When you first thought about remodeling and finishing the basement to give your family more living space, the picture you had in your mind was all about a finished product with carpeted floors and nice furniture.  You know that there is work to be done before you get to that point and that basements have special challenges that have to be addressed in order to protect the investment you put into your home.  One aspect of protecting the new room from the common moisture of the basement is basement finishing panels.  Let’s take a look at why you need to have your contractor install these panels and what they can do for the value of your basement remodel.

As mentioned, the biggest reason for the need for basement finishing panels is moisture.  We tend to think of concrete as this impregnable material that can’t be compromised.  In reality, it is incredibly porous and takes on water and moisture rather quickly.  It is estimated that even new home constructions develop water moisture seepage in five to ten years.  Basement finishing panels are used to stop moisture from getting to your newly remodeling painted walls and nice flooring. 

Basement Finishing Panels

Besides water protection, there are other considerable advantages to using basement finishing panels.  They make the work much faster and easier on the contractor’s crew, which translates into labor savings for you.  A common complaint about basement is the dank smell that sometimes is present due to water seepage.  Basement panels help eliminate that odor adding value and comfort to the room or rooms.  Those basement finishing panels are also very important for stopping the spread of mildew and certain types of mold from accessing the ventilation system of your home resulting in a healthier environment. 

Be sure to talk to your contractor about installing basement finishing panels.  You will be very happy you did.  In the end you will be left with a useable, comfortable remodel that adds value and beauty to your home. 

For more information on basement finishing panels and other basement remodeling ideas

Most homeowners usually have at least one area of their home that makes them want to throw their hands up in the air and say ‘I don’t know.’  For many people that area is the basement.  Unless you bought the house with a finished basement or have a clear idea of how to use the unfinished one, this room can be a challenge.  One of the most common areas of contention downstairs is going over your basement floor covering options.  Naturally, a good contactor can help you make sense of the options, but you have to know what you are planning to use the basement for.  Take a look at some of the popular basement floor covering options you have to pick from.

Let’s start with the flooring options that aren’t typically recommended for use in the basement.  Unless you have a watertight basement and feel supremely confident, it’s a good idea to avoid carpet, hardwood, and laminate flooring in the basement.  If moisture is a problem, carpet will mold and mildew.  You won’t like the smell.  Hardwood warps easily under pressure from water.  That’s not a good idea.  Laminate, being one single piece, will pull away from the sides and corners of the room if water damage occurs.  Not to worry though, there are still plenty of other attractive choices.

Basement Floor Covering Options

One of the more modern approaches to basement floor covering options is engineered flooring.  This is the perfect choice for people who like the look of hardwood, but don’t want to run the risk of it being damaged by moisture and water.  Engineered flooring is made from hardwood, it’s just several different versions layered together.  The layering provides a more water resistant composition. 

The best basement floor covering to choose in a basement that will only be used for storage is paint or cement stain.  Both will be unaffected by moisture and last for a suitable amount of time.  Your contractor will be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to which of the basement floor covering options will work best for you, your home, and your needs. 

For more information on basement floor covering options