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

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

 

Basement renovations are among the most undertaken home remodeling projects. The end results can be exciting: 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 paybacks of a finished basement are many. Increased living space is important for young, growing families. Enhanced entertainment options are great for family time or when company visits. 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 finishing involves plenty of details. The work typically 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 Utica. RNB Design Group has refinished dozens of basements in southeastern Wisconsin over more than 25 years.

 

Getting serious about turning your Utica basement into your new favorite space? Plenty of decisions lie ahead. 

Is My Lower Space Usable for Basement Refinishing? 

Before diving in too far, be sure your basement is suited to refinishing. There’s likely 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 exists. Any more is gravy (and filled with possibilities).

 

Remember that you’ll have to plan around load-bearing supports such as columns and beams. Locations 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 addressed.

 

All this, before a single sheet of drywall is erected 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 specific 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 almost universal: flooring, walls, ceiling, insulation and doors. Most remodeling projects involve these.

 

How do you hope your finished basement space 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 Utica 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 adjustments possible with a tap on a smartphone. 

 

What is the Process of Basement Remodeling? 

Basement finishing is like any other remodeling project: a process of steps. This is why having an experienced basement finishing contractor, such as RNB Design Group, is so important. 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 needed permits and approvals. Subcontractors have to be identified and hired.

 

Demolition can start} after furniture and stored items are relocated. 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 begins. 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 looking 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 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 refinish – might last 40 weeks.

 

Many variables factor in. The smart approach is to plan ahead, maintain regular communication with the basement remodeler, and prepare for unanticipated delays. Hangups with obtaining materials, or working around subcontractors’ schedules, are unfortunately common.

 

Remodeling done properly 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 dreams for your Utica basement? Tired of living around space you know could be used so much better? Start exploring its potential - 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 Utica home!