Basement Finishing Project

A basement finishing project may be completed within a few weeks or may be extended over months, depending on the changes you want to make and the cost of your finishing job. Homeowners on a budget may decide that finishing the basement with adequate insulation, wall paneling and thorough waterproofing provides a solid foundation for future remodeling efforts. Over time, you can add new flooring, enlarge your windows, even install a wet bar or game area in your basement.

Because of the unique environment in the room below your house, a complete remodel of this area may require expertise in several areas. A knowledgeable contractor, after providing a basement remodel quote, can guide you through the process, bringing in other professionals if necessary. As you tackle waterproofing, lighting, ventilation, paneling and flooring, you'll appreciate the help of a home remodeling expert. Take the time to find a contractor in your area who has a strong reputation for completing jobs in a timely, cost effective manner.

Basement Finishing Checklist

At the beginning of a basement finishing project, it's important to create a checklist of the tasks that need to be accomplished just to make this underground area secure and comfortable. If this region of your property has been little more than a damp, moldy cellar, you'll need to start with the basics, like insulation and waterproofing. Add these tasks to the top of the checklist for your finishing project.

The floors in many basements need to be leveled before new flooring can be installed. Make sure the floors are taken into consideration when you're writing your list. Plumbing ducts, electrical wiring, wall paneling, ceilings and windows must all be addressed as part of your basement finishing project. If there is no running water or electricity in the basement, you may need to call in a plumber and an electrician if your project requires these basic conveniences.

The windows in the lower region of your house may not seem like a significant source of energy loss, but a cracked or outdated window can cause air leakage. Air leakage from cellar windows not only makes this space uncomfortably cold; it can affect the overall cost of heating your home. Include window inspection, caulking, weatherstripping and possible replacement on your project checklist.

Working through your checklist with a licensed contractor gives you several important advantages. A contractor can tell you which aspects of your finishing project may require a permit from your local planning agency. Contractors can also advise you on how you can keep your project compliant with local construction codes. Talk with several contractors about your finishing project before you make a commitment to any particular team. Shopping around for quotes is an effective way to save money on a basement finishing project.

Installing a New Basement Ceiling

As part of a basement finishing project, many homeowners decide to have a drop ceiling installed in this area of their home. A drop ceiling conceals pipes, electrical wiring and heating or cooling ducts from view, giving the space a more polished, finished appearance. At the same time, a drop ceiling gives homeowners or contractors easy access to the pipes in case any leaks need to be fixed. Leaking pipes are one of the most common causes of water damage in the lower area of a home.

Drop ceilings consist of a metal grid which acts as a framework for a series of tiles. Many manufacturers now offer more attractive drop ceiling options, so you don't end up with a ceiling that gives the room an institutional look. Talk with your contractor about adding a ceiling to your basement finishing project to complete your decor. Your local planning agency may require that the ceiling be a certain height in order to provide adequate head room.

Finding a Qualified Basement Contractor

One of the most important steps in your basement finishing project may be finding a reliable remodeling contractor. Contractors should be licensed by the state where you live and should have substantial experience in the type of work you need to have performed. Remodeling this underground area of your house requires a thorough knowledge of insulation, water sealing, flooring and paneling. In addition, your contractor should have enough knowledge of plumbing and electrical wiring to assist you in these areas.

Because a basement finishing project is often multi-faceted, you may find yourself relying on a team of experts throughout the process. With the help of your remodeling team, you can have the attractive, comfortable living area that you'd hoped for. Before you make a final decision about the contractor who's most qualified to handle your basement finishing project, request estimates from multiple professionals in your area. You'll be more confident about your decision if you've talked with several local experts.