What is Basement Construction?

Basements are great because they provide extra living space or crawl space without having to build an addition onto your home. They also offer protection from floods or other natural disasters. However, if you’re not careful with basement construction or the type of basement construction, you may end up spending more money than necessary on materials and labor costs. Foundation repairs may surprise you, poured concrete may flow wrong, masonry walls and a basement wall may confuse – so it’s best to be knowledgeable about the types of basement (concrete basement, et. al) whenever you’re about to do construction. That’s why we are here to help!

Here are some things to consider before starting work:

 

Things to Consider When Building a Basement

Foundation Type

There are two main types of foundations used in homes today; slab-on-grade and pier/beam systems. The type of system you choose depends largely upon where you live and whether there is adequate soil support beneath your property. In areas prone to flooding, piers and beams are often recommended as they allow for better drainage. On average, however, slab-on-grade foundations cost less but tend to settle over time due to shifting ground conditions. You should always consult a professional builder or engineer who has experience working with these kinds of structures.

Size & Shape

When planning out your basement, keep in mind that larger rooms usually mean higher utility bills. It’s important to plan accordingly by keeping room sizes small enough to avoid heating and cooling expenses while still providing ample storage space. Also remember to factor in plumbing needs such as sinks, toilets, showers, etc., which typically take priority over electrical outlets. This concrete basement taking over your home construction may prove to be a bit more than you bargained for at times, that’s why it’s important for you to understand every nook and cranny when it comes to basement design, house construction, and basement finishing.

 

Waterproofing Materials

Depending on the climate where you live, waterproofing material options include concrete block, cinder blocks, brick veneer, stucco, fiber cement board, wood siding, vinyl siding, metal roofing, tar paper, and clay tile. A waterproofing membrane may also be nice but may put question on structural integrity when it comes to foundation repair solutions or basement wall construction. Each option offers its own benefits and drawbacks. For example, FCBs are relatively inexpensive but don’t last very long. Wood siding requires maintenance and installation, and vinyl siding tends to crack after extended exposure to moisture. Metal roofs are durable and easy to install, but they’re costly compared to asphalt shingle roofs. Clay tiles are low-maintenance and affordable, but they won’t stand up against extreme weather conditions. Your best bet is to talk to a contractor experienced in installing different types of waterproofing materials.

 

Drainage Options

While most people think of their basement as being one big open area, it actually consists of several smaller spaces including crawlspaces, attics, garages, sheds, and unfinished bedrooms. These spaces need proper ventilation and drainage to prevent dampness and rot.

 

Crawlspace vents must be properly sized and installed to ensure air flow throughout the entire structure. Attic fans and exhausts should be located near the top of the attic floor to remove heat and humidity. Sump pumps may also help deal with draining, along with adding vapor barriers or accepting that it’s going to be a wet basement.  Garages and shed doors should be sealed shut to reduce moisture buildup inside. Finally, windows and doorways leading into unheated parts of the house should be insulated to minimize energy loss.

 

Electrical Needs

Most homeowners assume that running wires underground is easier than digging trenches aboveground. However, this isn’t necessarily true since many utilities bury power lines deep below grade level. If you have an existing home, check with local building officials before beginning any work. They may require permits if trenching will disturb buried cables. Otherwise, dig at least 18 inches down from the surface to protect them. Keep in mind that some cities prohibit burying cable within city limits.

 

Plumbing Requirements

Basements can get quite wet during heavy rains so make sure all pipes are well protected. You’ll also want to consider how much water drains through your foundation walls. This depends largely on whether or not there’s a slab underfoot. In either case, drainpipes should extend no more than 12 feet away from exterior wall surfaces. The same goes for sewer pipes; they shouldn’t run parallel to interior walls.

Fire Safety Considerations

Make sure fire exits aren’t blocked off or inaccessible. Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms according to manufacturer instructions. Also keep flammable items such as furniture stored far enough back from the walls to avoid sparks. And finally, never use gasoline-powered tools around fuel sources like propane tanks! Masonry walls and poured concrete can only hold so much, that’s why it’s more than important to be able to distinguish the different types of basement construction available. 

 

Security Concerns

A finished basement makes a great place to store valuables, especially those expensive electronics we mentioned earlier. But remember: It’s still just a room full of stuff. So take precautions by locking cabinets and drawers, securing window locks, and keeping valuable objects out of sight. 

Noise Control Issues

Basements tend to amplify noise levels because they’re usually enclosed areas without adequate sound insulation. To help control unwanted sounds, seal cracks between floors using caulk and fill gaps beneath baseboards with acoustic foam.

 

Separation of large spaces

A retaining wall, concrete walls, precast panels, concrete slab, bowed basement walls, poured concrete wall can be used to separate the large basement space into smaller rooms, while the basement floor can be dealt with by having concrete floors, basement excavation, blocks or masonry, or basement foundations. The basement contractor will definitely have a great idea for your basement remodel – all you have to do is ask for them to give options for your floor and walls. 

 

It may be harder to deal with existing basements or an old basement space due to weird soil conditions, probably floor cracks, water damage, or necessary crawl space repair. These basement causes may lead to long term problems, that’s why they need to be dealt with as easily as possible. A basement waterproof treatment won’t cost as much as you think , and we’re more than confident a basement contractor would price you properly on that. Your basement design can be easily achieved as a finished basement by the basement finishing contractor, so all you need to do is ensure that basement building is done right from basement excavation, having the right soil conditions, making use of concrete slab, concrete blocks, blocks or masonry, or cinder block to create walls, dealing with floor cracks and water damage, and most importantly achieving that dream basement you always wanted.

 

Other Things to Think About

Don’t forget about lighting and heating needs. Some homes come equipped with radiant barrier systems while others rely on electric space heaters. Both methods add cost and complexity to the project. For example, radiant barriers typically consist of panels made of glass fiber reinforced plastic. GFRPs are relatively new materials but offer significant advantages over traditional steel framing. They’re lightweight, durable, easy to install, and don’t rust. Plus, they provide superior thermal performance compared to other types of framing material. Electric space heaters, meanwhile, are inexpensive and simple to operate. Just plug them directly into electrical outlets. Unfortunately, both options increase electricity bills significantly.

 

The best contractor for your basement construction

If you need professional advice when it comes to finishing up your basement, look no further than our contractor who specializes in basements. From foundation repair solutions, adding a waterproofing membrane, crawl space solutions, home construction, crawl space encapsulation, house construction, concrete foundation,  basement wall construction, and dealing with structural integrity when it comes to basement building, having experts and professionals deal with it is the best way to go. 

These professionals know what it takes to finish a basement properly and efficiently. Whether you need concrete poured, drywall installed, plumbing done, or even wiring added, these pros can handle the job quickly and professionally. Get yourself the best basement finishing contractor in all of North Colorado, contact Local Map construction.

 

If you’re in Northern Colorado and you’re looking for a reliable general contractor who can easily get your basement construction done in the best, fastest, and safest way possible, you may want to call Local Map Construction at 720-635-2941 or send an email to get a response ASAP. 

Read about The Custom Basement – How A Quick Remodel Can Change Your Life

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