Basem*nts | Designing, Types, Maintenance and More | Square One (2024)

Types of basem*nt

Here are some other types of basem*nt that you may not have heard of.

• Full: Not to be confused with ”finished”, a full basem*nt refers to the space being big enough to stand in. This type of basem*nt can be used for living space or storage and typically increases the value of a home.
• Partial: A partial basem*nt is one where only a portion of the basem*nt is a space big enough to stand in. The rest might be similar to a crawl space.
• None: Structures with no basem*nt at all can be built on a slab foundation (like a garage), directly onto the ground (like a shed), or sit on stilts/pylons (like a cabin or mobile home).
• Walk-out: A walk-out basem*nt is exactly what it sounds- a basem*nt with its own entrance that you can walk out of. These are most often seen in homes that are built into a hill- whether natural or artificially landscaped. Due to their aesthetically pleasing design, this type of basem*nt can add significant value to a home.
• Walk-up: A walk-up basem*nt is different from a walk-out basem*nt in that most walk-up basem*nts contain dug-in stairs that go from the ground level down to the basem*nt level as an entry/exit.

Finishing your basem*nt

In the simplest terms, an unfinished basem*nt is one that’s not designed to be lived in. Often the walls and flooring are the bare concrete of your foundation and the space may contain electrical systems, water pipes, wires and your hot water heater. A finished basem*nt is a below-grade living space that becomes part of your home, just like any other floor.

Finishing a basem*nt requires a significant investment, both in terms of time and money. That said, a fully finished basem*nt is a great addition to your home. It adds value and gives you the option to rent a part of your home for additional income. So, how do you go about finishing your basem*nt? Here are 3 key points to keep in mind.

1. Learn the rules

More specifically, learn the building codes and bylaws. These change city by city, so check with your local municipality to find out whether you need any permits for your proposed changes. This is particularly important if you’re planning plumbing and electrical work, which may have to be inspected. And remember, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the work carried out on your property is up to code.

2. Hire a pro

Finishing a basem*nt can be a mammoth task. The work required is beyond the scope of the average handy-man, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Most specific home systems (plumbing, HVAC, etc.) require expert knowledge to be installed safely and correctly. We’d advise staying well away from these tasks, as well as those relating to the installation of your electrical panels, removal of hazardous materials (like asbestos), and digging out a basem*nt if you don’t already have one. Consider money spent here as an investment- now’s not the time to save a few bucks.

3. Add value

Take the opportunity to make some improvements to your home that will increase its value. Insulate your water pipes, especially if you live in a cold climate. Pipes that contact exterior walls or are exposed to unheated areas of the home may burst, causing significant water damage. Insulating your hot water pipes can also save you money by reducing heat loss, thus allowing you to reduce the temperature on your thermostat.

Consider adding a 3½ inch layer of fibreglass to your basem*nt ceiling for noise reduction and insulation. For even more noise reduction, you can isolate the ceiling drywall from the joists using resilient channels (you may need to visit a drywall supplier to find these).

Finally, consider installing a sump pump and a backwater valve. Sump pumps evacuate water from the lowest point of your home. A backwater valve is a one-way valve attached to your sewage system to prevent it from backing up. Forty-four per cent of Square One’s home insurance claims result from water damage. Aside from protecting your most valuable asset- your home- from water damage, installing these devices could reduce your home insurance premium or policy deductibles. For certain high-risk locations, installation may be requisite for insurance.

Heating your basem*nt

Adding insulation will not only help control the temperature inside your basem*nt, but will also add another layer of moisture control and provide sound proofing. Make sure to choose a type of insulation that includes a vapour barrier on both sides, or if you’re using spray foam insulation, install a vapour barrier first.

When designing your basem*nt, consider the principal source of heat. Many consider a gas fireplace to be a great option for a basem*nt. Besides the obvious aesthetic advantages- who doesn’t love a fireplace? – there are some benefits to placing a fireplace in the basem*nt as opposed to elsewhere in the house. For example, the heat produced will be recycled as it rises through the rest of the house. And you may also be able to vent the chimney directly through the side wall instead of through the roof.

Alternatives to a gas fireplace include standalone systems (like a furnace) or a pellet stove. Other common types of heating include radiant floor, radiant panels (that attach to your walls) or a simple, standalone electric heater.

Waterproofing your basem*nt

Just like a crawl space, it’s vital to protect your basem*nt from moisture. Before you even start planning your build, thoroughly check your basem*nt for water. Pools or drips coming through below-grade walls will need addressing. If you find any signs of water, deal with it before embarking on your basem*nt renovations. A simple way to test for moisture is to tape 2-foot squares of plastic sheeting to the floor and walls. Leave them for a few weeks and then check for condensation. If it forms beneath the sheet, your foundation is not sealed. If it forms on top of the sheet, you may require a dehumidifier.

Most water issues can be solved by two simple measures; grading the soil to slope away from the foundation, and adding or repairing gutters and downspouts. If these measures don’t work or if you find serious water issues, consider installing a French drain (or perimeter drain). This is a perforated pipe that sits in a bed of gravel and attracts groundwater away from your foundation.

It’s also a good idea to make sure your gutter downspouts discharge water at least 1.5 metres from your home and that there aren’t any plants within 30 centimetres of your walls. Rotting roots can provide a pathway for water to reach your foundation.

Designing the perfect basem*nt

Now comes the fun part- designing your dream basem*nt!

Basem*nts can easily become dingy, so try to draw in as much natural light as possible. Use multiple light sources, mirrors and light-coloured paints to exaggerate the effect. Remember to wall off areas that need extra privacy, like bedrooms. And leave the area around your hot water heater unfinished in case of leaks. Don’t forget that at some point your hot water heater (in fact, most of the systems in your basem*nt) will need replacing. So, don’t build yourself into a hole you can’t get out of. A great cost saving tip is to keep your plumbing in place wherever possible, as re-routing pipes will quickly add to the cost of your renovation.

Finally, we recommend not removing any steel posts or studs that connect to concrete without first consulting a structural engineer. These fixtures may well be holding your house up… Literally.

Aside from that, let your imagination run wild! Designing a basem*nt is a fantastic opportunity to be creative, so don’t forget to enjoy the process. Need some inspiration? Check out Sebring Design Build or The Spruce.

What will your home insurance provider want to know?

Your home insurance provider will require more details than simply the number of floors in your home. They’ll likely ask whether you have a full or partial basem*nt, and ask the degree to which it’s finished. Insurers will also want to know if there are any signs of pooling water or leaks coming from the doors or window wells in your basem*nt. For homeowners with a crawl space, you may find that the minimum requirement for insurance is a ground covering.

It’s also important to inform your home insurance provider if you use your basem*nt as a source of income, as there are different risks associated with renting out a portion of your home. And, if you plan on finishing or renovating your basem*nt, be sure to let your insurance provider know before you start work. Most home insurance policies contain a requirement that you notify your insurance provider before modifying the home. Advance notice will allow your home insurance provider to confirm that your coverage will stay in place during the work, and that building materials and completed finishes will be covered in case anything goes wrong along the way.

Want to learn more? Visit our Getting to Know Your Home resource centre for the complete rundown on all your home's systems and features. Or, get an online quote in under 5 minutes and find out how affordable personalized home insurance can be.