By sunny 
The sequence of basement refurbishment is crucial, and it is a matter of whether the whole refurbishment project can move forward in an organised manner. Basement refurbishment is not a simple task, it is a complex project that requires a number of stages and processes. Understanding the correct sequence of basement refurbishment can help us to plan and work efficiently.
In the following article, we will introduce the general process of basement renovation in detail to provide readers with clear guidelines, so that you can carry out the construction in an easy and organised manner.
Ⅰ. Determine the goal and planning
Before starting the basement renovation journey, the first task is to define the goal and planning.
Firstly, identify your needs. Think about what you intend to use the basement for after renovation, whether it will be used as a recreational area, storage space, or set up as a living area. At the same time, set a reasonable budget and be clear about how much you can afford to invest for this renovation.
Next, research on different designs and decorating styles. You can gather inspiration for various styles by browsing renovation websites, checking out renovation magazines or visiting show flats.
Finally, have a consultation and discussion with a professional designer. With rich experience and professional knowledge, designers can provide more relevant advice and solutions according to your needs and budget.
Ⅱ. Measurement and Evaluation
Once you have completed your goals and planning, it is time to carry out the measurement and evaluation of your basement. This step is critical to ensure the accuracy of the design and construction plan and to provide reliable basic data for subsequent work.
Measurements include the dimensions of the basement, accurately measuring the length, width and height in order to rationally plan the layout of the space. It is also necessary to determine the location of doors and windows, which will have an impact on the subsequent decoration and furniture placement. At the same time, be on the lookout for problems in the basement that require special attention, such as cracks in the walls, uneven ground and so on.
Ⅲ. Skirting and moisture-proof layer processing
In the process of basement renovation, dealing with the floor skirting and moisture-proof layer is extremely important as one of the key steps in basement renovation.
The role of skirting should not be underestimated, it not only protects the joints between the corners and the floor, to prevent damage to the corners and the floor in daily use, but also increase the overall decorative effect, so that the basement looks more beautiful.
The vapour barrier is a top priority for basement renovation. Basement is susceptible to moisture, the installation of moisture barrier can effectively prevent moisture problems, to avoid mouldy walls due to moisture, floor deformation and so on.
Ⅳ. Wall treatment
Next, the basement walls should be treated.
First remove the old wall materials, such as wallpaper, wallpaper, etc., so that the wall surface is clean and tidy. Then, fill the cracks on the wall to prevent the cracks from further expanding and affecting the stability of the wall. Finally, the surface of the wall levelling treatment, for the subsequent renovation work to provide a flat wall, to ensure that the decorative effect is more beautiful.
Ⅴ. Floor treatment
The floor treatment of the basement is one of the focuses of the renovation and a key step in basement renovation.
If the basement was originally land or concrete floor, you need to carry out foundation treatment first. Ensure that the ground is flat and solid to lay a good foundation for the subsequent flooring.
After that, choose the right flooring material according to the specific needs. Common flooring materials include carpet, wood flooring and tiles. Carpets are soft and comfortable, suitable for leisure and entertainment areas; wooden floors are warm and natural, which can enhance the grade of the basement; tiles are waterproof and wear-resistant, suitable for the bathroom, kitchen and other areas. After selecting the flooring materials, flooring and fixing, pay attention to laying to be flat, fixed firmly.
Ⅵ. Electrical and plumbing works
Electrical and plumbing works occupy an important position in the basement renovation, again, a key step in the basement renovation.
This includes the layout and installation of electrical wiring, sockets, lighting and plumbing. When carrying out electrical works, the direction of the wires should be reasonably planned to ensure that the number and location of sockets can meet the needs of daily use. Lighting design should be carried out according to the functional zoning of the basement to ensure that there is sufficient lighting in all areas.
In terms of pipework, water pipes should be installed in accordance with the specifications to ensure smooth drainage and avoid problems such as water leakage. At the same time, when carrying out any electrical and plumbing works, be sure to follow local building codes and safety standards to ensure construction safety and safety of use.
VII. Interior decoration and painting
Interior decoration and painting is one of the final steps in basement renovation and plays a decisive role in the final result of the basement.
According to the design scheme, choose the suitable decorative materials for the basement. For example, wallpaper, which comes in a variety of styles, can add different styles to the basement; paint is rich in colour and can be selected according to personal preferences and the overall decorative style; soft decorations such as curtains and carpets can also play a role in embellishment and decoration.
In the construction process, pay attention to construction details to ensure a beautiful decorative effect. In addition, the choice of environmentally friendly and easy-to-clean materials can improve the comfort of the basement, to protect the health of the occupants.
Ⅷ. Indoor equipment and furniture installation
The final stage of basement renovation is the installation of indoor equipment and furniture.
This includes the layout and installation of equipment such as air conditioning, heating, washing machines, kitchen appliances, and the placement of furniture. When installing air-conditioners and heaters, it is important to choose the right model and installation location according to the size and layout of the space in the basement to ensure that the indoor temperature is appropriate. The installation of washing machines and kitchen appliances should be in line with the habit of use and convenient for daily operation.
Furniture should be placed according to the functional partition to ensure reasonable space utilisation. At the same time, ensure that all equipment and furniture are installed in accordance with safety standards and are easy to use and maintain.
Key Issues in Basement Renovation
Basement renovation requires consideration of a number of aspects, the following are 5 key issues that require attention, which are closely related to the order of basement renovation and the key steps in basement renovation.
Ⅰ. Waterproofing and damp-proofing
Waterproofing the walls
Check whether there are cracks or holes in the basement walls, and once found, repair them in time. After repair, choose the appropriate waterproof coating, such as polymer cement-based waterproof coating. In accordance with the product instructions for painting, generally to paint 2 – 3 times, each time between certain intervals, to ensure that the coating thickness is uniform. This will effectively prevent groundwater penetration.
It is recommended that the waterproofing height should be at least 1.8 metres upwards from the ground level. If the basement is equipped with toilets and other areas that have showers or may come into contact with more water, the waterproofing height should be up to the top to prevent water vapour penetration in all aspects.
Ground waterproofing
The ground should be levelled first, removing debris and dust to ensure that the ground is clean and level. Then the same waterproof coating for painting, coating thickness to meet certain standards, usually not less than 2 mm, in order to enhance the waterproof effect.
Waterproof layer construction is completed, need to do closed water test. Fill the floor with water at a level of not less than 20 mm and observe for 24 – 48 hours. Look for leaks in the downstairs counterparts (if any) or in the corners of the basement itself. If leakage is found, rework the waterproofing in time.
Damp-proofing Treatment
In addition to waterproofing, damp-proofing is also critical. You can install moisture-proof materials, such as moisture-proof boards or moisture-proof rolls, outside the waterproof layer on the walls and floors.
Moisture-proof board has a good moisture barrier performance, the installation should pay attention to the splicing between the plate closely, to avoid leaving gaps, to prevent moisture from seeping through the gaps. Damp-proof coil construction is relatively flexible, according to the shape and size of the basement can be cut and paved, effectively blocking moisture.
Ⅱ. Ventilation system design
Natural ventilation
If conditions allow, you can consider setting up natural vents. For example, open a window in the basement near the ground, so that fresh air can flow naturally. Or install ventilation wells, which can be connected to the vents on the ground, using the natural convection of the air to expel the dirty air from the basement and introduce fresh air.
However, natural ventilation may be limited by weather and other factors, such as the inability to open windows on rainy days. Therefore, it is usually necessary to combine mechanical ventilation to ensure that the ventilation is effective and that the basement always has good air quality.
Mechanical ventilation
Installing an exhaust fan is a common form of mechanical ventilation. The power of the exhaust fan is chosen according to the size of the basement and the size of the space. Generally, an exhaust fan with a power of 30 – 50 watts per 10 – 15 square metres of space can be used. Install the exhaust fan near a corner or in a location with good air circulation, and set up ventilation ducts to exhaust dirty air to the outside and ensure fresh air in the room.
A fresh air system is also a good option. It can filter and purify the air entering the basement, remove dust, bacteria and other harmful substances in the air, and ensure air quality. The mainframe of the fresh air system can be installed in the equipment room or other suitable location in the basement, and the piping layout should be reasonable and minimise the bends to reduce the wind resistance and improve the ventilation efficiency.
Ⅲ. lighting design
Natural lighting
If the basement is close to the ground and conditions, you can open a light well to increase natural lighting. Lighting wells can be closed with glass and other light-transmitting materials, not only to prevent rain and debris from entering, but also to introduce natural light into the basement. The size and location of the light well should be determined based on the layout of the basement and the areas that need light to ensure optimal lighting.
Glass blocks can also be installed at the top of the basement (if it is a semi-basement) or on the side near the ground. Glass blocks have good light transmission and decorative properties, allowing light to filter softly into the basement, adding a bright and cosy atmosphere to the basement.
Artificial Lighting
Reasonable arrangement of lamps and lanterns is the key to artificial lighting. You can choose a combination of lamps such as chandeliers, wall lamps, floor lamps and spotlights to meet the lighting needs of different areas.
Chandeliers are suitable for installation in the main activity areas of the basement, such as the living room or activity room, to provide sufficient large-area lighting to brighten up the whole space. Wall lights can be installed in corridors, staircases and other locations to provide auxiliary lighting and decoration, adding a sense of hierarchy to the space.
Floor lamps are mainly used to create atmosphere and safety instructions at night, and are usually installed in the corners of walls or the edges of passages, which are not too harsh and provide a soft light. Spotlights can be used to highlight certain decorative elements in the basement, such as display cabinets and artwork, to attract attention and enhance the decorative effect.
At the same time, pay attention to the colour temperature of the lamps and lanterns, generally choose warm (3000 – 4000K) lights can create a warm and comfortable atmosphere, so that people in the basement feel relaxed and comfortable.
Ⅳ. space layout and decoration style
Functional partition
Determine the functional partition of the basement according to the needs of the family. If it is used as a recreational area, it can be divided into areas such as home theatre, billiard room, game room, etc., so that the family can enjoy a wealth of recreational activities in the basement. If it is used as a storage space, you can set up different types of storage shelves and storage cabinets for storing sundries, seasonal items or wine, etc., so that the basement can be well organised.
If there is a living function, such as setting up a guest room, consider the layout of facilities such as beds, wardrobes and bathrooms. The bathroom should be well waterproofed, drained and ventilated to ensure comfortable use. And make sure there is enough space for sanitary ware so that the occupants can use it conveniently.
Decoration style
Modern minimalist style is suitable for basements, which emphasises clean lines and a sense of airy space. You can use simple geometric patterned floor tiles, white walls and minimalist furniture to create this style, making the basement look simple and generous without losing the sense of fashion.
Industrial style is also a good choice, using the original structure of the basement, such as exposed concrete walls and ceilings, with metallic light fixtures and pipe shaped decorations, etc., to show the hard style and give a unique and personalised feel.
Rustic style can bring a warm and natural feeling to the basement. You can use elements such as wooden furniture, crushed wallpaper and greenery to decorate it, but pay attention to waterproof and moisture-proof to avoid moisture damage to the wooden materials. It makes the basement seem like a small garden full of life and pleasant mood.
Ⅴ. Ground and wall decoration
Ground material selection
Floor tiles are commonly used materials for basement floors, which have good waterproof and wear-resistant properties. You can choose non-slip floor tiles for the bathroom, stairs and other areas that are easy to slip, to ensure the safety of use. For recreational areas, you can choose to have a certain degree of decorative floor tiles, such as imitation marble floor tiles or floor tiles with texture patterns, to enhance the overall aesthetics of the basement.
Wooden flooring can also be used in basements, but choose waterproof wooden flooring that has been specially treated. Make sure the floor is dry and level before installing the wood flooring, and it’s a good idea to lay a damp-proof mat underneath the wood flooring for added moisture protection and to extend the life of the wood flooring.
Choosing wall coverings
Latex paint is a more affordable wall covering and is available in a wide range of colours. For use in basements, choose latex paint with good moisture resistance to prevent mould on the walls due to humidity.
Wallpaper or wallpaper can also be used for wall decoration, but pay attention to its breathability and moisture resistance. You can choose waterproof wallpaper or wallpaper with anti-mould function, and in the construction process to ensure that the wall is dry and flat, to ensure that the wallpaper or wallpaper can be firmly pasted, the effect is beautiful.
For the pursuit of personalised basement decoration, you can also use stone, cultural bricks and other materials to decorate the wall. These materials have a strong texture and can add a unique style to the basement, but the installation cost may be relatively high, so you need to choose according to your budget.
In conclusion, by understanding the basement renovation sequence, mastering the key steps of basement renovation, and paying attention to these key issues, you will be able to make the basement renovation project go smoothly and create a comfortable, beautiful, and practical basement space.