Renovating a Basement? Step Up (Not Down) and Hire the Premier Basement Contractor in New Berlin!

For a long time, your basement has sat mostly unused (or at least underutilized). Why shouldn’t this room upgrade your house, and quality of life? Are you ready for basement refinishing that can make it your favorite room in your home in New Berlin?

 

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

 

The benefits of a finished basement are many. Additional living space is important for young, growing families. Enhanced entertainment options are great for family time or when company arrives. Dedicated space for hobbies or personal interests creates the opportunity to really focus on one’s avocations. And, the bump in resale value seems to appeal to everyone.

 

Basement finishing involves lots of details. The work usually takes many months. Costs can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

 

Hiring a knowledgeable basement contractor, such as RNB Design Group, is vital to a successful basement remodeling in New Berlin. RNB Design Group has remodeled dozens of basements in southeastern Wisconsin over more than 25 years.

 

Getting serious about converting your New Berlin basement into your new favorite place? Plenty of decisions await. 

Is My Lower Space Usable for Basement Refinishing? 

Before diving in too far, check that your basement is suited to refinishing. There’s probably more to ponder 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 workable layout requires a minimum 700 square feet of floor space. Ideally, at least 1,000 square feet is available. Any more is gravy (and loaded with possibilities).

 

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

 

Is the basement damp? 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 goes up or any flooring is laid. Now you know why to plan for (potentially) a long haul! 

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

The specific 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 selections are nearly 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 New Berlin has grown more complicated with technological advances, too. Monstrous TVs require planning for both “where” and “how.” Smart speakers and sound systems offer incredible 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 Finishing? 

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

 

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

 

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

 

With the work site cleared off, construction starts. 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 are put up. Sinks and toilets get installed.

 

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 do you have to 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 refinish – might last 40 weeks.

 

Many variables factor in. The smart approach is to plan ahead, maintain open communication with your basement contractor, and be ready for unexpected delays. Hangups with acquiring materials, or working around subcontractors’ schedules, are unfortunately common.

 

Remodeling done well is not cheap. Basement refinishing 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 money on basement finishing costs by choosing cost-effective materials, and using local contractors. Some parts of a project might be do-it-yourself for the right person(s). Planning is always the most effective cost controller.

 

What are the dreams for your New Berlin 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 New Berlin home!