Refinishing a Basement? Step Up (Not Down) and Hire the Best Basement Contractor in Milwaukee County!
For a long period, your basement has sat mostly unused (or at least underutilized). Why shouldn’t this area upgrade your home, and quality of life? Are you prepared for basement refinishing that can make it your favorite room in your house in Milwaukee County?
Basement renovations are among the most undertaken home remodeling projects. The end results can be tremendously fun: home theater rooms, game rooms, exercise studios, home offices, woodworking spaces, arts/crafts studios, wine cellars, bar areas … a basement renovation has few limits, aside from size to work with!
The advantages 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 really focus on one’s avocations. And, the bump in resale value seems to appeal to everyone.
Basement finishing involves lots of details. The work usually takes many months. Costs can run into tens of thousands of dollars.
Hiring an experienced basement contractor, such as RNB Design Group, is vital to a successful basement remodeling in Milwaukee County. RNB Design Group has refinished dozens of basements in southeastern Wisconsin over more than 25 years.
Getting serious about turning your Milwaukee County basement into your new favorite space? Lots of decisions lie ahead.
Is My Lower Space Usable for Basement Refinishing?
Before diving in too far, be sure your basement is amenable to refinishing. There’s likely more to think about 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 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).
Keep in mind 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 moisture laden? 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 (possibly) a long haul!
Which Decisions Does a Basement Remodeler 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 seek 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 Milwaukee County has grown 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 Remodeling?
Basement finishing is similar to any other remodeling project: a process 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 should be evaluated to spot any potential complications. 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 begin} after furniture and stored items are relocated. Additional 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 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 begins, 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 refinish – might last 40 weeks.
Many variables play in. The best approach is to plan ahead, maintain open communication with your basement remodeler, and be ready for unannounced delays. Hangups with obtaining materials, or working around subcontractors’ schedules, are unfortunately common.
Remodeling done well is not cheap. 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 outfitting of several rooms.
Homeowners can save cash on basement finishing 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 always the most effective cost controller.
What are the aspirations for your Milwaukee County basement? Tired of living around 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 Milwaukee County house!