It’s no secret that homeowners love to remodel and improve their homes. In 2017 alone, Americans spent almost $14 billion on home improvements. However, basement renovations aren’t often the first idea that pops into people’s minds when they think about remodeling their homes. This is typically because there are several myths surrounding basement renovations that just aren’t true.

To help put the record straight, here are some of the most common myths about finishing your basement:

• It’s not worth remodeling a basement because of the flood risk. It’s not uncommon for basements to flood, especially during big rains or rapid snowmelts. However, basement flooding and leaks can be easily avoided with proper waterproofing. By installing a waterproofing system for your entire basement before remodeling, you won’t have to worry about flood risk when you finish your basement.
• Basement remodeling doesn’t require work permits. Your basement may be in the lowest level of your home and away from curious eyes, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need any work permits. A city or county inspector may stop by to check and see if you have a permit if they find out that there’s work being done in your home. If you don’t have a permit, the work that’s being done may need to be demolished and redone later. That said, make sure that you get the proper permits for your basement remodel before you get started.
• Finished basements are too dark to be enjoyed. You may not have the biggest windows in your basement, but that doesn’t mean your finished basement will be dark and spooky. With the proper recessed lighting and wall color, you can easily make your finished basement light and cheery. You can also get rid of the scary ambiance many unfinished basements have by making your basement feel like it’s a part of the rest of your house including using similar furniture styles and flooring as the floors upstairs.
• There isn’t a lot of value in finishing a basement. A finished basement has a resale value of up to 77.6% because you can use it for a wide array of things including an entertainment space, family room, and even a rental.

Do you need a professional basement finishing company to give you the finished basement of your dreams? ElkStone Homes is the basement finishing company for you. To learn more about our basement renovation services and upgrades, contact ElkStone Homes today.