Most times, our basement is used primarily to store unused stuff that has accumulated over the years and the tendency is a clutter is created and it just doesn’t seem to stop.
One way of putting an end to all that mess is finally making that decision to turn it into a room that will serve useful to all members of the family.
Planning
It is normally the first thing to do – making that decision and part of that decision is identifying how you want the space to be made into.
It can become a guest recreation area, with a pool table or an entertainment center with your nice new gadgets; or a playroom for kids and their friends; can also be a workout gym, a music room, or another bedroom perhaps for a guest.
Whatever decision you make, the requirements of a renovation would vary.
Preparation
Draw to scale your basement space. Use accurate measurements of the entire area, making considerations of all existing rooms, doorways and windows.
Do not forget to map out the necessary sections where normally the biggest issues in renovations come from, like the location of sewage pipes, water pipes, the furnace, and sump pump. You must ensure that easy access to these areas is considered. You don’t want to get into problems in the future when you have to deal with them occasionally. (Read more)
If a laundry room or bathroom is included in your plans, position this section by the water heater. You want to avoid extensive plumbing which will be added expense.
List down all that needs to be done – carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring, insulation, drywalling, painting – and decide what areas you can do by yourself and which ones can be done by a contractor.
We all know that doing things ourselves will cut down our budget into almost half so make that effort and determination. It all will pay off when you have finished the basement remodeling in the end.
Check your local building regulations in your area; you may need to get a building permit before you can start your project.
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Budget
Cost out everything that will be required, from building materials and labor to furniture and fixtures.
You may use online sources or home improvement center knowledge to help you calculate quantities and prices of materials you will need.
Ensure that you consider every little detail into your budget as most times we forget to include and never really thought about some things that in the end inflates our budget.
Contractors will charge within the range of $15 to $25 per square foot. Before hiring one, you must check into the works they have already done so that you are ensured of quality work within a time frame that is properly managed.
Plan around existing installations as you will manage the cost down to a level that is acceptable if you do so.
List down the tools you will need – if you are to buy or rent them, do not forget to include in your budget.
Scope and sequence of work
Here is a summary of what the entire renovation would entail that can help you plan your project efficiently. Click here to read more.
- Clearing of existing basement space
- Inspect your basement for damp, and do moisture proofing on the floor and walls
- Installation of subfloor
- Laying out your walls
- Framing of your walls, all rooms, and the ceiling
- Installation of all technical requirements like electrical wiring, plumbing, cable and telecommunication systems
- Installation of vapor barriers and insulation
- Installation of the dry wall
- Installation of your floor
- Installation of the baseboards
- Installation of all lighting fixtures
- Painting the walls and ceilings
With all of that in the bag, go renovate!