You can increase the value of your home dramatically by finishing your basement and turning it into a family living space. Carpet or flooring, walls and furniture are all part of the conversion, but there may be some other modifications you will have to make. If you are considering this type of basement remodeling, and you have a sump pump or floor drains, here are some special considerations you may want to think about before you get started. 

Wet Basements and Flooring

Wet basements and flooring of any kind, including carpet and wood, do not go well together. Since the purpose of your floor drains or sump pump is to move water out of your basement and to the sewer system or street, that water will not go where it is supposed to when the flooring you have installed soaks up all of the water. If your basement carpeting or wood soaks up the water, then the flooring materials can rot, develop mold and/or mildew and will have to be torn up and thrown away.

Correcting the Wet Basement

You can still finish your basement if you correct the wet basement problem first. This usually entails repairing, bolstering and reapplying concrete fillers to the basement walls to stop water leaks. Then your floor drains and sump pump need to be covered up and/or removed entirely. Your contractor can discuss with you how to best remove these water drainage items from your basement (and whether or not you should).

Even with the basement walls completely redone and sealed against leaks, you may want to keep your sump pump where it is in case there is ever a major flood in your area. If you live on a flood plain, it is definitely smarter to keep the sump pump for that reason. Your contractor can build an enclosure around the sump pump if you do not want guests to see it while they are enjoying your finished basement.

Leveling the Floor Before You Install Flooring

Since basements that have floor drains are typically banked and sloped downward toward the drains, the cement/concrete floor of your basement is not level. You can cover up the floor drains and cover the openings with cement. Then you can level out the banks and slopes with more cement until your entire basement floor is level and flat. Finally, after you have addressed all of the above, your basement remodeling project is truly ready to start and you can install flooring that will not get wet and walls that will remain dry.

For more information about basement remodeling, contact Property Service Agency LLC or a similar company.

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