety and well-being. In making the egress openings, the structural integrity of the whole house must be protected as well. Hiring the services of an architect will eliminate future problems in safety compliance. Basement remodels, if done according to safety precautions and superior construction and design, will certainly give you the best value for your money.
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