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6 Steps to Make the Most of Your Basement in Bloomington, IL

Cozy living room with wooden floors, red sofas, lamps, a fireplace, and nature artwork on the wall.

If you live in Bloomington, IL, you know that our region’s mix of humid summers, heavy rains, and freezing winters can take a toll on your home—especially your basement. 

Whether you’re dealing with a wet basement in Bloomington or just looking to maximize your underground space, taking the right steps first goes a long way.

Foundation Recovery Systems has decades of experience in basement waterproofing and foundation repair, transforming damp, musty basements into comfortable, dry spaces. 

Here’s how you can do the same!

Step 1: Address Moisture Issues First

Before converting your basement into a home office, gym, or extra living space, you need to eliminate moisture problems. 

Bloomington’s clay-rich soil expands and contracts with changing weather, leading to water intrusion and foundation shifting.

damp wall with peeling paint

Watch for signs like:

If you notice any of these issues, basement waterproofing is the first step to protecting your investment.

Step 2: Invest in Basement Waterproofing

interior drainage being installed

To keep your basement dry year-round, consider:

Step 3: Check for Foundation Damage

Older homes in Bloomington, especially near Downtown and East Grove Street, may have settling foundations due to shifting soil and aging materials. If you see cracks in your walls, uneven floors, or bowing basement walls, foundation repair may be necessary before any remodeling.

Step 4: Consider Foundation Repair

foundation piers being installed by field worker

If your home shows signs of foundation damage it’s crucial to address the problem before it worsens.

  • Wall Anchors – These reinforce bowing basement walls by securing them to stable soil outside your home, gradually pulling them back into place.
  • Foundation Piers – Ideal for settling foundations, piers are driven deep into stable ground to lift and support your home, preventing further sinking or structural shifting.
  • Wall Braces – Designed for leaning or cracking basement walls, these braces provide immediate stabilization, preventing further movement and reinforcing your foundation.

Step 5: Plan Your Basement’s New Purpose

Once your basement is dry and structurally sound, it’s time to get creative! Bloomington homeowners often convert basements into:

  • Family rooms – Extra space for entertainment and relaxation
  • Game rooms – Perfect for a pool table, arcade games, or a home theater
  • Home gyms – Ideal for fitness enthusiasts who want a dedicated workout space
  • Home offices – A quiet, separate workspace for remote jobs

Step 6: Trust Local Experts for Long-Term Protection

FRS employee sitting with a customer

At Foundation Recovery Systems, we’ve been providing foundation repair and basement waterproofing in Bloomington for years. 

We know how Illinois’ weather and soil conditions impact homes, and we offer customized solutions to keep your basement safe, dry, and functional.

Ready to transform your basement? Contact us today for a free inspection!

Leah Leitow

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with nearly ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.

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