Turning an unfinished basement into a functional living space can significantly increase home value. But it is a major renovation project that requires advanced renovating skills.
To be considered finished, a basement must have permanent heating and cooling systems like the rest of the house. Window air conditioning units and swamp coolers don’t count. For professional help, contact Finishing Basement Lehi.
When it comes to boosting home value and expanding living space, finishing a basement is often the best solution. It offers a cost-effective alternative to an addition, and it may be the only option for homeowners who want more living space but can’t afford or otherwise make room for an expansion in their current homes.
Before starting any renovation work, a homeowner should take the time to identify their needs and vision for the finished space. This will not only affect the layout of the new rooms, but it will also influence the choice of materials and fixtures. For example, homeowners will have to consider the type of flooring and whether they want a drop ceiling or exposed ceiling. It’s a good idea to consult with an expert about these major decisions before beginning the project.
Among the most crucial considerations is how the finished basement will be used. Some common choices include a home theater, family room, playroom, gym, and home office. Each of these areas requires different flooring, furniture, and décor.
It’s also important to determine how the basement will be heated and cooled. The basement is typically a colder and more humid environment than the rest of the house, so ensuring adequate insulation and extending the existing HVAC system to the basement will help regulate temperature and humidity and reduce energy costs. It’s a good idea to speak with a qualified HVAC technician before starting the renovation.
Another consideration is where the main water shutoff and sewer line cleanout will be located in the finished basement. It’s essential to ensure easy access to these panels in case of future repairs or emergencies. The last thing anyone wants is to be standing in raw sewage five years down the road!
Finally, if the finished basement will be home to a bar or entertainment area, it’s a good idea to install a ping pong table, pool table, or gaming system. This will encourage social interaction among family and guests, creating a fun and relaxing environment. Adding a wine cellar is also a great way to add elegance to the space and showcase your collection of favorite bottles.
Make a Budget
A basement finishing project can add a large living space to your home. But it’s important to have a clear plan in place and stick to your budget. The costs of finishing a basement vary greatly, and the type of design you choose will play a big role in how expensive it is. You can minimize costs by handling things yourself and sourcing inexpensive materials, but it’s essential to have a contractor oversee projects that are bound by code (like plumbing, HVAC and electrical work) or require specialized skill sets (like framing).
Before you start the work, decide what you want your finished basement to look like. If your goal is to create a family room, consider keeping the walls and flooring simple, as this will save on cost. If you’re planning to make bedrooms or a bathroom, keep in mind that residential building codes require rooms to have at least one point of egress (exit other than the door), and that will increase your budget.
Once you’ve determined your goals for the space, take measurements of every room and sketch a floor plan. This will help you visualize the layout and determine the best location for windows, doors and appliances. It will also help you estimate how much material you’ll need for the job. To cut costs, use basic tools you already have at home and rent the ones you don’t need to complete the project. You can also check local thrift stores and online marketplaces for used materials that may fit your needs.
If you’re unable to afford all of the expenses related to your remodel, there are a variety of financing options available for home improvement. You can get a personal loan, a line of credit or even a home equity loan. The latter option borrows against the equity in your home, using your house as collateral, and it’s often more affordable than other forms of debt.
To make sure you don’t overspend on the project, track and deduct costs from your categories regularly. It’s a good idea to have a separate category for furniture and other items, and to always select low- to mid-grade fixtures and accents over high-end options that may not hold up to wear and tear.
Get Permits
In many cities, including NY, it is a legal requirement to obtain a permit for any basement renovation or finishing project. Not obtaining the required permit may lead to serious consequences for the homeowner. For one, the work carried out without a permit will most likely fail inspections and will require costly repairs. In addition, the owner may be subject to hefty fines.
Moreover, the lack of permits can affect resale value of the home as prospective buyers will be cautious of buying a home with unpermitted renovations. This may also lead to difficulty with getting insurance coverage as most insurance providers require homes to comply with all applicable local codes and regulations.
To avoid these issues, homeowners can choose to work with licensed contractors and registered design professionals who are familiar with the permit process and requirements in their area. These professionals can help them navigate the process and ensure that the finished basement meets all code requirements.
The permit process can be lengthy and complex, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with local rules and regulations. As such, it is best to consult with the construction department in your township for more information about obtaining the proper permits for basement renovations. Additionally, homeowners can hire contractors who specialize in basement finishing to simplify the process.
Some minor work in NY does not require a permit, such as ordinary plumbing works and emergency work. However, owners must still comply with other city agency requirements.
To apply for a permit, the homeowner must submit construction drawings, plans and specifications. These are then reviewed by the department of buildings (DOB). After the review, the DOB will issue a permit to start the work. Once the work is completed, the DOB will conduct final inspections to make sure that the work complies with the approved plans and all relevant codes and regulations. Once the DOB has verified that the basement is up to standards, it will issue a certificate of occupancy or letter of completion. This can be a lengthy and time-consuming process, but it is crucial to ensuring that the finished basement complies with all building standards and regulations.
Start the Work
Turning your basement into a beautiful new living space can add value to your home and give you a comfortable place to entertain friends or family. However, the process is a bit more involved than simply dusting off your old treadmill and vacuuming a few times a year. Typically, finishing a basement requires a lot of preparation work and is a project best left to professionals.
It is important to clear away any clutter in your basement and plan the layout of your new room before beginning the renovation. This will help keep the process as smooth as possible and prevent any mishaps during construction that could delay the completion of your new basement. Keeping your living spaces upstairs free of boxes and larger items such as workout equipment will also allow you to work without interrupting the rest of your house during the renovation. If you are unable to find space for your large items you can always hire a POD to pick up and store them for you during the construction process.
Once you have the layout in mind and any required permits are pulled it is time to get to work on the actual construction of your new basement. This stage is critical as it ensures your finished basement will meet all local building codes and is up to par with any future changes. Non-permitted work can cost you much more in the long run, especially if you ever decide to sell your home.
The first step in this phase is laying out the foundation for your walls. Then you can start framing the drywall. You will need to account for any outlets, valves or other things that will need access by measuring and cutting out the appropriate areas in the drywall before securing it to the studs. Then you will mud over any seams and screw heads for a clean finish.
When the drywall is up trim carpenters will come in and install any door casing, baseboard or other trim that may be necessary. This will make the finished product look great and also prevent any moisture from getting into the walls in the future.
