Transforming your basement into a living area is one of the most popular home improvement projects. It can add value and provide extra space for a family room, bedroom or home office.
Before you begin the project, settle on a design and budget. Decide whether you want a drop ceiling or an exposed drywall ceiling. Each option has its benefits and installation instructions.
Framing
Framing basement walls is a significant portion of the overall price of finishing a basement. It involves installing a wood framework on the existing concrete walls to prepare for processes like insulation packing and electrical wiring.
Many different variables can affect the total cost of basement finish services. For example, if you’re planning on turning your basement into bedrooms, real estate agents and appraisers insist that the space must have an exit (door or window).
In addition to this requirement, you’ll also need to make sure all of the support beams are in good condition. Cutting corners in this area can lead to moisture build up and expensive repairs down the road. Finally, a basement contractor should be able to provide you with a full estimate before starting any work. Ensure that the estimates you receive are “apples to apples” so you can compare prices fairly. This will help you avoid paying for unnecessary services or overpaying for services.
Plumbing
Adding a basement bathroom, laundry room, or wet bar adds value and convenience to your home. However, basement remodeling is not without its challenges. It is important to work with a trusted basement contractor to ensure the job is completed correctly.
During the interview process, ask each potential basement contractor how they communicate with their clients. An experienced pro will answer your questions and concerns openly and respectfully, and provide insight on how your dream basement could come together based on your goals. They should also be confident enough to offer viable alternatives when a particular design may not be possible.
Depending on your local laws, a building permit will likely be required for basement remodeling projects that involve gas lines or plumbing (bathrooms, wet bars). If a basement contractor refuses to obtain a permit, they may be cutting corners on quality or trying to hide their work from authorities. Additionally, a project that is done without a permit cannot pass municipal inspections and will not be up to code upon completion.
Electrical
Basements make for an excellent home expansion project. They offer an attractive return on investment and are a more affordable way to add additional living space than adding on to your house.
Depending on what you’re looking for from your finished basement, you may need to install new doors or other types of room dividers. You’ll also need to think about the amount of lighting you’re going to need, as well as a power source for your electrical system.
It’s best to hire an electrician for any electrical work, as this is the most hazardous aspect of any basement finishing project. A skilled electrician will be able to ensure that the work is done correctly and that you meet all local safety standards. Failing to follow these requirements could result in your work being halted or even needing to be completely redone. This is why securing permits early on is so important. The cost of a permit will play a significant role in the overall cost of your basement remodeling.
Finishing
Finishing a basement can add value to your home. It can provide space for a home office, entertainment area, a man cave or workshop and more. The most important thing is that you hire a Northern Colorado Basement Finishing contractor that is honest and open with you throughout the entire process.
A basement remodel is not an easy project to take on yourself, so you will want to ensure that your contractor is able to handle the job. An experienced pro should be able to explain how the finished product will look based on your goals. They should also be able to offer you advice on what will or won’t work.
If the company has no reviews on Yelp, it could be because they are new or they are not a trustworthy contractor. Ask them directly why they don’t have any reviews, as this can give you a good idea of how well they will do the work.