According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, basements are actually the most common type of home remodeling project. There are a number of reasons why people remodel their basement:
- Increase the value of their home
- Fix water damage or fire damage in the basement
- Turn it into a space for recreation or relaxation
- Expand your living space
How Should I Budget My Seattle Basement Remodeling and Construction Project?
The type of material you choose and the square footage of your basement will determine how much you need to budget for a basement construction project. The general range is between $15,000 for a smaller basement (less than 700 sq. ft.) to $35,000 for a larger basement.
How Are Basements Constructed in Seattle?
There are a few construction types when it comes to building basements in Seattle. Your Home Care Contractors consultation will include some recommendations as to which one is the best for your home.
Concrete
These are the most common types of basements and there are many reasons why. First, concrete is simple to mix and apply. And because it is known to be sturdy and withstand a lot, it is preferable to homeowners who certainly don’t want to deal with foundation issues later.
To start the project, concrete is poured to create the foundation for the basement. During installation we pay attention to the joints that connect the walls and the floor because these are the areas where water leaks can occur.
Precast Foundation Walls
There are many advantages to using this type. First, this option is much more simple to install, which can save you time and money on labor. Unlike poured concrete, there is no curing time to wait. The construction for this type of basement can be done within a couple of hours or maybe even a full day.
Precast panels are also concrete, but they’re manufactured in temperature-controlled facilities that allow them to harden at double the psi of poured concrete, resulting in much stronger and more dense walls. They’re thinner and lighter than concrete block walls and poured concrete. They’re also manufactured with rigid insulation, so additional insulation isn’t needed in order to keep your basement warm. Because of their density, precast panels are more water-resistant than poured concrete.
There are a number of reasons to trust precast panels. In regards to safety, they are resistant to:
- Fire
- Termites
- Dry rot
- Tornados
Structural Clay Tile Blocks or Stone
Homes built between 1915 and 1950 generally had structural clay tile blocks used to create their foundations. The bricks are reddish in color and are a lot larger than a concrete block. But they’re less expensive than bricks, so they were used inside of homes so the more expensive and aesthetically pleasing bricks could be used on the outside. If you are living in a home that was constructed during that time frame, you might already have these in your home.
These are very strong but they’re also very rudimentary, and there is better technology that is available today. The problem with stone and clay tile basement foundations is that they are notorious for groundwater seeping into basements. This happens especially when there are gaps and cracks in the walls. There are a number of things that your contractor can do to help improve the quality of your basement. You want to ensure that there’s enough dirt around the foundation on the outside of your house on your lawn in order to cover any exposed blocks. This will direct surface water away from your foundation and into the yard, which will thus prevent water from seeping into your basement. Another way to address this problem is to install an interior perimeter drain system.
Concrete Blocks
This is the least-expensive option. Concrete blocks are installed and held together with steel rebar and mortar. The downside to using concrete blocks is that water can seep between the walls and the joints, and even the mortar that holds the blocks together. And because cinder blocks are hollow, they can collect water that seeps in and keep it there long after the ground around it has dried. If you’re interested in installing concrete blocks in your basement then be sure to ask how we can help prevent water damage in your home during your initial consultation.
Safety First
For safety purposes you want to be sure that there’s more than one way out of your basement. Seattle codes do require that there is an emergency escape either through a window or door in new or remodeled basements. At Home Care Contractors, we secure all legally required permits and documents before starting work on your property.
How Do I Finish My Basement?
Depending on the type of basement you chose you may need to add insulation in order to keep it warm during the colder months. You will also want to conduct a moisture test to ensure that your basement is waterproof. Drywall will then be installed by our Home Cares Contractors team, followed by the flooring.
Choose Home Care Contractors
When doing any type of basement remodeling and construction, it is important to hire a company that is going to ensure that there are no water or moisture issues. You want your basement flooring to be water-resistant. Many people turn their basement into an office for home businesses, or a recording studio, home gym, an entertainment center or other spaces. If you plan on spending any time in your basement, then you want to be sure that you have the highest quality work done so that you not only protect your home but the space that matters to you. Whatever the reason is that you are making this change, choose Home Care Contractors to provide you the highest quality work so you can enjoy your home so much more.