Now is the Time to Plan your Basement Remodel

If you have been thinking about finishing your basement, right now is the time to start planning. By the time you decide what you want to do and have plans drawn up and approved, the holidays will be over and winter will be upon us. Winter is the best time to have interior remodeling done as construction workers generally have fewer projects underway and the weather may prevent them from doing outside work many days so your weather-proof project will get more attention. Having a construction project completed more quickly is definitely a plus for most homeowners.

First, you’ll need to decide how you want to use the new space. Do you need extra bedrooms? Maybe you could use a kids’ playroom, workout room or a teen hangout? Maybe it’s a man cave or a general space for all types of entertaining. Be sure to discuss with potential contractors how you plan to use the space so you will get the most practical plan.

Next, you need to determine what you have to work with. You will need to reserve some space unfinished for storage and utilities and to make sure everything will still be accessible. You shouldn’t just drywall over electrical boxes and ductwork. It’s a good idea to keep a plan that indicates where everything is under the drywall in case future repairs are necessary. Is there plumbing roughed in? You need to consider plumbing not only to bathrooms, but to kitchen and bar areas as well. If there have been any issues with water coming into the basement, you will want to have a sump pump installed before you do anything else as they are very effective at keeping a basement dry. The plumbing and the sump pump both require breaking through the concrete floor, so that will be a large expense for any basement finish, but can also  be very necessary.

If you are adding bedrooms, be aware of regulations requiring egress. To be a bedroom, a room must have a window large enough for a person to escape through in case of a fire or other disaster. If there is such a window already in the basement, you might want to plan for the bedroom to be in that area rather than going to the expense of adding egress windows.

Once you choose a reputable contractor and have a practical floor plan that considers traffic flow and how you will use the space, you can start making decisions about flooring, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, and appliances. Choose based on your preferences but also on your budget as there is a wide range of products available. Your contractor will be able to advise you.