Considering a basement remodel? Make sure you address the common health and safety risks particular to basements before you get too far into the process. Check out solutions for moisture, mold, radon, and even egress windows.
Finishing your home’s basement can be a great way to capitalize on under-utilized square footage your house already has. However, basement remodeling projects aren’t like any other type of home improvement job, and you need to be aware of a list of health and safety concerns that apply specifically to basement remodels. Most of these challenges can be easily and successfully overcome, as long as you’re aware of them from the get-go. Read on to learn more about some of the specific issues you need to be on the lookout for when starting your basement renovation project.
Moisture
The simple truth is that basements tend to be a little damp. However, that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to living with a wet basement. No matter how bad your basement’s water or moisture problem is, there is a basement waterproofing strategy designed specifically to combat the issue. Water can leak into your home through cracks in the foundation, through porous foundation walls, or even through the seam between your foundation walls and slab. But with a customized dry basement solution, these inlets for water can be successfully sealed to make your water woes a thing of the past. Possible options range from interior French drains to exterior foundation waterproofing and beyond, so make sure you work with a qualified basement contractor to match your home’s specific wet basement concerns with the solution that’s most appropriate.
Mold
Where there’s excess moisture, there is usually also mold. That’s because all mold needs to thrive is water and a food source; and your house is build from materials that mold loves to eat. However, there is a simple solution–eliminate the water and you keep the mold from growing. So the first step is basement waterproofing to keep the problem from recurring, but you’ll also need to address the mold that already exists on your property. You can have a professional mold test performed to identify the type and extent of the contamination, and then you’ll need to bring in an expert for mold remediation. These technicians are qualified to not only thoroughly cleanse the area of mold with their in-depth mold cleanup techniques, but they’ll also be sure to effectively contain the area so no mold spores are spread during the mold removal process. Remember, mold can make you sick, so don’t leave yourself or your family at risk. Make sure that mold testing and remediation is one of the first steps when you’re considering remodeling your basement.
Radon
Radon gas is odorless, colorless, and extremely dangerous. It’s the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, so it’s certainly no laughing matter if you find that your basement has high concentrations of radon. However, as long as the situation is dealt with appropriately, you have nothing to worry about. Radon is a naturally occurring gas, and it can leach up out of the ground and into your basement. That’s where you run into problems; while radon is harmless in low concentrations, it can build up in your basement and become a really big problem. The good news is that a professionally installed radon mitigation system will collect radon before it enters your home’s living spaces and then vent it to the outside, where it will harmlessly dissipate. So before you finish your basement, take the necessary precaution of having a radon test performed. If your property does not have high radon levels, you can rest assured knowing your family is safe; if it does, you can take the necessary steps to have a radon abatement system installed and have the peace of mind that radon won’t ever be an issue for your property again!
Egress
For a finished basement to meet local building codes, it has to have a safe way for occupants to exit directly to the outside in an emergency, such as a fire. For walk-out basements, the existing exterior doors likely meet this code requirement. However, for basements without doors that open to the outside, you’ll have to install an egress window. This is a specialized type of emergency exit window, which, when paired with a window well, can allow children and adults to escape from your basement in an emergency. Egress window installation must adhere to a specific set of requirements in terms of size and location, but it can be quite painless with the help of a qualified contractor.
So remember, finishing a basement isn’t necessarily a hard or arduous process. Just make sure you address the specific concerns of remodeling basements, some of which are mentioned above, to help guarantee a hassle-free renovation. As long as they are addressed before it’s too late, issues such as mold, radon, basement waterproofing (moisture), and even egress window installation can be a breeze.
Article resource: http://ezinearticles.com/?Basement/Foundation-Repair:-Health-and-Safety-Concerns-to-Consider-When-Remodeling-Basements&id=7022282
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