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

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

 

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

 

The paybacks of a finished basement are many. Additional living space is a positive 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 bump in resale value seems to appeal to everyone.

 

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

 

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

 

Getting serious about transforming your North Prairie basement into your new favorite space? Lots of decisions await. 

Is My Lower Space Usable for Basement Refinishing? 

Before going too far, be sure your basement is adaptable 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 workable plan requires at least 700 square feet of floor space. Ideally, at least 1,000 square feet exists. Any more is a bonus (and filled with possibilities).

 

Know that you’ll have to plan around load-bearing supports such as columns and beams. Placement 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 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 Designer Expect the Customer to Make? 

The specific decisions you’ll face rely 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 want 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 remodeling in North Prairie has grown more complex with technological advances, too. Monstrous TVs require planning for both “where” and “how.” Smart speakers and sound systems offer all-encompassing 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 like any other remodeling project: a process of steps. This is why having an accomplished 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 evaluated 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 moved. 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 frequently added to walls, floor and ceiling. Flooring – whether hardwood, tile or carpet – is laid.

 

The finishing phase is where the new space starts being 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 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 factor in. The smart approach is to plan ahead, maintain open communication with the basement contractor, and be ready for unannounced delays. Hangups with acquiring materials, or working around subcontractors’ schedules, are unfortunately common.

 

Remodeling done well 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 equipping 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 North Prairie 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 North Prairie house!