Once your basement is dry and free of moisture, it’s time to decide how your new space will be used. Renovating your base is a big decision and an even bigger investment. But choosing how to use this new living space will be the most important decision you’ll have to make during the basement finishing process.

a basement office

Imagine creating the perfect home office that allows you to work freely from home while enjoying some extra quality time at home with family. The right space is vital to your success while working from home, and your newly finished basement is the right place to create the perfect office space. Your finished basement not only provides the familiar environment of family, it is a private and secure place to run your business and provide future success.

Before you start

Waterproof your basement

By far the most important step is to make sure all basement moisture problems are resolved. If your basement is damp, wet, or prone to flooding, then your first step is to contact a good waterproofing contractor who can determine your specific needs and conditions. This expert will then recommend the best repair options to meet your specific needs.

Basement waterproofing is a must and must be done correctly to protect your home. Therefore, avoid DIY jobs that require the use of internal sealants and waterproofing paints. These products do not withstand hydrostatic pressure (water pressure from the outside causing cracks and other problems) or the test of time, weakening, chipping, cracking and peeling.

Running your business from home requires a lot of expensive office equipment and important documents. You never want to find out that after you’ve invested a lot of time, energy, and money into your home business, it’s all been water damaged, all in one day’s work.

Moisture Effects

Damp foundations can be unhealthy due to the growth of mold and mildew. Fungi are also known to grow in dark, damp places and tend to cause foul odors and odours. Moisture can also cause wet spots; cracks; structural weakness; wood decomposition; oxide; and can cause paint to flake, peel, and crack.

Cooling and Heating

Humid air can be very difficult to cool or heat, which can be quite expensive for your monthly energy bills. Most basement flooring tends to be cool, so you should consider all available options very carefully to see which best suits your specific needs.

Your foundation can keep warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer with the right products and repairs.

Storage

Over time, our living spaces become cluttered with personal belongings and there is never enough room for proper storage. Consider installing various sizes of additional shelves, cabinets, and storage units to add extra space for your books, files, and personal documents. Extra storage is not only convenient for any home office, but it’s also affordable.

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There are many varieties of flooring that you can choose from to furnish your new office. Most products work well, but it can be overwhelming. Just make sure your choice suits your budget, needs, style, and taste.

– Carpeting underlayments is not recommended unless a vapor shield is installed under the carpet.
– Hardwood floors can add value to any space, but hardwood floors are not recommended for foundations as moisture can cause the floor to warp when wet.
– Engineered flooring is the perfect alternative to hardwood flooring. This will give you the look you want and added insulation.

Decorate

Once the contractor has satisfied all your needs, now comes the fun part; decorate and furnish his new home office. First, assign all equipment and furniture to the desired location. This will secure the office equipment from him; computers, printers, phones, and small appliances will have access to power outlets. Always organize your home office to best suit you and the valuable needs of your clients.

Now is the time to make the space as comfortable and welcoming as possible. After all, it is where you will spend a large part of your time. Add fabric curtains, comfortable pillows, plants, pictures, and flowers.

Now is the time to send out invitations to announce your grand opening and create a website for your new business, but more importantly, it’s time to enjoy your new home office.