Know when to stop when it comes to DIY.
From recessed lighting to the warm glow of a fireplace, lighting is one of the most important elements in a basement renovation.
Know Your Limits
Before breaking out your tool belt and diving headfirst into a basement renovation all by yourself, take a moment to be honest about how skilled you really are. It’s likely you could handle installing hardwood floors and painting walls, but the average handyman may not have the expertise necessary for important basement-renovation considerations such as vapour barriers, insulation, electrical, ductwork and proper permitting. Those are best left to the professionals.
“It is a shame when people put down new carpeting, drywall and add furniture, only to have their sewer back up or, more tragically, there is fire due to faulty electrical work,” says LeAnne Bunnell, interior design consultant with Elle Design.
Cutting corners by skimping on hiring professional help will likely cost more in the end when leaky pipes and faulty wiring have to be repaired after the walls are up and the floors installed.
“Have qualified tradespeople do electrical and plumbing to ensure your family is safe and your investment is protected,” says Bunnell.
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