The Important Thing You Should Do Before Renovating Your Basement, According To Mike Holmes

The basement is a whole lot of space with endless possibilities. You can transform it into an extra living area with a cozy home office, maybe a sleek kitchenette, or rooms to rent out for extra income. However, the whole transformation process does not come cheap. So before splurging on a basement renovation, HGTV's Mike Holmes advises it's best to have a pre-renovation inspection first, and here's why.

On his Make It Right blog, the veteran contractor wrote, "A home inspection before your renovation starts will possibly point out issues that you need to address, which will affect your budget." A basement that has been unused for years can become a common place for many issues like faulty wiring, poor waterproofing, and a compromised foundation hiding in plain sight. When left unchecked, these issues could lead to more serious problems that will possibly require a bigger budget to fix.

So, no matter how tempting it is to dive straight into the cosmetic upgrades for the basement to stay on budget, Holmes urges homeowners to "get a pre-reno home inspection, so you know exactly where to spend your money." This will stop you from making the worst mistake you can make when redoing the basement. After all, "a basement is a perfectly livable space if done right," according to the celebrity contractor.

As someone who is very vocal about home upgrades that are a waste of money, Mike Holmes recommends a thorough pre-renovation inspection that can deeply assess areas in the basement where small problems can turn into major setbacks in the long run. When hiring an inspector, be sure that they can properly evaluate your property's structural integrity first by checking for foundation cracks, sagging beams, and other signs that the home's support system is compromised. Any renovation work will be risky if the basement walls and support beams are bowing or shifting.

Another major issue that should be covered by the inspection is moisture or water detection. Finding water in your basement is a serious problem that warrants immediate attention, as it can incur hefty repair expenses. The presence of moisture alone suggests rot or mold, which can be a health risk. Poor drainage or a lack of waterproofing all the more signifies a greatly vulnerable basement that will require major renovation work to fix.

The inspection should also review the electrical wiring system of the basement to ensure that any new outlets, added lighting, or appliances are fully supported and won't pose a serious fire risk when used. Alongside this, proper insulation and ventilation should be examined to make sure that your basement is safe for living. Finally, to prevent fines and legal repercussions, the inspection should also see to it that your planned renovation aligns with local building codes.

Although having a pre-renovation inspection entails additional expenses, there's more than one reason Mike Holmes swears by it. Aside from giving you a clear picture of how much you really need to prepare for the overall renovation, a proper inspection will show you the path to a smooth and financially sound transformation. By assessing your home's condition, your contractor can suggest a solid plan on which structural repairs should be prioritized over cosmetic upgrades.

For instance, you've been meaning to incorporate versatile design ideas to brighten up your basement, only to find that your entire flooring needs an overhaul. Or, you're eager to include a creative basement laundry room, but then more budget is needed to replace the support beams and then some. With an inspection, these issues can be determined before the demolition dust even settles, giving you time to adjust your plans and finances.

Beyond the financial aspect, an inspection will give you peace of mind that your investment in your basement will last long and even yield returns, in case you're renting out the space once work is done. In the end, this step will help your finished basement become everything you hoped for, minus the headaches and unnecessary expenses.