Though you may already use your unfinished basement for storing your extra odds and ends, if you haven’t had your basement finished you may not be using this space as efficiently as possible. Remodeling your basement to create a dedicated, protected storage area can help you keep your belongings clean and undamaged while also maximizing how much you can fit in this space. However, in order to create this type of space there are a number of different step you need to take both to prepare it and to ensure you’re using it efficiently.

For starters, you may want to consider your basement remodeling project as an opportunity to get rid of some of the extra items you’ve collected over the years. As you’re clearing it out for your remodeling project, look for pest damaged boxes, take items out to clean them and see if there’s anything you’re willing to part with. Making a tax deductable donation of these items to a charity or having a yard sale is an excellent way to not only scale down the amount of items you’re storing, but also subsidize the cost of your basement finishing project.

Once you’ve cleared out your basement, you’ll want to ensure that it’s repaired and protected against water intrusion. Checking for and repairing cracks is one of the most important steps you’ll want to take. If you’re finding a number of these, especially along walls, you may also want an expert to inspect your home foundation to ensure that it’s stable and further settling won’t soon lead to new cracks. Once your cracks are repaired, it’s a good idea to coat the concrete in a penetrating sealant, which can impede water from seeping through and damaging your belongings in the future.

The next step is to choose a process for basement finishing. While many homeowners simply install drywall, this material isn’t very water or moisture resistant and can be easily damages by heavy boxes being leaned against it. Basement finishing systems are a popular alternative, which are generally made with more moisture-resistant materials and are specially designed to withstand the basement environment. You’ll want to carefully choose your basement finishing system, as they often have weight restrictions for wall panels and subfloor systems, which can limit the options you have for your new storage space.

Once you’ve installed your basement remodeling system, it’s time to start storing your products. Rather than using large boxes, which can lose strength over time, waste space when not full and often require additional wrapping to prevent items from damaging each other, instead try using wall-mounted shelving and buildable racks. These can both provide both easier access to your items and also help you fit them in a smaller space. Be sure to place heavier items directly on the ground or on lower shelves and keep in mind the weight limits for not only your racks and shelves but also the basement finishing system you use.

If you start the project and find yourself overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to seek professional assistance. An organizer can help you both cut down on the items you have and also effectively arrange them in your newly remodeled storage space, while a professional basement finisher can ensure your basement is properly prepared and recommend a basement finishing system that will suit your needs.

Christopher Behan is a professional writer specializing in the home improvement industry. His writing focuses on basement remodeling, replacement windows, sunrooms, and other home remodeling products and services, and his work has been featured on multiple home improvement websites.

Christopher Behan is a professional writer specializing in the home improvement industry. His writing focuses on basement remodeling, windows, sunrooms, and other home remodeling products and services. His work has been featured on multiple home improvement websites. http://www.1800basement.com/

Author Bio: Christopher Behan is a professional writer specializing in the home improvement industry. His writing focuses on basement remodeling, replacement windows, sunrooms, and other home remodeling products and services, and his work has been featured on multiple home improvement websites.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: basement remodeling