Imagine this scenario. You’ve worked hard all your life, saved up, and bought your dream house. But then life happened and for whatever reason, the house is no longer working for your needs. Maybe your family grew and there simply isn’t enough space. Or perhaps you transitioned to a work-at-home job and don’t have an adequate layout to accommodate this. Whatever the reason, before deciding that it’s time to pack up and move, think about all the benefits you could gain from a basement finishing or remodel.
When it comes to adding or adjusting the layout of a house, a basement finishing can be a game-changer. If your current basement is unfinished, this immediately adds a lot more space to work with. If you have a finished basement already, remodeling it to suit your current needs can still make all the difference. If you’re nervous about the process (it can be costly after all) here are some factors to consider when undergoing a basement finishing.
Purpose of the room
This purpose depends on your unique needs, but some common ideas for finished basements include extra family living areas, guest spaces complete with bathroom and mini-kitchen, and a place for entertainment such as a game room or bar area. Other ideas to consider are home offices and tasteful space for extra storage.
Once you decide on the purpose of your room, nail down your must-haves for this space. It will be especially important to note any structural changes you envision or special design requests such as attractive wall-to-wall storage, extra outlets, or plumbing for a bathroom or kitchen.
Groundwork required to get started
As with all extensive remodeling and reconstruction work, there are some practical and technical requirements you should consider before even thinking about getting started.
Permits
It can be tempting to skip out on a permit for this one since the renovation work cannot be seen from the street. Why not save some extra tax money after all? Don’t let this thinking get you though! Firstly, if caught, you could be forced to redo everything. Secondly, if you decide to sell later on, potential buyers could get away with paying you less due to not having a certificate of occupancy for the work. Finally, keep in mind that finished basements actually do not count as full-fledged living spaces, so shouldn’t impact your taxes too much.
Drying and Waterproofing
Basements are often wet places and can even be prone to flooding. For this reason, it will be crucial to dry it out ahead of time to avoid moisture buildup that could lead to mold, rot, and other problems. This process will include fixing any cracks in the foundation, adding drainage if necessary and installing sump pumps. Then make a note to ask your future contractor about special building materials for things like insulation and drywall that will help keep your basement dry and waterproof.
Ceiling Area
Something you have to consider with a basement is the height of the ceilings, which are often required to be about seven feet by many municipalities. If your ceilings aren’t up to code, talk to your contractor about the possibility of moving pipes and ducts, or having to lower the floor.
Choosing your materials
The purpose of the room will most likely determine the materials you pick. Here are a few areas where you’ll have some options.
Flooring
What type of floors will you need in your finished basement? On one end, you could choose to have painted concrete floors. On the other end, perhaps you want to carpet everywhere. Or maybe you have a bathroom or kitchen that necessitates tiling. One thing to consider, especially as basements are typically below ground level, is whether or not you would like to have heated flooring if you live somewhere that gets cold winters.
Walls
When finishing basement walls, there are particular construction materials available designed for basements. Be sure to ask your contractor about these. Then consider whether you want smooth, painted walls or to incorporate natural textures such as stonework.
Finding the right contractor
Once you’ve considered all the factors above and are ready and committed to undergoing a basement finishing, it’s time to find the perfect contractor. If you’re not sure what to look for in general, check out our articles “6 Industry Tricks a Good General Contractor Will Know,” and “How to Build a Home Renovation Team You Can Trust.”
That said, when it comes to basements, this is a significant and expensive home renovation, so you should feel confident that your contractor understands and supports your vision completely. For instance, a good contractor will be willing to discuss the pros and cons of various materials with you. While you might have some prior research done beforehand, you can’t be an expert and should be able to rely on a contractor to weigh in on the decision.
Because a basement renovation can be technically challenging with all the permit, moisture, and other factors, make sure the contractor you hire has experience in this area and takes the time to talk the project over with you in-depth before committing to anything. The worst-case scenario would be to hire a contractor who says he can do the job, then realizes what you envision for your basement has all kinds of expensive complications that he didn’t foresee.
Added value to your home
If you’re still on the fence about undergoing a basement finishing, know that this type of home renovation has the potential to increase your property value substantially. In fact, a finished basement usually delivers a return on investment of 70 to 75%. So, if you spent $10,000 on a finished basement, you might see your home value increase by $7,000.
If you plan to resell your house later, this can be a great deal. Overall, if you’ve considered the relevant factors and have saved the money to do so, a finished basement is a great project that will add value to your home and create a new space situated to your unique needs. If you’re ready to go all-in with these benefits, contact us at Legacy Renovations today to learn more about how we can help you gain the basement of your dreams.
