Basement renovation is a quick and easy way to add more rooms to your house without the need for expensive home additions. The large space provides a wealth of remodeling and design possibilities. Your cold and dark basement can quickly turn into a cheerful family room, and entertaining area for your friends, a den with a built bar, a play room or an extra bedroom. You might even find using a finished basement as a home office enhances productivity, and allows you to spend more time at home. If you have a hobby that needs a separate working area like wood work or sewing, or if you run a home business that requires a large production space, look no further than your finished basement for your new work center.
The first element of finishing your basement is taking care of waterproofing. A damp basement will not only ruin your furniture and furnishings, and produce that awful smell, but it can also decrease the value of your home by up to 25%. A completely dry basement is entirely possible by installing proper insulation that prevents condensation and moisture problems. After water proofing is done, look at ways to brighten your basement. Dull gray and brown colored paints are absolute no- nos. Look at light pastel shades like cream, ivory or yellow to bring in the light, and create an illusion of spaciousness. Open up existing windows to increase the brightness, and ensure good circulation of air. If you plan to use your basement for more than one purpose, like as a family room and an extra bedroom, demarcate these areas to establish boundaries, and to ensure proper flow in your basement. If you intend to continue using the basement as a storage area, designate a special storage closet or storage room to hold all your junk.
When it comes to finishing a basement, there are 3 steps that are most important -- planning, planning and more planning. If you walk into a basement remodel project without a detailed floor plan, you could find yourself with costs that shoot through the roof, and delayed completion. There are also building code requirements to be met, and building permits to be obtained. Then there is the matter of finding and hiring a basement contractor who can bring your vision to life. Take into consideration that basement contractors are extremely busy during certain times of the year, like summer and may not be able to give you starting dates. Remember, a finished basement will most likely include almost every single element that can be found in the home above -- flooring, electrical and plumbing fixtures, ventilation, water proofing, painting and furnishings. Begin planning your basement renovation at least a few months ahead, discuss all possibilities with your family, and shop around for bargain prices on fittings and accessories, so you can get the most value for your basement remodel cost.
I need contractor to remodel a condo. Scope of work is as follows: wood flooring common areas , carpet in bedrooms, slate pavers in kitchen, painting throughout, light electrical, plumbing fixtures in kitchen and baths, resurface cabinetry throughout, tile in showers, granite or concrete countertops in kitchen and baths, light rough carpentry, install new appliances kitchen, etc. Please contact me so we can discuss scope of work and project timeline.
Mark F
I would like to convert my garage into an office. I would like to raise the floor so that it matches the house. The garage has a bathroom that also needs to be raised. Inside the garage is AC, and gas water heater. Gaage has already been enclosed by previous owner. Would prefer someone with references in garage conversions, so I can see your work.
Javier L