Remodeling a Basement? Step Up (Not Down) and Hire the Premier Basement Contractor in Tibbets!

For a long time, your basement has been mostly unused (or at least underutilized). Why shouldn’t this area upgrade your house, and quality of life? Are you prepared for basement remodeling that can make it your favorite room in your home in Tibbets?

 

Basement renovations are among the most common home remodeling projects. The end results can be almost anything: home theater rooms, game rooms, exercise studios, home offices, woodworking spaces, arts/crafts studios, wine cellars, bar areas … a basement remodeling has few limits, aside from size to work with!

 

The paybacks of a finished basement are many. Additional living space is a positive for young, growing families. Improved entertainment options are great for family time or when guests visit. Dedicated space for hobbies or personal interests creates the opportunity to really focus on one’s avocations. And, the boost in resale value seems to appeal to everyone.

 

Basement finishing involves a laundry list of details. The work typically takes many months. Costs can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

 

Hiring a veteran basement contractor, such as RNB Design Group, is critical to a successful basement remodeling in Tibbets. RNB Design Group has renovated dozens of basements in southeastern Wisconsin over more than 25 years.

 

Getting serious about turning your Tibbets basement into your new favorite place? Lots of decisions await. 

Is My Lower Space Usable for Basement Remodeling? 

Before going too far, figure out if your basement is amenable to refinishing. There’s probably more to ponder than you’d imagine!

 

The ceiling shouldn’t be shorter than seven feet for comfortable headroom. A foot or two higher provides an open, airy feel.

 

Designing a functional layout requires a minimum 700 square feet of floor space. Ideally, at least 1,000 square feet is available. Any more is gravy (and filled with possibilities).

 

Keep in mind you’ll have to plan around load-bearing supports such as columns and beams. Locations of natural light sources, especially windows, factors in. So do mechanical systems, usually HVAC and plumbing.

 

Is the basement moisture laden? Waterproofing and drainage factor in. So do ventilation and air quality. Insulation and the climate control system might need to be considered.

 

All this, before a single sheet of drywall goes up or any flooring is laid. Now you know why to plan for (possibly) a long haul! 

Which Decisions Does a Basement Designer Expect the Customer to Make? 

The particular decisions you’ll face hinge on the end goal of your basement renovations. Are you building a home theater or media room? A wet bar and kitchenette? A home gym? A home office or study? Something else?

 

Some materials selections are pretty universal: flooring, walls, ceiling, insulation and doors. Most remodeling projects involve these.

 

How do you want your finished basement space to “feel?” Modern? Traditional? Rustic? Industrial? All are popular design styles.

 

Personal touches come into play with decisions about finishes: paint colors and trim. Lighting fixtures (recessed or pendant). Plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets and maybe showers). Cabinetry and countertops. Design of any storage features.

 

Basement remodeling in Tibbets has become more complicated with technological advances, too. Monstrous TVs require planning for both “where” and “how.” Smart speakers and sound systems offer all-encompassing audio. Home automation systems, and smart lighting and thermostats, make environmental adjustments possible with a tap on a smartphone. 

 

What is the Process of Basement Remodeling? 

Basement finishing is similar to any other remodeling project: a process of steps. This is why having an accomplished basement remodeling contractor, such as RNB Design Group, is so critical. Let them handle the stress and checklists!

 

The pre-remodeling steps aren’t glamorous. A basement should be inspected to spot any potential hangups. Next are drawing up detailed plans for the basement renovations, and obtaining required permits and approvals. Subcontractors need to be identified and hired.

 

Demolition can start} after furniture and stored items are moved. Further steps, before the sledgehammers start swinging, are evaluating load-bearing supports and identifying necessary electrical or plumbing upgrades.

 

With the work site cleared off, construction starts. New walls arise, and windows in them. Wiring and piping are run. Insulation is frequently added to walls, floor and ceiling. Flooring – whether hardwood, tile or carpet – is laid.

 

The finishing phase is where the new space starts being recognizable. Walls and ceiling are painted. Trim work is done on moldings and doors. Lights are put up. Sinks and toilets get installed.

 

Your new space is almost ready to enjoy! The last touches are testing operational components, verifying all is complete and, of course, cleaning up afterward. 

How Long Do Basement Renovations Take? How Much Do They Cost? 

Once the basement remodeling process starts, it’s easy to get excited. You’ve dreamt of spending time in this new, ultra-modern space. How long do you have to wait?

 

Small projects can finish in six to 12 weeks. Medium projects can take up to 24 weeks. Large projects – with many moving parts, and lots of space to address – might last 40 weeks.

 

Many variables are involved. The smart approach is to plan ahead, maintain regular communication with a basement contractor, and be ready for unannounced delays. Hangups with acquiring materials, or working around subcontractors’ schedules, are unfortunately common.

 

Remodeling done correctly is not cheap. Basement refinishing is no exception. A small basement project can run up to $30,000; a medium-size undertaking, up to $60,000. Large basement projects can exceed $100,000, often involving the creation and outfitting of several rooms.

 

Homeowners can save cash on basement completion costs by choosing cost-effective materials, and using local contractors. Some elements of a project might be do-it-yourself for the right person(s). Planning is always the most effective cost controller.

 

What are the aspirations for your Tibbets basement? Tired of living with space you know could be used so much better? Start exploring its potential - contact RNB Design Group for advice and guidance on transforming your basement into the space you’ve been wanting. Give your lifestyle a step up, every time you go down a few steps in your Tibbets home!