Renovating a Basement? Step Up (Not Down) and Hire the Best Basement Contractor in Aurora!

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

 

Basement renovations are among the most undertaken home remodeling projects. The end results can be awesome: 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 area to work with!

 

The advantages 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 arrive. Dedicated space for hobbies or personal interests creates the opportunity to hone in on one’s avocations. And, the boost in resale value seems to appeal to everyone.

 

Basement remodeling involves lots of details. The work usually takes several months. Costs can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

 

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

 

Getting serious about converting your Aurora basement into your new favorite place? Lots of decisions await. 

Is My Lower Space Usable for Basement Remodeling? 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Understand that you’ll have to design around load-bearing supports such as columns and beams. Placement of natural light sources, especially windows, matters. So do mechanical systems, usually HVAC and plumbing.

 

Is the basement damp? Waterproofing and drainage enter the picture. 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 (potentially) a long haul! 

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

The particular decisions you’ll face rely 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 choices are almost universal: flooring, walls, ceiling, insulation and doors. Most remodeling projects involve these.

 

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

 

Personal touches are important 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 refinishing in Aurora has become more complex with technological advances, too. Monstrous TVs require planning for both “where” and “how.” Smart speakers and sound systems offer amazing 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 Finishing? 

Basement finishing is similar to any other remodeling project: a series of steps. This is why having an experienced 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 must be inspected to spot any potential hangups. Next are drawing up detailed plans for the basement renovations, and obtaining required permits and approvals. Subcontractors have to be identified and hired.

 

Demolition can commence} after furniture and stored items are moved. Additional steps, before the sledgehammers start swinging, are evaluating load-bearing supports and spotting needed electrical or plumbing upgrades.

 

With the work site cleared off, construction commences. New walls go up, and windows in them. Wiring and piping are run. Insulation is often 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 go up. Sinks and toilets get installed.

 

Your new space is almost ready to enjoy! The final 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 gets rolling, it’s easy to get excited. You’ve dreamt of spending time in this new, ultra-modern space. How long must you wait?

 

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

 

Many variables factor in. The best approach is to plan ahead, maintain open communication with your basement contractor, and be ready for unanticipated delays. Hangups with accessing materials, or working around subcontractors’ schedules, are unfortunately common.

 

Remodeling done right is not inexpensive. Basement remodeling 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 equipping of several rooms.

 

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

 

What are the aspirations for your Aurora basement? Tired of living around space you know could be used so much better? Start exploring the possibilities - contact RNB Design Group for counsel 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 Aurora home!