A basement remodel starts with cleaning out the existing mess and finding a temporary home for everything. Next comes putting up framing and drywall, which requires precise measurements and a good mask for breathing in drywall dust.
Smart storage options like a mud room, craft space, and a home office help make the most of the new basement. Finishing touches include flooring and lighting. Click https://www.tacomakitchenremodel.com/ for more information.
The cost of a basement remodel depends on the type of work you need. At the low end, converting a bare concrete basement into a simple rec room with vinyl flooring may run as little as $4,000. On the high end, renovating to add a kitchen and bedroom may cost $80,000 or more.
Framing, plumbing and electrical costs are usually the biggest expenses for a basement finish. In many areas, contractors charge between $50 and $100 per hour, plus materials and supplies. Some jobs, such as installing a laundry room or bathroom, require special skills and are more expensive than others. You can reduce basement remodeling costs by choosing less expensive hardware, fabrics and furnishings.
If your basement is damp or has water damage, professional mold remediation and drywall repair can increase the cost of your renovation by a significant amount. You may also need to replace insulation and rewire your entire basement, which can add up to more than $10,000.
If you are a skilled DIYer, some parts of a basement finish, such as painting and tiling, can be saved by tackling the work yourself. However, it’s best to have a contractor oversee the project and ensure all work is up to code. They’ll also handle pulling any required permits and ensure your renovation is safe. They can also help you find affordable materials and appliances.
Design
Basement remodeling is a great way to add extra living space to your home and increase its value. You can turn your basement into a bedroom, kitchen, home theater, office, or playroom for the kids. It’s also a more affordable option than adding an attic to your home.
One of the most important things to consider when designing your basement is the layout. You’ll need to plan your layout so that you can easily access electrical outlets, plumbing, and HVAC systems. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and delays later on.
Another important consideration is the flooring. Since basements typically lack natural light, you’ll want to choose a floor covering that reflects sunlight and brightens the space. Vinyl planks, for example, offer the look of hardwood floors at a lower cost. For a more modern style, you can opt for concrete or ceramic tile floors.
Depending on your needs, you might want to add a bathroom to your basement remodel. This will add value to your home and make it more comfortable for guests. Adding a bathroom is a big job, but it’s worth the investment.
If you’re planning to use your basement as a living room, game room, or gym, it’s important to separate the different areas. You can do this by using room dividers or tall furniture. You can also use screens or accordion doors to provide transitions between spaces.
Demolition
Basement remodeling is a complex project that requires a significant amount of time and energy. However, the investment can pay off in resale value and increased family living space. According to Remodeling Magazine, homeowners can recoup 70 percent of the costs when they sell their house.
The first step in a basement remodel is removing all the old stuff. This can include drywall, flooring and any existing furniture or appliances. You may also need to remove any ductwork, wiring and plumbing that is still in place. You will also need to make sure that the basement is dry and free of mold before you start remodeling.
You will need to insulate the walls before you start framing, but it is better to do this before putting up the drywall. Insulation helps the basement stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also reduces noise and lowers utility bills. There are several types of insulation to choose from, including spray foam, foam board and fiberglass.
Once you have removed all the old stuff, you will need to start with a clean slate. This may mean tearing down some walls or simply ripping up 1970s green shag carpet. You will need to rent a large garbage bin for the trash, and you may want to check with your local sanitation department to see what items can and cannot go in regular trash.
Additions
If your basement has plenty of room and you want to make it into a living space, consider adding rooms like a bedroom, home office, or bathroom. These additions will add value to your home and help you enjoy the space more fully. You can also use creative transitions to separate different areas of the basement, such as barn doors and archways.
If you have a lot of family and friends who love to hang out in your house, turn the basement into a party room with a bar. This way, you can serve drinks and appetizers while watching sports on TV or hanging out with your family. You can also turn the basement into a home gym to stay healthy and active.
Basements are often cold and dark, but they can be transformed into a warm and inviting place for socializing. This is a great way to get the most out of your home and give it more livable square footage without the cost of building an extension.
Constructing a new addition is more expensive than remodeling a basement, but it can be worth the investment if you are looking for a specific type of space or want to increase your home’s value. Adding an addition may require a permit from the city, so be sure to check with your local municipality before beginning construction. Also, remember that renovation projects can hit snags at any time. It is best to have a contingency fund on hand in case you run into trouble during the process.
Plumbing
In most homes, basements were never designed to be fully functional living spaces. As such, converting an existing space into a functional bathroom requires careful planning. The first step is determining what kind of work you need to have done. Depending on your needs, you may need to add an entire bathroom or simply replace the sink, toilet and shower. You also need to consider the number of people using the new space and what their needs will be.
One of the most important aspects of this stage is figuring out how to get your hot and cold water to the new bathroom. This involves tracing the route of your supply lines so they don’t run into any structure, like headers or beams. It is also necessary to add venting. Plumbing systems work sort of like a soda straw: if there isn’t enough ‘air behind the water’, it can choke and gurgle when flushed. The solution is to add a vent, typically a Studor vent, which allows air in but not sewer gas out.
If you plan on adding a basement bathroom, it is also necessary to install sewage plumbing. This is done by installing a basin or ‘crock’ below the basement floor. A sewage pump is installed in this crock and a pipe connects it to the existing sewer line, allowing sewage liquids and solids to be pumped up into the main line, where they can be sent to the septic tank or sewer system.
Electrical
Whether you’re turning your basement into a home theatre, suite, laundry room or playroom for the kids, it is important to have the right amount of outlets and light switches. You can work with a professional electrician to choose locations for receptacles, breakers, and switch boxes. This will ensure that there are enough outlets for all of your appliances, and it will prevent overloading.
Adding ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets is also a good idea. These help to prevent electrocution by cutting off the power in the event of a short or overflow. You will need to install at least one GFCI outlet per living space in the basement.
In addition to receptacles and switches, you will need to add new recessed lighting, ceiling fans and other electrical fixtures. If you are planning a home office, you will need to have adequate task lighting.
If you are adding a home entertainment system, you will need to run wiring for the speakers. This can be a complicated task, and leaving it to a qualified professional is best.
Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to obtain a permit before beginning renovations. A permit will ensure that the work is done correctly and is safe for occupants. It’s usually necessary for any structural, architectural, or plumbing changes. These permits will be inspected by your local authorities before being issued.
