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

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

 

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

 

The paybacks of a finished basement are many. Additional living space is a positive for young, growing families. Improved entertainment options are great for family time or when guests arrive. Dedicated space for hobbies or personal interests creates the opportunity to really focus on one’s avocations. And, the boost in resale value seems to appeal to everyone.

 

Basement finishing involves plenty 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 critical to a successful basement remodeling in Vernon. RNB Design Group has refinished dozens of basements in southeastern Wisconsin over more than 25 years.

 

Getting serious about transforming your Vernon basement into your new favorite place? Lots of decisions lie ahead. 

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 consider than you’d imagine!

 

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

 

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

 

Know that you’ll have to plan around load-bearing supports such as columns and beams. Locations 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 considered.

 

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 Remodeler Expect the Customer to Make? 

The specific decisions you’ll face depend 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 pretty universal: flooring, walls, ceiling, insulation and doors. Most remodeling projects involve these.

 

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

 

Personal touches come into play 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 Vernon has become more complex with technological advances, too. Monstrous TVs require planning for both “where” and “how.” Smart speakers and sound systems offer all-encompassing audio. Home automation systems, and smart lighting and thermostats, make environmental changes 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 remodeling 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 should be evaluated 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 relocated. 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 arise, and windows in them. Wiring and piping are run. Insulation is frequently 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 final 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 starts, 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 last six to 12 weeks. Medium projects can take up to 24 weeks. Large projects – with multiple moving parts, and lots of space to work on – might last 40 weeks.

 

Many variables play in. The smart approach is to plan ahead, maintain regular communication with your basement remodeler, and prepare for unanticipated delays. Hangups with accessing materials, or working around subcontractors’ schedules, are unfortunately common.

 

Remodeling done properly is not inexpensive. 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 outfitting of several rooms.

 

Homeowners can save cash on basement completion 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 ultimately the most effective cost controller.

 

What are the dreams for your Vernon basement? Tired of living around space you know could be used so much better? Start exploring the possibilities - 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 Vernon house!