Remodeling a Basement? Step Up (Not Down) and Hire the Premier Basement Contractor in Port Washington!

For a long duration, your basement has sat largely unused (or at least underutilized). Why shouldn’t this space upgrade your house, and quality of life? Are you ready for basement remodeling that can make it your favorite room in your house in Port Washington?

 

Basement renovations are among the most common home remodeling projects. The end results can be tremendously fun: home theater rooms, game rooms, exercise studios, home offices, woodworking spaces, arts/crafts studios, wine cellars, bar areas … a basement remodeling has few limits, aside from size to work with!

 

The advantages of a finished basement are many. Increased living space is important for young, growing families. Improved entertainment options are great for family time or when guests visit. Dedicated space for hobbies or personal interests creates the opportunity to hone in on one’s avocations. And, the bump in resale value seems to appeal to everyone.

 

Basement remodeling involves a laundry list of details. The work typically takes several months. Costs can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

 

Hiring a knowledgeable basement contractor, such as RNB Design Group, is crucial to a successful basement remodeling in Port Washington. RNB Design Group has refinished dozens of basements in southeastern Wisconsin over more than 25 years.

 

Getting serious about transforming your Port Washington basement into your new favorite space? Plenty of decisions lie ahead. 

Is My Lower Space Usable for Basement Remodeling? 

Before diving in too far, figure out if your basement is adaptable to refinishing. There’s likely more to think about than you’d imagine!

 

The ceiling shouldn’t be shorter than seven feet for comfortable headroom. A foot or two higher provides an open, airy feel.

 

Designing a functional plan requires at least 700 square feet of floor space. Ideally, at least 1,000 square feet exists. Any more is gravy (and loaded with possibilities).

 

Remember that you’ll have to work around load-bearing supports such as columns and beams. Placement of natural light sources, especially windows, factors in. So do mechanical systems, usually HVAC and plumbing.

 

Is the basement moisture laden? Waterproofing and drainage enter the picture. So do ventilation and air quality. Insulation and the climate control system might need to be addressed.

 

All this, before a single sheet of drywall is erected or any flooring is laid. Now you know why to plan for (potentially) a long haul! 

Which Decisions Does a Basement Remodeler Expect the Customer to Make? 

The particular decisions you’ll face rely on the end goal of your basement renovations. Are you building a home theater or media room? A wet bar and kitchenette? A home gym? A home office or study? Something else?

 

Some materials choices are almost universal: flooring, walls, ceiling, insulation and doors. Most remodeling projects involve these.

 

How do you want your finished basement area to “feel?” Modern? Traditional? Rustic? Industrial? All are popular design styles.

 

Personal touches matter with decisions about finishes: paint colors and trim. Lighting fixtures (recessed or pendant). Plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets and maybe showers). Cabinetry and countertops. Design of any storage features.

 

Basement refinishing in Port Washington has become more complicated with technological advances, too. Monstrous TVs require planning for both “where” and “how.” Smart speakers and sound systems offer amazing audio. Home automation systems, and smart lighting and thermostats, make environmental adjustments possible with a tap on a smartphone. 

 

What is the Process of Basement Remodeling? 

Basement finishing is like any other remodeling project: a series of steps. This is why having an accomplished basement remodeling contractor, such as RNB Design Group, is so important. Let them handle the stress and checklists!

 

The pre-remodeling steps aren’t glamorous. A basement should be inspected to spot any potential issues. Next are drawing up detailed plans for the basement renovations, and obtaining needed permits and approvals. Subcontractors need to be identified and hired.

 

Demolition can begin} after furniture and stored items are moved. Additional steps, before the sledgehammers start swinging, are evaluating load-bearing supports and identifying needed electrical or plumbing upgrades.

 

With the work site cleared off, construction commences. New walls go up, and windows in them. Wiring and piping are run. Insulation is often added to walls, floor and ceiling. Flooring – whether hardwood, tile or carpet – is laid.

 

The finishing phase is where the new space starts being recognizable. Walls and ceiling are painted. Trim work is done on moldings and doors. Lights go up. Sinks and toilets get put in place.

 

Your new space is almost ready to enjoy! The last touches are testing operational components, verifying all is complete and, of course, cleaning up afterward. 

How Long Do Basement Renovations Take? How Much Do They Cost? 

Once the basement remodeling process begins, it’s easy to get excited. You’ve dreamt of spending time in this new, ultra-modern space. How long must you wait?

 

Small projects can finish in six to 12 weeks. Medium projects can take up to 24 weeks. Large projects – with many moving parts, and lots of space to work on – might last 40 weeks.

 

Many variables are involved. The best approach is to plan ahead, maintain regular communication with your basement contractor, and prepare for unannounced delays. Hangups with obtaining materials, or working around subcontractors’ schedules, are unfortunately common.

 

Remodeling done right is not inexpensive. Basement remodeling is no exception. A small basement project can run up to $30,000; a medium-size undertaking, up to $60,000. Large basement projects can exceed $100,000, often involving the creation and equipping of several rooms.

 

Homeowners can save cash on basement finishing costs by choosing cost-effective materials, and using local contractors. Some elements of a project might be do-it-yourself for the right person(s). Planning is always the most effective cost controller.

 

What are the aspirations for your Port Washington basement? Tired of living with space you know could be used so much better? Start exploring its potential - contact RNB Design Group for counsel and guidance on transforming your basement into the space you’ve been wanting. Give your lifestyle a step up, every time you go down a few steps in your Port Washington home!