Old Castle Renovations Blog

Silver lining for Renovating the Basement Basics

The thought of having to spend your hard-saved renovation dollars on the basics may feel discouraging - things like plumbing, electrical wiring, insulation or duct work – because these are not the sexy, ‘ta da’ items of a finished renovation that you can see. However there may be a silver lining, or two, to make this renovation necessity feel a bit more spectacular. For basements, recommended insulation in Ontario is R-24 Batt Insulation or R-10/15 CodeBord®. The R-value of spray foam insulation is approximately R-6 per inch, and R-value of fiberglass insulation is approximately 2.2 per inch. Standard spray foam application is 3.5 inches; attaining the recommended R-20. Unrenovated homes from the late 1950s are likely sporting insulation less than R-5, maybe even R-1. Quite a difference. Energy guide sources suggest that upgrading insulation to current industry standard provides noticeable utility savings, season to season. And when temperatures are extreme, savings are even more apparent. Savings are directly related to the installed R-Value, dependent upon the relative size and layout of the basement. So the silver lining to the ‘unsexy’ basement insulation is some savings in utilities, a warmer home in winter, a cooler home in summer. This silver lining gives you a start on the nest egg for your next home renovation. Updating the electrical panel and wiring to accommodate technology, hard-wired security, fire and carbon monoxide safety elements, appliances and amenities to support the way we live in our homes now, compared to years ago, may be another necessary basics renovation project. This renovation is much more ‘visible’ than insulation in a few ways. Updating the electrical panel and wiring creates capacity for home spa amenities, like a sauna or a hot tub, or additional circuits for outdoor and garden lighting, electricity for the garden shed, the electrical elements needed for a home theatre, a gas fireplace in the basement, or additional circuits for layered lighting in the kitchen and family rooms. The silver lining may be having capacity in the electrical panel and wiring in your home to set you up for future renovations, and the immediate feel of an updated home with a greater range of lighting and amenities. When renovating to make the basement even functional, the work likely requires taking the space ‘back to the studs’, sealing the walls and floors to prevent water leaks, looking for and repairing cracks or damage to the foundation, and exposing the ceiling. This may be the opportunity for great things in the future! Think of the options for adding additional lighting, expanding ductwork, roughing in plumbing for a laundry room, basement bathroom or sauna, incorporating a gas line for a basement fireplace in the future. These ‘starters’ or ‘add-ons’ can be included when the contractor puts everything back together in a finished, functional basement. Leaving you lots of opportunity to continue in the next renovation with a solid basement to build on. With a dry, warm, wired, solid basement - think of the potential for your next renovation! You can really achieve the home you wish for when you have the basics covered. Call Old Castle Renovations for a free quote. We are expert in basement renovations.

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