Many Canadian homes are constructed with basements that are left unfinished, leaving that task to the choice of future residents. Others have basements that a homeowner tried to turn into living space but didn’t do a proper job of it so the space reverted back into the dingy, unusable subterranean cave it was before the attempt was made. This is unfortunate since basement space can be very comfortable and valuable living space that adds value to family life as well as the home. With lumber in Ottawa being a large local industry, residents of the area can take advantage of these superior and sustainable local products for any renovation projects including basement finishing.

Basements are ideal locations for today’s popular media rooms where a lack of sunlight from windows and the natural sound barrier of being below ground are greatly advantageous. Add a wet bar or small kitchenette and half bath for a space where your family will want to spend many evenings together and to make entertaining a breeze. If the basement is large, a game room can accompany the media room for a complete entertainment area where the kids can whoop it up and blast the music without bothering Mom and Dad upstairs.

Finishing a basement for a media room requires some specialized experience so you will want to choose a contractor who has done this type of work before. Electronics, furnishings, and flooring materials are all sensitive to moisture so the basement must be thoroughly waterproofed and insulated. Special attention should be paid to the concrete floors since they will always contain moisture that will result in unfortunate and unhealthy results of mold and mildew growth if carpet or hardwood is laid directly on top of it. This issue can be solved with a proper subfloor topped with plywood that keeps flooring dry and beautiful for years of enjoyment. It also saves on heating costs and increases comfort by keeping the floors warmer during cold Canadian winters.

By using Energy Star certified windows and doors that are available in beautiful designs and sustainable, quality lumber from Ottawa in your newly finished basement, you will help to protect the environment as you save money on energy bills. These superior products used in a coveted, finished media room also add value to your home to increase its price and marketability to today’s discerning buyers. A beautifully finished basement offers a great return on the investment.