by Myrna in Etobicoke over 1 year ago
I have just bought a house that was built less than a year ago and the basement is not finished. I would like to have the basement finished but someone told me I should wait a few years if it is a new home due to some risks. Is this true? Do I have to wait to finish my basement and if so, what are these risks? Please help. Thank you.
9 Responses
by Arthur in Newmarket over 1 year ago
You should wait at least a year before you would want to do anything to your basement. This is because the weight of the home need to be settle in the first 12 months and if you put up walls up and the home is still shifting, this cause damages to your dry walls or other water pipes or wiring if you have a finish basement in the first year.
by Jim from Kettleby Handyman Services over 1 year ago
Hi Myrna, You should wait until your new home warranty (Tarion) expires – 2 years I think. If any warranty repairs are needed, you will be responsible for tearing out and replacing your basement finishes. You should look into this before making a decision.
Jim Kuzma
Kettleby Handyman Services
by Jason from Fine Finish Wall Systems Inc. over 1 year ago
Hey Myran,
Jim is bang on with his assessment. I own a wall systems company in York Region and one of my clients, against my advice, did not want to wait for the spring thaw to finish their basement. Their phase was only six months old. 3 months after we finished the job a crack had developed in the foundation, the thaw came and so did the water. Tarion made the builder fix the foundation but the interior was not covered at all. We ended up doing all the repairs for them at cost, Great clients not following even better advice. Listen to the pro’s Myran.
by David from David Thomas & Associates over 1 year ago
Myrna
There are specific conditions that you can remodel your basement at this time of year and other conditions you should not. First, how old is the house, is it dry, are there any old or current cracks or leaks etc. An inspection visually is definitely a must on the inside and the drainage checked on the outside before determining whether the project can start now or not. However, Spring is coming soon and planning, designing, pricing and permits all need to be done and that will take a little time up front. Never to too soon to start that phase of the project. David Thomas
by David from David Thomas & Associates over 1 year ago
I misread that your house was only a year old. However, are there any houses in the same neighborhood that has been built 6 to 12 months prior to yours? There are so many factors to consider as to whether to go ahead this spring or wait until next. I’ve been in this business for over 40 years and have done some basements right after construction and had no problems. I stand behind my work with written guarantees. But a visual inspection, inside & out along with a check list of questions could determine whether to wait or not.
How anxious are you and is it a need or a want? If you care to call me and I can ask you a few questions first to see if its worth coming out for a visual look. David 647-285-6229
by Ahmet from MIR General Contracting over 1 year ago
Hi Myrna,
You should wait for your guarantee period and wait for settle the house. You have to think about waterproofing before any basement work start
Kindly Regards
Ahmet Canpolat
MIR General Contracting
647 229 5690
by Ahmet from MIR General Contracting over 1 year ago
Hi Myrna,
You should wait for your guarantee period and wait for settle the house. You have to think about waterproofing before any basement work start
Kindly Regards
Ahmet Canpolat
MIR General Contracting
647 229 5690
by Rachel in Seattle over 1 year ago
This post has been removed as it doesn't meet our posting guidelines.