A home with a basement can be an amazing boon for energy efficiency, extra room for storage and space for activities.

However, basements also come with a lot of preparation and maintenance attached. These tips will help you determine what you need in a basement before you make an offer on Blaine real estate.

Water/Moisture Protection

As a homeowner with a basement, one of your primary concerns will be the prevention of moisture accumulation. Water problems can occur through flooding or seepage through the walls of the basement. Ask about the grading of the exterior property, because homes with a grade toward the basement will have more frequent problems with flooding.

Confirm that the foundation of the basement is made of cement, which is less likely to leak. If you have any plans to finish or remodel the basement, you must address all sources of moisture before you proceed.

Adequate Ceiling Height

Older basements often have fundamental problems related to the ceiling. Most commonly, the basement may not be tall enough. Generally, any basement must be at least 7-7.5 feet from floor to finished ceiling, particularly if you want to prepare the basement as a separate apartment or in-law suite. If the basement is already finished, inquire about the placement of ductwork and plumbing or electrical lines. You will need to know their position before you hang anything from the ceiling.

Heating and Cooling Capabilities

Basements are great in part because they keep a more consistent temperature throughout the year. You can use a minimum amount of energy for cooling and heating the basement. However, if you do want heat or air conditioning in the basement, the system must be primed for it. Ask about ductwork connections in the basement. If the current system is not prepared for the basement space, you can sometimes retrofit the home to accommodate it. However, you may need to purchase a larger furnace or air conditioner for the larger square footage.

Plumbing

For many people, one of the first steps toward finishing their basement is to install a bathroom. Adding a bathroom can increase your resale value, as well. The basement must have plumbing to bring water to a sink, shower/tub combination, or toilet. Contact the local public works to see if the sewer line is low enough for these projects and consult with a plumber to determine if the home system can effectively draw waste water from the basement.

Room to Move

When you start planning out a great basement for a new Minnesota home, you need to confirm that the basement itself can accommodate your needs. A large, unfinished basement will become smaller once you add insulation and drywall. An older basement with a narrow staircase may not be large enough for you to transport furniture and appliances that you want to keep there. Take full measurements of each area of the basement space, to ensure that you will be able to use it as intended.

Conversion Opportunities

If you convert a basement into a separate apartment, you may be able to create a viable stream of income that is largely passive. Before you purchase a Brooks Ridge home with this goal in mind, you must know that the basement could be turned into an apartment. Basement apartments require separate methods of access and exit, usually a separate door and a window that is low enough for a person to crawl through. If you plan to create an in-law suite that is not entirely separate from the rest of the home, these features are preferred but may not always be entirely necessary.

Buying a home with a basement could be an excellent investment, if the basement is equipped for your plans. Ask about these various aspects of homes you are shown, and you will be able to decide if a particular basement is right for you.