Ready to Remodel your Basement? 5 Things First
Maybe your basement is unfinished, outdated or not functioning the way you would like. A basement remodel might be the best solution to add some needed space to your home. Whether you want to add a guest suite, game room, home office, or play room, we can work with you to make it happen. When planning a basement remodel, here are 5 important things to consider:
1. Moisture and Waterproofing
This is especially important if you have already had water issues in the past. Before investing in new flooring, walls, and finishes, proper waterproofing is key. Check for leaks or dampness, especially after big storms during the spring. If your home doesn’t already have a drainage system or waterproofing products installed, this may be something to discuss incorporating into the basement remodel.
During our initial estimate appointment, we will look for signs of past water damage, and current systems to prevent future water damage.
2. Purpose and Design
To get the most out of your newly renovated space, think about how you plan to use the basement for the next 5, 10, 20 years. Think about the spaces you want to include, for example a bedroom, bathroom, home office, gym, or family room. What types of spaces might add to the home’s value?
Then, look at any relevant building codes or design constraints. For example, all bedrooms need a secondary escape route, which may mean an egress window in a basement. Has plumbing already been roughed-in for a bathroom somewhere? How will you access the mechanical room and electrical panel?
Finally, once you have floorplan figured out, we then plan for lighting, plumbing, insulation, heating/cooling, and ventilation to meet the building codes and the planned functions for each space.
Floor Plans and Basement Layout
Here is an example of a preliminary floor plan that we include with our free quotes. We also generate 3D sketches so you can see what the space will look like when it’s completed.
3D Rendering
We also provide a 3D rendering of the space based on the provided floor plans. This gives you a better sense for the size of each space and the flow throughout the basement.
3. Plumbing, Electrical, and Heating/Cooling
One of the benefits of working with a general contractor like Delta Remodeling for your basement remodel is that we have built strong relationships with licensed plumbers, electricians, and HVAC contractors. As the general contractor, we will work with our trusted sub-contractors to finalize a layout and building plan that meets all required building codes. We will consider things like whether or not the electrical panel needs an upgrade to support new outlets, lighting, and appliances; or if the HVAC system can handle the extra square footage. We also will recommend proper thermal and sound insulation, based on the intended uses of each space in the basement.
Roughing in the Space
Once we have the basement framing complete, our trusted subcontractors get to work roughing in the HVAC heating/cooling system and ductwork, plumbing for bathrooms and wet bars, and wiring all of the light fixtures, outlets and switches. During the planning process, we work with licensed professionals so that we are all on the same page before we begin working on site.
4. Selecting the Finishes
The finishes in a basement should work with the rest of the house. If it is possible to match things like the baseboards, window and door casings, and flooring to the upper levels of the home, it will give a natural cohesion that appeals to future buyers. When selecting flooring for a basement, consider moisture-resistant materials such as Luxury Vinyl Plank or engineered wood.
Often basements include a large multi-purpose space. If this is the case in your basement, think about breaking it up into functional zones. You can use things like area rugs, furniture, light fixtures, and accent walls to break up the large space, making it more cozy and inviting. In one area you may have a card table and shelf for board games, another space could have a sectional sofa, entertainment center, and a large area rug, and a third space could have a pool table with some bar stools for spectator seating and a small high-top table.
Design Cohesion
The finishes in this bathroom were selected to match finishes in bathrooms on the main and upper level of this house. The black cabinet and drawer pulls, shower trim and shower door all match the other bathrooms. The flooring is the same Luxury Vinyl Plank throughout the entire basement, for added cohesion of the spaces.
Functional Spaces
In this basement renovation, we installed an accent wall behind the TV and entertainment center for a warmer feel. The client then used a large area rug, sectional sofa, and plants to further define the space. Talk about cozy!
5. Budget and Return on Investment
Before gathering quotes, determine your budget and leave some room for unexpected costs. While we try to anticipate everything in the scope of work and project budget, home remodeling has the potential to uncover unknown issues that would need to be resolved once they’ve been discovered. In the estimate appointment, we will often ask our clients about their budget. This helps us determine if the work is feasible within the client’s budget. We do not base our estimates on this, rather we prepare our quotes using the current cost of materials and labor to complete the job. If we think a client’s budget is far below what would be needed to complete the job, we would say so right away.
Finally, consider how the basement renovation will impact your home’s resale value and appeal. You may want to consult with your real estate agent, or look at other home values in your area that have additional square footage in the basement. Maybe adding another bathroom or bedroom in the basement would increase the resale value enough to pay for itself when you sell your home. Win, win!