Finishing a basement is one of the most popular ways to add living space in the north metro. It's also the most common way people end up paying twice, once to finish it and again to tear it out after water gets in.
Why it matters more after you finish
In an unfinished basement, a little water on the floor is an annoyance. In a finished one, it soaks carpet pad, wicks up drywall and hides behind walls where mold can grow unnoticed. Waterproofing work also costs more once walls and flooring have to be removed and replaced.
What to check before you build
- Watch a full spring. If you can, see how the basement behaves through one snowmelt season before finishing.
- Inspect the walls and floor edge. Look for stains, efflorescence, cracks and damp spots.
- Check the sump system. Age of pump, presence of a backup, and how often it runs.
- Measure humidity. If it stays high in summer, plan for a dehumidifier.
- Look outside. Downspouts, grading and window wells all affect what happens inside.
Build it to stay dry
If drain tile is needed, install it first. Many finishers also leave access to the sump, use moisture-resistant materials near the floor and keep a small gap between the wall framing and the foundation. A waterproofing contractor can inspect before your finisher starts and tell you what's needed.
Planning to finish? Request an estimate and mention it. A pre-finishing inspection is the cheapest insurance you can buy for that project.