When looking at projects that will increase your living space and provide more function for your family, finishing an unfinished basement often tops the list. A finished basement can be an incredibly versatile space that can be customized to however your family will use it best: a home theater, playroom, guest suite, office, or home gym. However, another powerful reason to finish your basement – is that transforming an unfinished basement into an additional living space can significantly increase your home’s market appeal and have a strong return on investment – an average of 86%, based on the National Association of Realtors report. Whether you are planning to stay in your home for a while or are considering selling in the future, basement finishing is the ultimate home value booster.
There are many options for how to use a finished basement. You can create a home office, a personal gym, a spare bedroom, an in-law suite, a home bar, a playroom, or an entertainment center. Some of these uses are more attractive to buyers, while others are the space your family needs. Before you begin to meet with contractors, really consider how your family wants to use the space and how long you plan to use it in the same way. An in-law suite with a kitchenette and bathroom will require substantial plumbing work, a playroom may only be in use for a few years, and specific niche ideas (like a craft studio, a dance studio, or a home office) may not appeal to everyone, especially if you plan on selling your home in a few years. Look at the space layout and brainstorm how your family can make the best use of the extra room this home remodel will provide and if the initial remodel will allow for further customization. The more versatility and ability to change the function with a generic base, the better.
DIY has its place in the home remodeling world, but basement finishing is best left to the professionals. You need a skilled contractor to handle everything a basement finishing project entails. Basement renovations involve plumbing, electrical work, flooring, sheet rocking, and insulation, and with so many components, an experienced team member will help keep the project on track. When working in a basement, even the slightest mistake with the plumbing, flooring, or walls could come back to bite you as water damage, mold, or HVAC issues. If you are dealing with more extensive plumbing and electrical work, you need a professional to make sure everything is done correctly and up to code. A contractor managing the project will make sure that you still have easy access to essential utilities, like your furnace, water heater, and electrical panels, during the renovation and will guarantee that everything goes smoothly.
When finishing your basement, there are a few things to consider.
Since basements have far less natural light than other parts of your home, you must invest in quality lighting. Recessed lighting works very effectively over other options.
Basements almost always start with concrete floors, which can be cold and hard. Covering these floors with a forgiving subfloor for comfort, using tile, vinyl planks, or laminate to enhance the look is usually the best option. Hardwood floors are beautiful above ground levels but can warp easily in a basement, and carpet is susceptible to water damage, so impervious materials are best.
Air quality, as well as heating and cooling, can be a challenge in certain basements. Your contractor can assess your current space and advise you on how to make the basement comfortable.
The size of the basement, the materials you choose, and the scale of your remodel will determine the cost of your basement renovation. Some homeowners will renovate part of the basement for an extra living space while sectioning off another space for storage and utility. Others will try to get the maximum living space possible. Figure out your budget for the entire project before speaking with your contractor, and present your contractor with a wish list alongside your budget with your wants and needs to be prioritized. Your contractor may have advice on where to focus your attention, where to cut back, and which materials will work best within your budget. Your contractor will also often have a pulse on the housing market and be able to advise you on which basement features are selling points for current buyers. If you know your investment will return to you, it is often easier to budget the initial investment. Basement square footage is typically calculated at approximately $70/square foot when figuring out the value of your home, so you can easily discern how much the basement will add to your home.
The right basement contractor can ensure that your home remodel is worth the investment and will create a space your family can enjoy for all the years you spend in the home. Whether you create a space for family and friends to gather, an in-law or adult child apartment, or a space for your passions, a basement remodel will give you the square footage your family needs and an attractive property listing when you’re ready to sell.
Transform your basement into a valuable living space with All-Nu Construction. Let us help you create a beautiful and functional addition that boosts your home’s value. Contact us today to get started!