Remodeling your basement can breathe new life into your whole house. It allows you to expand your living area, creating a space that perfectly suits your lifestyle, raises the value of your home, and can help to add utility and function to an area of your house that might otherwise be neglected. A home remodeling project can be a serious undertaking, but if you plan smart, the entire process can flow smoothly and leave you with a basement that you’ll enjoy using for many years to come. If you’re considering remodeling your basement this summer, the time to start making plans is now! Here’s a quick guide to the major steps of planning a basement renovation for this coming summer.
Identify Your Needs
Before you really get started with anything else, it’s important to set out clear guidelines for what you want out of your new basement. What do you plan to use the space for– a bedroom, an office, a family room, an entertaining space? The possibilities are endless. Take in any changes that need to be made, such as new windows, creating storage space, or adding separate entrances. Is the basement already accessible, or does it need changes there? Are you planning on adding a bathroom or kitchen? Take stock of what you expect a normal day using your refinished basement to look like, and make your plan around that.
Set Your Budget
Once you know what you want, you’ll need to get an idea of your budget before you go any further. How much you have set aside to spend on the project will determine what you are and aren’t able to do. A finished basement can offer a good ROI on your house, especially if other houses in your neighborhood tend to have unfinished basements, so take this into account while setting your budget, as well as considering how long you plan to live in your house.
Choose a Contractor
Once you know what you want and how much you can spend, it’s time to start looking for a construction company to complete the renovation. This is the time to really dig in and do your research, because the contractor you choose will have a marked effect on your finished product! Look for companies that are well established in your area, that have good reviews, and that can show you a portfolio of previous projects they’ve done. A reputable contractor will be able to provide you with referrals if you ask for them, and will give you estimates for time and cost as well as you begin to discuss your project in more detail.
Prepare for the Renovation
Once you’ve settled on a contractor and it’s getting closer to the time the project will begin, you’ll need to start making some practical plans for yourself and your family during the renovation. Decide whether or not you’ll continue living in the house while work is going on. Some people do and some people don’t– it will depend on your situation, and your contractor should be able to make a recommendation about what will be most convenient for you and most efficient for them. Consider how the work in your home will affect your daily life– do you work from home and run the risk of getting distracted? Will the noise and bustle upset your pets? Will the tools and work area be a danger to children or animals in your house? Based on these factors and how long the project is expected to run, make a plan for how you’ll deal with the renovation process.
Enjoy Your Space
When all is said and done, all that’s left for you to do is to enjoy your fabulous new renovated basement! Although the process requires some work and can be stressful at times, it’ll be more than worth it when you get to use your brand new space in your daily life.
If you’re interested in remodeling your basement this summer, it’s time to start planning! Eagle Construction in Blandon, PA can help you with our extensive experience and expertise on construction and remodeling. Contact us here today if you’d like to learn more!