Ten Steps to a Headache-Free Basement Remodel

Did you ever dream of transforming that damp and uninviting basement into an exciting new home theater, a play room for the children, or a guest bedroom? An unfinished basement is a whole floor worth of space that can be transformed into virtually anything you want it to be, for a fraction of the cost of building an addition.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, basement finishing is also a great investment, as it adds enough value to the property to justify the costs. Add to that the significant energy savings that result from properly insulating a basement, which according to U.S. Department of Energy can amount to and average of $400 a year (number based on a 1,500 square-foot basement in the northwest US with R-10 insulation and natural gas heat $0.72/therm), and you will see that basement finishing simply pays for itself.

In addition to all the benefits, with proper planning and the right finishing choices, a basement finishing project can be completed painlessly and in a matter of days.
Here are ten steps that will help you assure a headache-free basement remodeling.

1. Mind the legalities.
   Nothing is more frustrating than starting a remodeling project and then finding out it is illegal or potentially hazardous. For example: some local codes demand that you provide an egress window if you are to use the basement as additional living area, others will demand egress windows only if there is a bedroom in the basement. Before you begin designing your new basement, check you local building and fire codes, city ordinances, etc
2. Draft a plan
   With the proper information, take some rough measurements (the remodeling contractor will usually draw the specific plan) and begin to think about how you are going to use the basement space. Will it be a large open room or will it be divided? Will it have a separate storage, utility, or laundry area?
3. Consider your finishing options
   When designing a finished basement, keep in mind that a basement is unlike any room of the house. Therefore, many materials commonly used in above-grade spaces will not work in the basement. Even if you've taken every step to prevent it from flooding with adequate drainage and a working sump pump, consider that every basement has some level of moisture, be it from condensation or wall infiltration through capillary action. Basements are also prone to water accidents, such as plumbing leaks, failing water heater tanks, and bursting washing machine hoses, etc… The best options to build a long lasting and worry-free finished basement are 100% waterproof, non-absorbent and mold resistant basement finishing systems. A basement system should not get damaged if your basement is under water. It should provide you with much-needed peace of mind on the long run. Basement finishing systems also can usually be installed in a few days, with no dust, mess or disruption.
4. Hire a contractor
   Call at least three different basement remodeling companies and ask for a free estimate, as many reputable contractors offer them. Look at what they have to offer, ask questions, and make sure they give you a complete and detailed written proposal. Ask for references and, by all means, check them. Truly satisfied customers are usually delighted with the opportunity to recommend a good contractor. Verify that they have all applicable licenses and insurance.
5. Make a detailed plan and stick to it
   According to Consumer Reports, a great deal of money is wasted in remodeling projects due to last-minute changes. A good contractor will walk you through the process so that you are 100% confident about your choices and ideas. Before the works begin, make sure the final result will be exactly what you want.
6. Maximize your resources.
   It is always a good idea to make the best of what is already available. In a basement finishing project, think of how you are going to work around utilities and staircases. Consider ways to make the most with available daylight in the basement, by installing a reflective window well to bright it up. Add egress windows that can be landscaped so that the room feels less like a basement. Get the most of your basement’s high using all-in-one basement floating floor solutions instead of regular sub-floors and floor combinations.
7. Get the paperwork done right
   Contractors are the ones usually in charge of getting all the necessary permits. Make sure he has them all before getting started. Have the contractor attach copies of his up-to-date license, insurance and workers' compensation policies to the written contract. He also should provide a lien waiver when the job is done; this will keep suppliers from contacting the homeowner for unpaid bills.
8. Mind the small details
   Plan for the best lighting placement and adequate number and distribution of power outlets for every appliance, electronic or equipment you will be using in the basement. Admittedly, this is something tedious but it is also fundamental. Have a wet bar? Besides the plug for the fridge, it will be a good idea to provide outlets for a blender, a toaster oven, or a mixer. A home office will need outlets for computers and peripherals, but also an extra outlet to plug, for example, a mobile device charger.
9. Expect the unexpected
   Even with the best laid plans, there is always something that might happen to delay the project. In basements, problems are usually related to water seepage, wiring, plumbing or utilities. Good contractors will generally be able to predict some of those problems and allow the homeowner to budget accordingly.
10. Inexpensive isn’t always cost-effective
11. Although it is possible to finish a basement inexpensively with the old-fashioned wood frame, drywall, and fiberglass insulation combo, it might not be the smartest long-term choice. These materials are either organic or have organic compounds, and they have the ability to soak up moisture and support mold growth. Fiberglass insulation, when wet, loses its R-value and drywall, even in its mold-resistant form, it is usually not guaranteed by the manufacturer to withstand basement cave-like conditions. In the event of a basement flood, all these finishes will be ruined and will need to be replaced.
    Cost-effective basement finishing is long-lasting, waterproof, and made to withstand wet conditions. Since these systems are fully customizable, it might make more sense to phase the project, conclude one room at a time, or just finish part of the area, instead of choosing improper finishes to try to save money.

In conclusion, no basement is beyond help when you plan it accordingly and chose the right materials. Virtually every basement has the potential to become a comfortable, clean, healthy, and dry living space.

The only thing standing between you and your new basement dream room, until now, was the lack of knowledge about the available basement finishing technologies. Hopefully, this article gave you enough information to help you get started planning your new basement remodel.