If you need another bedroom in your home, remodeling or finishing the basement is a great way to add extra square footage. Before you start, here are some points to consider to help you create a safe and healthy sleep environment, courtesy of the professionals at Tucker Family Construction, LLC.
Know Your Building Code
Talk to your general contractor, or look into your local building code to find out more about egress requirements. Essentially, bedrooms need a window large enough for a person to crawl through to get out of the house in an emergency. The building code will specify minimum dimensions for windows. Small basement windows don’t necessarily rule out putting in a bedroom; ask your contractor if it would be possible to put in larger replacement windows to meet egress requirements.
What You Can’t See Can Hurt You
Radon is an odorless, invisible gas that can seep into homes through basement floors and crawl spaces. In time, it can cause severe lung damage and is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. According to the CDC, “having your home tested is the only effective way to determine whether you or your family is at risk of high radon exposure.” Radon testing is quite simple and inexpensive, and if this dangerous gas is detected in your home, radon mitigation is fairly straightforward when done by a trained professional.
Don’t Take Chances with Mold
Mold thrives in cool, damp places, meaning that many basements are prime locations for mold growth. Since mold can cause respiratory problems, skin irritations, headaches, and many other health conditions, it is important to have your basement tested if you suspect its presence. You’ll also want to ensure that any sources of humidity in the basement have been repaired or addressed by your general contractor before basement finishing begins.
By following these tips and working with professional contractors, you can turn your unfinished basement into a perfect living space, complete with comfortable, healthy bedrooms. In Madison, WI, contact Tucker Family Construction at (608) 862-3641 to request a consultation and quote.
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