It is a common knowledge that basement renovations in Denver can bring an additional space to your home and increase its resale value. However, it can also offer the homeowners an opportunity to enhance the energy-efficiency factor and the indoor-air quality with minimal environmental impact. At first, you need to understand the options that are available to you and the costs involved. If your budget doesn’t permit much, you can at least plan in advance and make the required ground works so that you can add the green features later on. Here are some of the ways to have a green basement remodeling in Denver,
• Eradicating moisture issues
There should be no low spots near the foundation and it is best if the area around the house is sloped and the water flows away from the foundation. Put your renovation on hold unless all the leakage problems are addressed by a professional.
• Remediation of radon gas
Check the level of the radon gas in your basement and if it is in an unacceptable range, contact a professional to reduce it. Do not ignore it as this radioactive gas is the second largest cause of Lung cancer in America.
• Avoiding harmful products
Products like walls and carpets give out volatile-organic-compounds that are not good for your health and well-being. They can also arrest moisture and promote the growth of mold, which too has many unfavorable health effects on humans. Also, when you undergo basement finishing in Denver, do not choose vinyl flooring. It emits vinyl chloride (carcinogen) and can create an advantageous environment for mold growth.
• Plumbing
Insulate the pipes to save energy, and prohibit the formation of condensation and mold. You can also add a backwater valve to the drain line as a protection against sewer backups. Select low-flush toilets or low-flow faucets/shower heads to cut down water consumption and your energy bill.
Also, try to install shut-off valve in all fixtures so that it is easy to make any future replacements or repairs.
• Insulation
Insulate the walls, ceilings and the flooring of the basement to improve the energy efficiency of the space. It is quite easy and cost-effective to add insulation as long as the moisture issues are addressed. Leave no cracks or gaps in the joints and power outlets to ensure the efficiency of the insulation process.
• Natural lighting
When you have a basement remodel in Denver, bring in more natural light as possible. You can do this by extending the window wells and by replacing the metal windows with multi-paned vinyl or wooden frames to retain the inner temperature.
Other than these, try to purchase low-pollutant emitting materials and highly efficient appliances when you shop for your basement remodeling.
