Basements

Gone are the days of the dingy, damp, and unused Basement! Many families are choosing to reclaim this valuable square footage and maximize their home’s usable space by finishing the basement. Now Basements are becoming the main living space in a home. Whether you are aiming for a general recreation area that can be used for multiple applications, or you have a specific vision in mind (an exercise room, a home theatre, a cozy den, a craft centre, a rental apartment…), EWCD can help you Finish your Basement.

One of the first steps in any Basement renovation is evaluating the available space and assessing your needs. In consultation with HVAC and Structural specialists, EWCD will review the existing services (wires, pipes, vents, and drains) to determine if alterations will create more space, as well as improve the efficiency of your home. Typically, services were originally installed where it was most cost effective for the builder. That usually means in the middle of potential living space and with little regard for headspace. Customers can expect honest feedback from EWCD about what can and cannot be done. We then build on this “behind the scenes” work by helping customers select designs and materials that will enhance the functionality desired.

In a Basement renovation, moisture levels and mold susceptibility of products are a primary consideration. EWCD continually evaluates the appropriateness of products and materials for this application. Traditional building methods actually introduce mold into modern buildings. In a Basement this is a major problem because five sides of the space are made of concrete, and the whole thing is sitting in a hole in the ground. This is how swimming pools are built!! We are constantly finding new ways to effectively combat the mold issues with which Basements are plagued, and we have developed our own sub floor system to address and eliminate moisture concerns.