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

For a long period, your basement has sat largely unused (or at least underutilized). Why shouldn’t this area enhance your house, and quality of life? Are you prepared for basement remodeling that can make it your favorite room in your home in Pewaukee West?

 

Basement renovations are among the most undertaken 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 area to work with!

 

The benefits of a finished basement are many. Enlarged living space is a positive for young, growing families. Enhanced entertainment options are great for family time or when guests arrive. 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 remodeling involves lots of details. The work usually takes several months. Costs can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

 

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

 

Getting serious about converting your Pewaukee West basement into your new favorite space? Plenty of decisions lie ahead. 

Is My Lower Space Usable for Basement Refinishing? 

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 manageable layout requires at least 700 square feet of floor space. Ideally, at least 1,000 square feet exists. Any more is a bonus (and loaded with possibilities).

 

Keep in mind you’ll have to work around load-bearing supports such as columns and beams. Placement of natural light sources, especially windows, factors in. 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 addressed.

 

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 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 choices 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 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 Pewaukee West has grown more complicated 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 adjustments possible with a tap on a smartphone. 

 

What is the Process of Basement Remodeling? 

Basement finishing is like 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 complications. 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 commence} after furniture and stored items are moved. Additional 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 go up, 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 go 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 gets rolling, 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 last 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 are involved. The smart approach is to plan ahead, maintain frequent communication with your basement contractor, and prepare for unexpected delays. Hangups with acquiring 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 cash 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 Pewaukee West basement? Tired of living around space you know could be used so much better? Start exploring the possibilities - 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 Pewaukee West house!