You should always make space for escape routes and outlets when you are making a basement in your home. The building codes in Australia may cause you to take such a step. This is especially true when you want to renovate the same and make a sleeping room over there. A common requirement in these cases is to have a window opening that is big enough for people to get out of the same in case the need to do so arises. Your concrete basement floor should also offer convenient access to the ground floor.
The common thing to do in these cases is to cut the foundation:
1) Getting the building permits:
It is but natural that you would not want any issues with such work. Therefore, you need to make sure that before you get started with such work, you get the building permits. You should also get it inspected by the appropriate authority in your area. You can also get information on such permits and inspections from such authority figures. This way, you would have an obvious idea of the inspection and permits necessary for such construction.
2) Making it drain:
You can make a bathroom in just about every kind of basement. However, it is costly and there are plenty of issues you have to deal with in this context as well. Most often people remove parts of their concrete slabs and connect fresh waste pipes to the existing ones. However, this is only workable when there is a sufficient drainage slope in the existing structure. So, keep this factor in mind before you go for any such construction. If the drainage slope is insufficient, you would have to raise your bathroom floor over the concrete slab.
3) Getting it waterproofed:
Even if you have planned your basement properly and executed it properly, water can ruin it. Therefore, you need to waterproof the same. You can install a sump pump too.
4) Retrofitting the basement:
Depending on the area where you live, the local building rules and regulations may make it necessary for you to install some structural retrofits. Do this, especially in areas that are prone to earthquakes. These are usually simple additions that do not cost you a lot of money. You can make them when the basement walls are open. However, once the walls of your concrete basement floor are closed, it would become a lot more difficult and cost a lot more money too.
5) Getting the right people to work on the project:
It is always better to get such work done by licensed contractors. You may want to do such work by yourself but try to refrain from the same. Still, it is always better to check with the authorities about the rules and regulations for building a concrete basement floor. Even if you can do the work yourself, just limit yourself to the wiring and plumbing for the same. Let the professional work on finishing and building the floors and the walls. One of the biggest benefits of getting professionals to do such work is the warranties you get on such work.
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