Basement Storage

Thanks to advances in construction technology, basements are becoming a wonderful place to store books, documents, furnishings, family memorabilia, clothes, and practically any other item. In fact, the cold, damp, dark basement is becoming one of the most popular areas of the home. These spaces are not only ideal for safe storage, but also for work shops, entertainment rooms, work out areas, and much more.

Several things should be taken into consideration before you decide to use your basement as a storage area. You must make sure that you have control over any moisture related problems. Damp basements, with high humidity, can make for a bad case of mold and mildew growth. Not to mention musty odors and upholstered furniture. If you know that your basement suffers from water related problems, you must first tackle these issues before using this space for storage.

Before you write the basement off as a safe place to use for storage, consider some of the simple ways to control moisture related problems. Using a dehumidifier, opening windows, wrapping pipes in insulation, sealing leaks in the foundation, and insulating walls are a few ways in which you can limit or eliminate moisture problems. In addition, you can eliminate external water damage by cleaning out your rain gutters and by making sure that your downspouts empty at least five feet away from your home's foundation.

Once you are sure that your basement’s moisture problems are under control, you can begin utilizing its space. Basements offer many ways to create storage space. It is suggested that if you are going to install shelving for storage, that you should use metal shelving. Metal, as opposed to wood, is protected against moisture. Also, plastic bins or tubs work better than cardboard boxes for the same reasons.

Helpful Tips for Organizing Your Basement

Store all chemicals and valuable items on shelves or tables above flood level.
Refrain from storing anything near the space around the furnace, water heater, other major appliances, pipes, and drains.
Label your boxes. Map out where you decide to store items for easy recovery.
Check your basement regularly for signs of mold and mildew growth, musty odors, powdery deposits, crumbling mortar and water stains.
Consider using basement rafters for shelving.
Install enough lights to illuminate your storage area.

Looking For More Information On Basement Remodeling?

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Preparing For Basement Remodeling
Basement remodels require you to plan ahead and prepare for your contractors to be moving things in and out of your lower level. The stairwell, entrance way and storage area are the three main areas to focus on. Contractors need to be able to easily get from their truck and into your basement as they are carrying heavy loads of materials and equipment.

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Planning Your Basement Remodel
As you may have heard plenty of times before, “planning ahead” is definitely the most crucial step to a remodeling project. Homeowners that go into a home remodeling project ill-prepared and unaware usually end up dealing with higher costs in job quality, later due dates, higher project costs and a major headache. Needless to say, the planning/permitting process, and negotiating construction start dates are hard to fit into the same building season unless you plan ahead!

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Hiring a Basement Remodeler
Basement remodeling contractors are a little different from other contractors that you may hire. First of all, they are typically hired to make an enhancement to your home, as opposed to most contractors that are hired to correct problems or perform maintenance. It’s usually exciting to have a basement contractor working on your home because you can anticipate your living space becoming bigger and better.

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