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According to Wikipedia, a basement is one or more floors of a building that are either completely or partially below the ground floor.  Basements are commonly found in big commercial buildings, but uncommon for single houses in areas where there is much rain.

To remodel the flooring of an existing basement, there are points to consider:

Moisture – water is the number one enemy of basements. Water may come from flooding or a condensation on the walls, or from underground moisture. Granting that the area is not flood prone, the dampness of the floor should still be tested.

To test its dampness, leave several pieces of waterproof material on the basement floor for a day or two. Then, check if there is moisture on it.

Moisture can also come from a faulty water pipe, so have a plumber look into it before starting any flooring project.

Use – usually, a basement is a storage area to keep seldom-used things, as in old clothes, old toys and equipment. When the need for an extra room arises, the underground hideaway comes to mind. It can be a relative’s bedroom. It can be a gym for daily workouts. It can be transformed into a movie room or an entertainment room.

Existing basement floor – usually, it’s a concrete slab laid during its original construction. This must be carefully examined for cracks and holes. If any is present, they must be filled before laying new flooring. Make sure the surface is leveled. A professional may give advice on this.

Types of basement flooring:

1. Concrete – if it’s the original existing slab, it doesn’t need so much materials to redo for style. It can be simply painted and the cracks sealed along with the paint. In the event of flooding, there’s nothing much to worry about regarding floor damage.
2. Tiles – they can be laid directly on the concrete floor. Some types of tiles can be expensive. When laying them, ensure that there are no cracks on the foundation, or these tiles will crack themselves.
3. Resilient flooring – this is also known as linoleum, vinyl tiles or roll, plastic laminate, or cork. It has a cushioned feel beneath the feet. It has a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from. They will need a special adhesive to install. Advantage: inexpensive. Disadvantage: if floodwater is left standing long enough, it may seep in, because of its multiple seams.
4. Wood Laminate flooring – it is easy to install and easy to clean. A 100 % waterproof laminate is available.
5. Carpeting – although expensive, the nice thing about carpets is the cozy and comfortable atmosphere it radiates. It gives the look of warmth to the place. The downside is the cleaning. It needs more time for its cleaning and maintenance. When submerged in an unexpected flood, it may need a drying machine similar to those used in industries before molds set in. Carpets are nice if the basement is going to be used as a gym or a home theatre.
6. Hardwood floors – they are expensive and not suitable for flood-prone areas because wood rots and warps.

Our homes are one of the best investments of our life. That is why it is always best to have a professional to do the remodeling job, rather than by ourselves.