Future-proofing Your Basement

Submitted by Capstone Homes on Thu, 12/10/2020 - 8:43am
Capstone Custom Homes - Finished Basement

Most homeowners don’t finish their basement right away — and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This can help you save money when building your home, and an unfinished basement can provide valuable storage space. However, you should still “future-proof” your basement by planning ahead for when you might finish it later on. Here are some things to consider.

Plumbing Rough-In

Pay attention to the locations for drains and water rough-ins. These items will influence where you can have the bathroom or other water fixtures. Make sure you have enough drains and plumbing runs to accommodate your future plans.

Electrical Panel/Breaker Box

The breaker box has to go somewhere — and the basement can provide a good out-of-the-way spot for it. Consider building out the breaker box area into a storage room so it is kept out of sight, or look for ways to work it in with the rest of the basement layout.

Location of Steps and Windows

Make sure that the steps leading into your basement won’t cause future issues with spacing or layout. Windows that will be used in a basement bedroom should be large enough to provide an exit in case of a fire or other emergency. If you don’t put in windows now, you can’t put in a bedroom later.

By planning ahead for future basement possibilities, you can ensure that everything will go smoothly when you decide to finish your basement.