Basement Reno

We are looking to renovate our basement. We live across the street from the water and previous owners had water damage from Sandy. I'm pretty sure all they did was replace the carpet and the bottom half of the drywall.

We get a lot of humidity and moisture and are also worried about future storms and flooding. A couple of years ago we got estimates for French drains and sump pump, it was literally in the $15k range so we put it off. But it's a large space, 800+ sq ft, and now with #3 almost here, we want it as a play room/media room/man cave.

Our priorities are drainage, some type of egress to the outside, redoing walls and flooring, and I would love a 3/4 bath, but DH is not sold on that.

If anyone has done any of these renos, can you let me know the work entailed and prices. I'm particularly concerned with the humidity and drainage bc we have had mold and I want it 100% safe for the kids. What happens to the drains and pumps when the power goes out? I feel like there's so much that we don't know.

I'd appreciate any info!

Re: Basement Reno

sump pump battery back up and a drywell. both inexpensive

Basement Reno

Our basement had water issues as well. When we moved in, it already had a sump pump but that wasn't enough as we were still getting water in. We did the French drains but didn't spend anywhere near 15k. I know the company that did it weather-proofed the outside walls and did the drain for around 5k. We haven't gotten water since. In total, I believe we spent close to 30k to finish our basement. This cost includes a full bathroom and a kitchen/bar area - no stove, just a sink, mini fridge, quartz countertop & cabinets.

Re: Basement Reno

Re: Basement Reno

I haven't done it in my new house (we don't have water issues here), but in my old house we had a drywell and a sump pump and it wasn't enough to keep us dry when the water table was up...make sure that whatever system you go with can handle the water that is possible with storms, etc.