Mike Holmes Shares A Warning To Homeowners Looking To Renovate A Basement

Renovating a basement can turn what's often little more than a dumping ground into valuable work, hobby, or leisure space. There are plenty of basement remodeling ideas that will inspire you, but before you take your first steps in turning your plans into reality, Mike Holmes shares a warning on his Make It Right website that could have a big impact on your decision-making.

What Mike strongly recommends is a pre-renovation inspection. Not just of the basement, but of the whole house. Whether you intend to be framing out your basement DIY style or the entire project will be handled by a contractor, an inspection could highlight problems you hadn't considered. As Mike warns, "You may have budgeted for a new fireplace in your basement, not knowing that your roof is falling apart. Or if your foundation doesn't have adequate waterproofing, the price tag of your basement renovation will go up."

A home inspection usually costs between $300 and $500 —though different packages may be available — so you'll need to consider which is appropriate. Having a detailed report of the condition of your property is well worth the modest investment and should allow you, or your contractor, to estimate timeline and budget more accurately. You'll want to be confident that the inspector knows what they are doing, so check for membership of professional organizations like ASHI, NAHI, or InterNACHI.

The home inspection will probably take two or three hours, depending on the size of property and the options chosen. You should expect to be present during that time. That's a good thing, since you can see what the inspector is checking, and can ask questions that are relevant to exactly what you plan to do with the space.

A major issue with basements is damp surfaces, which almost invariably leads to mold. Moisture meters or infrared cameras are typically used to identify problem areas. Whether the basement is finished or unfinished can have an impact, and you might want to ask about appropriate flooring or how to avoid moisture-prone insulation during your basement renovation. If you intend to remove partition walls, the inspector should be able to advise whether they are load-bearing. Tearing them down without knowing the difference could compromise the structural safety of the building above.

The inspection should also cover electrical, plumbing, and HVAC installations. If you intend to have a bathroom in your basement or wiring for a home cinema, for example, this gives you an opportunity to discuss potential challenges.

Your written report should arrive in a few days. You'll likely already have investigated how much it actually costs to renovate a basement, but the contents of the report could mean you need to rethink your budget or your plans. Don't panic if the report is extensive, it just means the inspector has done a thorough job. They may have mentioned minor issues that you'll want to rectify eventually but are not a cause for immediate concern. In fact, they may not affect your basement renovation at all. A reputable inspection company should offer you the opportunity to follow up on the report, so now is the time to clarify any issues.

Be aware that inspectors are not contractors because of the potential clash of interests. Professionals have a code of ethics to prevent this. As a result, the advice will focus on faults, not how to rectify them. Nevertheless, it should give you a good basis for whether you decide to move forward with your plans or amend them. If more extensive work than you anticipated is required, then obviously you'll need to rethink your budget. Those with some experience in remodeling may be able to make key decisions themselves, though it's often worth talking to a professional contractor. You might want them to address structural issues while you focus on finish and furnishings.