Some health risks to people who live in basements have been noted, for example mold, radon, and risk of injury/death due to fire. … Presence of mold can lead to “respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and asthma”, as well as personal belongings being contaminated by mold.
Is finishing a basement a good investment?
Finishing a basement can be a good investment. According to cost versus value surveys conducted annually by Remodeling magazine, the average return on investment for a basement project nationally is currently around 75 cents on the dollar.
How do I purify the air in my basement?
- Clean the Air. The most simple way for how to improve basement air quality is by cleaning the air. …
- Dry it Out. …
- Ventilate. …
- Keep Windows Closed. …
- Seal Up Cracks and Gaps. …
- Remove High VOC Contributors. …
- Use Low-VOC Paint. …
- Test for Radon.
How can I finish my basement cheaply?
You can save on the cost to finish a basement by doing things not bound by codes: installing trim or doors, painting walls and woodwork, and installing flooring, says Buckeye Basements’ Jon Smith.How do I circulate the air in my basement?
Floor fans and a dehumidifier are additional options that may help keep a basement adequately ventilated. Another option is to install exhaust fans that connect to vents located throughout the basement. These fans can be permanently installed in windows or might require cutting through a basement wall to install.
What is the best flooring for a basement?
What basement flooring options and materials are the best? The best type of flooring for basements is vinyl. Vinyl flooring can come in the form of vinyl plank and vinyl tile, giving it the ability to look nearly identical to hardwood and stone products with the added benefit of being waterproof.
Why do I feel sick in my basement?
Mold is the leading cause of poor indoor air quality in basements and can have dire effects on your health. In fact, in about 80% of “sick building syndrome” cases, where poor air quality spreads, mold infestations (black mold and other types) are the main cause of illness.
How much will my taxes increase if I finish my basement?
Finishing your basement will increase the value of your home by 70 percent of the remodeling costs, according to Remodeling Magazine. But that doesn’t mean your property taxes will go up by that amount. … How local assessors determine tax assessments varies widely and focuses on a variety of factors.What adds the most value to a home?
- Kitchen Improvements. If adding value to your home is the goal, the kitchen is likely the place to start. …
- Bathrooms Improvements. Updated bathrooms are key for adding value to your home. …
- Lighting Improvements. …
- Energy Efficiency Improvements. …
- Curb Appeal Improvements.
- Wood Planks.
- Plastic Panels.
- Plywood.
- Veneer Plaster.
- Pegboard.
- Lath and Plaster.
- Wahoo Walls.
- Textured Wall Panels.
Do air purifiers work in basements?
Yes, air purifiers are good to use in the basement. These devices improve air circulation and reduce pollutants such as mold spores and dust. … Houses that have a musty or damp smelling odor can benefit from the use of an air purifier as long as it uses an Activated Carbon filter.
How do you stop a basement from smelling?
Place bowls of baking soda around the basement. The baking soda will begin to absorb the odors and should make a significant difference over the course of a few days. You can also use bowls of white vinegar or clean cat litter—both will absorb odors as well.
How do you stop a basement from smelling musty?
You can place bowls of white vinegar, cat litter in open containers, or baking soda throughout your basement in order to absorb the stench. You should notice a more pleasant smelling basement in a couple of days.
Should I put a fan in my basement?
For most small to moderately sized basements, a ventilation fan on one side of the basement and an exhaust fan on the other end is suitable. The fans may be permanently installed within existing window cavities, or may need dedicated openings cut through the portions of the basement walls that are above ground.
What causes the musty smell in a basement?
The old musty basement smell that most people are familiar with is typically caused by mold and mildew. As these fungi grow, they release foul-smelling gases that permeate the room and embed themselves in fabric such as carpet, curtains, clothing stored in the basement, or even upholstered furniture.
Is sleeping in basement bad for health?
In high-risk areas, radon has a tendency to seep through basement cracks. Radon can then become trapped in a poorly ventilated basement, where it can threaten the health of occupants and potentially increase their risk of developing lung cancer.
How do you live in an unfinished basement?
You are generally required to obtain a permit from the local city/town to rent out the area. To do so, you would be required to have the space inspected for minimum living requirements (access, electrical, plumbing, etc.). An unfinished basement does not usually meet these standards.
Can living in a basement cause depression?
“There is often less natural light in basement dwellings, which can lead to feeling depressed,” says Sinclair Kruth. “A lack of natural light can also lead to difficulty sleeping and disrupted sleep-wake cycles, which can lead to feeling fatigued but not able to rest properly.
Should I put carpet in my basement?
Carpet is a great floor covering option for a finished basement, for several reasons. Carpet is warm, soft, and cushioned, making it ideal for covering the cold cement floor. … A common concern is regarding higher moisture levels that are often found in basements, as compared to above-ground living areas of the home.
Do you need a subfloor in a basement?
Subfloors are not always necessary but they are beneficial wherever they can be installed. They only come into play when you want to expand downward and make your basement a warm, livable space. If you don’t plan to use the space, there is no need for a subfloor or floor covering.
What is better for basement vinyl or laminate?
If flooding in your basement is a concern, vinyl is the material you want. It’s made of plastic so water just can’t penetrate it. This is why it’s become so popular for use in bathrooms and areas with constant or frequent moisture. … Laminate flooring is water resistant, to a point.
What adds the most value to a home 2021?
- Add a Functional Kitchen Renovation. …
- Enhance Your Primary Bathroom. …
- Replace Your Garage Door. …
- Consider a Green Upgrade. …
- Install Smart Home Technology. …
- Upgrade Your Outdoor Features.
How can I add value to my house in 2021?
- Painting and giving your home a decor refresh. …
- Adding a conservatory or sunroom. …
- Replacing a dated kitchen. …
- Manicuring your front yard. …
- Updating a boiler / central heating. …
- Fixing a damaged roof. …
- Adding a new bathroom. …
- Double glazing.
Do ceiling fans add value to home?
Add Ceiling Fans Ceiling fans make a great addition to any home. … Adding ceiling fans to rooms like bedrooms, the living room, or family room will add value to your home immediately.
What is considered a finished basement?
So, what constitutes as a finished basement? A basement is finished when the entire level is complete and similar to the upstairs living areas. It generally includes an electrical system, heat, finished floors, an accessible entrance/stairway, level ceilings, and finished walls.
Does walkout basement add value?
Some of the benefits of a walkout basement are added value, increased useful living space and additional natural light.
Can you finish a basement without drywall?
The alternatives besides drywall or studs that can be used to finish your basement wall are wood planks, plastic panels, veneer plaster, wahoo walls, plywood, and pegboards. These options are easy to set up and maintain compared to drywall or studs that have problems with moisture and dust.
Do I need mold resistant drywall in basement?
Nor will it prevent mold in the case of flooding, when water saturates the drywall and the organic wood framing behind it. But in rooms that experience frequent humidity and are often subject to mold and mildew, such as bathrooms or basements, mold-resistant drywall is a good choice.
What do you put on concrete basement walls?
The most common way to cover concrete walls in a basement is drywall. This involves sealing the concrete, installing a wood frame, insulating and then installing and finishing the drywall.
Why do I smell rotten eggs in my basement?
Sewer gas. That “rotten egg” smell in the basement is sewer gas, or hydrogen sulfide. … A gas odor can be a sign of a small problem, like a dried out water seal in a floor drain. On a bigger scale, it can also indicate a broken sewer line or vent stack.
Should I buy a dehumidifier or air purifier?
If you want to get rid of dampness and a musty odor, then it’s best to use a dehumidifier. If you want to have clean, fresh air to breathe, then use an air purifier. This unit can remove dust, allergens, mold spores, bacteria, and other contaminants that are commonly found in basement areas.
