Basem*nt remodeling is often a new subject for most homeowners, so naturally homeowners have questions about the process and materials used. Here is a list of our most frequently received questions in Michigan.
Q. Should we use wood studs or metal studs?
A.Wood materials when mixed into the moist environment of a basem*nt begin to rot, warp, and grow mold. Wood studs in the walls of your basem*nt are not designed to handle the moist and humid air. Working with products designed for basem*nts such as metal studs will minimize the possibility of mold and water damage.
Q. What is the ‘Stack Effect’?
A. “Stack effect” creates an airflow in your home from bottom to top. So air from the basem*nt is drawn upwards into the main level of your home. Scientists say that up to 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor is air that came from the basem*nt. Therefore, whatever is in your basem*nt air is in your house and affecting you, whether you spend much time in the basem*nt or not.
Q. How do I avoid mold in my basem*nt?
A.Mold spores are everywhere and there is no practical way to eliminate them from your home. But you can keep mold from gaining a foothold in your basem*nt by selecting materials that do not absorb moisture. Mold looks terrible and is a health concern. For more on mold and how to avoid it,click here.
Q. Do I need an Egress Window?
A.All finished basem*nts must have means of egress, a way to get out of the basem*nt other than using the stairs. If you have a walkout basem*nt youwill be all set.If you do not have a walkout basem*nt then you will be required to put inan egress window. An important note: whetheryou have a walkout basem*nt or not, if you are going to call one of your new rooms a “bedroom” you must have an egress window in that room.
Q. Do you offer financing?
A. We offer a variety of easy-to-usefinancing optionsfor homeowners. During our in-house visit, one of our specialists will help you find the financing options that work for you. Our experts are trained to use every resource possible to get you the best financing available. We can offer financing options for practically any job.
Q. Does a finished basem*nt count as square footage towards my home?
A.In Michigan, space that is not fully above grade does not count towards the overall square footage of your home. However, basem*nts that have a high quality finish can add substantial value to your home and are extremely desirable to potential buyers.
Q. What is the square footage price to finish a basem*nt?
A.Remodeling basem*nts is much different than remodeling the upstairs of your home. Due to all of the mechanicals of your home being located in your basem*nt, there are a lot of things to work around during the construction process. This combined with the wiring, piping, and ceiling heights make each individual home different. All of these factors affect the design and layout of your space making it difficult to provide an average price per square foot to remodel. The best thing to do is have one of our specialists come out to inspect your space, measure, and then provide you with a quote for remodeling.
Q. How do I get rid of the musty smell in my basem*nt?
A. It is the middle of June. Summer is almost in full swing and the air conditioning is beginning to run constantly. When you are looking to escape from those 96-degreedays, where do you go? You run for your basem*nt. But what do you find? It’s much cooler in temperature, but it’s damp and musty.
Whether your basem*nt is finished or unfinished, moisture can still affect the air quality in the space. Have you ever wondered how to solve this problem? Sure, a small dehumidifier may help a little but what happens? It doesn’t cover the entire space, it fills up with water quickly, or it doesn’t last long. This is where our Santa-Fe Dehumidifier comes into play!
Being described as “a dehumidifier on steroids!” The Santa-Fe is built with the basem*nt in mind. It is 5X as large and 8X more effective than the floor model. It takes out 110 pints of water per day. Energy Star rated, the Santa-Fe will eliminate damp, musty odors in your basem*nt by drying and filtering the air.
Q. What kind of flooring is safe to put in my basem*nt?
A.We use Vinyl Plank flooring in the majority of our basem*nts due to their water resistance and durability. Basem*nts are prone to water damage and it is important to consider what you can do to reduce the damage associated. Homeowners not having to worry about water damage to the floors in their basem*nt is a big “plus”.
Q. Do you have a warranty?
A. We’ve got nothing to hide and we put all of the details right here…no games, complete transparency, and everything in writing. We give you the double protection of a manufacturer warranty AND a warranty from Basem*nts Plus in Michigan. What a lot of people don’t realize about manufacturer warranties of all kinds is that there are often gaps and loopholes that mean coverage is not as complete as it should be. So we’ve taken the extra step of offering our own supplemental warranty.
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I am a seasoned expert in the field of basem*nt remodeling, and my wealth of knowledge is grounded in practical experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in transforming basem*nts into functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces. Having successfully overseen numerous basem*nt remodeling projects, I have encountered and addressed a wide range of challenges, honing my expertise in the selection of materials, construction processes, and optimizing basem*nt environments for both comfort and safety.
Q. Should we use wood studs or metal studs? A. The choice between wood and metal studs in basem*nt remodeling is a critical decision. Moisture is a common issue in basem*nts, leading to the deterioration of wood studs through rot, warping, and mold growth. Opting for metal studs designed for basem*nt use minimizes the risk of mold and water damage, ensuring durability in the unique basem*nt environment.
Q. What is the ‘Stack Effect’? A. The "Stack Effect" refers to the airflow phenomenon in homes, where air from the basem*nt is drawn upwards into the main levels. Up to 50% of the air on the first floor may come from the basem*nt, making the quality of basem*nt air crucial. Proper ventilation and consideration of air quality in the basem*nt impact the overall indoor air quality of the entire house.
Q. How do I avoid mold in my basem*nt? A. Mold prevention involves selecting moisture-resistant materials for the basem*nt. While complete elimination of mold spores is impractical, choosing materials that do not absorb moisture helps prevent mold from thriving in the basem*nt environment, safeguarding both aesthetics and health.
Q. Do I need an Egress Window? A. Egress windows are a mandatory safety feature in finished basem*nts, providing an alternative exit in case of emergencies. A walkout basem*nt naturally fulfills this requirement, but for non-walkout basem*nts, installing an egress window is necessary, especially if designating a room as a bedroom.
Q. Does a finished basem*nt count as square footage towards my home? A. In Michigan, space not fully above grade does not contribute to the overall square footage of a home. Despite this, a well-finished basem*nt adds substantial value to the property and is highly desirable to potential buyers.
Q. What is the square footage price to finish a basem*nt? A. Basem*nt remodeling costs vary due to factors like mechanicals, wiring, piping, and ceiling heights. A personalized inspection by specialists is crucial for accurate pricing, as each home presents unique challenges in design and layout.
Q. How do I get rid of the musty smell in my basem*nt? A. Addressing the musty smell in basem*nts involves effective dehumidification. The Santa-Fe Dehumidifier is recommended for its capacity, designed specifically for basem*nts, removing 110 pints of water per day and eliminating damp, musty odors.
Q. What kind of flooring is safe to put in my basem*nt? A. Vinyl Plank flooring is the preferred choice for basem*nts due to its water resistance and durability. Given the susceptibility of basem*nts to water damage, using flooring that can withstand moisture is essential for homeowners seeking a worry-free solution.
Q. Do you have a warranty? A. Basem*nts Plus in Michigan provides double protection with both a manufacturer warranty and an additional warranty from the company. This commitment to transparency ensures clients have comprehensive coverage, addressing potential gaps in manufacturer warranties.
If you have any further questions or need expert guidance on basem*nt remodeling, feel free to reach out through our contact information provided. Your satisfaction and confidence in our expertise are our top priorities.
