Are there guidelines for planning a basement construction project?

There are guidelines for basement renovation and construction projects in the city of Toronto.  Before you or your contractor get to talking about permits, it is important to consider the space you plan to renovate.  Get in your basement and walk around.  Take measurements from floor to ceiling.  Look at windows and walls for potential outlet positioning and plumbing.  You might consider purchasing some software that will allow you to design your perfect basement in 3D.  After you have a proper vision, it is time to consult the powers that be.  From a legal standpoint, every city and municipality has its own permit system and professional contractors like The Reno Pros as well as DYI homeowners are expected to file for permits and have inspectors review plans and check the site for safety and code compliance.  After getting the green light from city officials, it is time to consider the following points before slinging hammers.
  1. Basement ConstructionSave vs. Spend – Having a clear vision of your basement construction is important because you will be able to save on the areas that do not receive much foot traffic and splurge on the spots where you and your family might spend time. For example, if you’ve designed a small laundry room off the main space, you might not wish to lay carpet and opt for a rug instead since no one will be spending much time in that room.
  2. Stay Dry – Moisture will kill your renovation and potentially cause health problems if mold or mildew can grow. Inspect the perimeter of your basement carefully for moisture or leaks.  A temperature change from cool interior to warm exterior can cause condensation if there is a leak in the rim joist which is the primary point between the upstairs and your basement.  Use construction-grade sealant on any gaps between the sill plate and rim joist.
  3. Separate Living Space – This is big step in your planning because a self-sufficient add-on for family or potential rental income will need to have electrical and plumbing roughed-in at the very least, not to mention several appliances that will seriously impact your available space.
  4. Materials – Materials can be expensive depending on what you use, and inevitably the more formal your space, the higher the cost in this category. Carpet is ideal for recreation rooms and man caves, but you may prefer tile or glue-down wood if you’re building an apartment for your in-laws.  As a side note, wood is not recommended for basement floors as they tend to buckle, but your basement conditions will dictate the usage.
  5. Lighting – You’re underground, it is highly probable your only light source is one or two small windows that emit little to know natural light. You probably do not plan to build additional windows, so strategically placing outlets around the room with a proper plan for wiring your basement construction is critical.
  6. Storage – More times than not a basement is used for storage and even though you’re making yours into something more useful, it is a good idea to build in some clever storage space that will allow you to remove clutter from other parts of your home. A small loft built into the ceiling or closet in a corner of your basement will go a long way in hiding the fact that you might possibly be a hoarder.

The guidelines above will help you build the basement construction project you have dreamed of without wasting space or potentially creating an unsafe environment.