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

For a long span, your basement has been largely unused (or at least underutilized). Why shouldn’t this area improve your home, and quality of life? Are you ready for basement remodeling that can make it your favorite room in your home in Hartford?

 

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 advantages of a finished basement are many. Additional living space is important for young, growing families. Improved entertainment options are great for family time or when company arrives. Dedicated space for hobbies or personal interests creates the opportunity to hone in on one’s avocations. And, the bump in resale value seems to appeal to everyone.

 

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

 

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

 

Getting serious about turning your Hartford basement into your new favorite place? Lots of decisions lie ahead. 

Is My Lower Space Usable for Basement Remodeling? 

Before diving in too far, be sure your basement is amenable to refinishing. There’s likely more to consider 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 practical layout requires a minimum 700 square feet of floor space. Ideally, at least 1,000 square feet exists. Any more is a bonus (and loaded with possibilities).

 

Understand that 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 damp? 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 (potentially) a long haul! 

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

The particular decisions you’ll face depend 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 nearly universal: flooring, walls, ceiling, insulation and doors. Most remodeling projects involve these.

 

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

 

Personal touches matter 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 Hartford has become more complex with technological advances, too. Monstrous TVs require planning for both “where” and “how.” Smart speakers and sound systems offer incredible audio. Home automation systems, and smart lighting and thermostats, make environmental changes possible with a tap on a smartphone. 

 

What is the Process of Basement Finishing? 

Basement finishing is similar to any other remodeling project: a process of steps. This is why having an experienced basement finishing 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 issues. Next are drawing up detailed plans for the basement renovations, and obtaining needed permits and approvals. Subcontractors have to be identified and hired.

 

Demolition can commence} after furniture and stored items are moved. Further steps, before the sledgehammers start swinging, are evaluating load-bearing supports and identifying needed 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 looking recognizable. Walls and ceiling are painted. Trim work is done on moldings and doors. Lights are put up. Sinks and toilets get put in place.

 

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 starts, 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 last six to 12 weeks. Medium projects can take up to 24 weeks. Large projects – with multiple moving parts, and lots of space to work on – might last 40 weeks.

 

Many variables are involved. The best approach is to plan ahead, maintain frequent communication with a basement remodeler, and be ready for unanticipated delays. Hangups with obtaining materials, or working around subcontractors’ schedules, are unfortunately common.

 

Remodeling done right is not inexpensive. 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 money 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 ultimately the most effective cost controller.

 

What are the aspirations for your Hartford 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 Hartford home!