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

For a long duration, your basement has sat largely 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 Greendale?

 

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 makeover 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 visit. Dedicated space for hobbies or personal interests creates the opportunity to hone in on one’s avocations. And, the jump in resale value seems to appeal to everyone.

 

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

 

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

 

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

Is My Lower Space Usable for Basement Remodeling? 

Before going too far, check that 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 functional plan requires a minimum 700 square feet of floor space. Ideally, at least 1,000 square feet exists. Any more is a bonus (and filled with possibilities).

 

Remember that you’ll have to work 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 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 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 choices 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 Greendale 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 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 series of steps. This is why having an accomplished basement remodeling 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 evaluated to spot any potential issues. 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 starts. 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 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 refinishing process begins, it’s easy to get excited. You’ve dreamt of enjoying 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 multiple moving parts, and lots of space to address – might last 40 weeks.

 

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

 

Remodeling done properly 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 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 Greendale 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 Greendale house!