So you are considering remodeling your current home. To build an extra room, expect to pay about $110 to $135 per square foot. That's not much different than buying a new home. Maybe it's time to finish your basement. At $32 to $38 per square foot, finishing your basement is an attractive option that's a lot cheaper than the other options.
Cost effectiveness isn't the only benefit of basement finishing draper. A finished basement gives your family an extra level of living space, providing some separation to improve privacy (especially beneficial when teens want to hang out with their friends and play Nintendo).
A guest bedroom and bathroom on another level also help make visitors feel more comfortable and give you privacy. The basement is also the perfect place for specialty spaces like home offices, media rooms, wine cellars, darkrooms, and universal recreation and entertainment areas for pool tables and ping pong tables.
Now that you're convinced that finishing your basement is the right path for your family, you need to define and outline the purpose and goals of your project. Ask yourself, "What do you want to accomplish with this project? Determine what you want to do with the space you have available. Prioritize your "needs" and "wants."
Consider what is absolutely necessary for your family to live without inconvenience. For the family with ten children mentioned above, a third or fourth bathroom would be a very important ("necessary") item. "Wants" include things like a media center, wet bar, steam shower, or other things that you think will increase your comfort.
You should also think about things like bookshelves, game and linen cabinets, and storage shelving in the unfinished area. A computer or study room may be a necessity for some families, and just a nice addition for others.
The next step is to find a good contractor who can make your project a reality. The best way to do this is to go to referrals. Ask your neighbors who have had their basements finished. Friends and colleagues are also a good source of recommendations. However, a recommendation should not be considered a "green light" to hire. A contractor who is very experienced and knowledgeable in commercial interior finishing may not be the best company to finish your basement. You should really look for a contractor that specializes in basement finishing.
You may be wondering, "What about hiring an architect or designer?" If you were building an extra room, the help of an architect would be crucial. But for a basement, it's much better to find a basement finishing professional who can give you sound basement design advice, who has been through the process many times, seen it all, and solved common problems.
For example, sometimes the raw plumbing for the bathroom is not there or was poorly placed by the original builder and often needs to be relocated to improve the floor plan. Contractors who haven't built many basements are intimidated by this and sometimes charge more to achieve a less-than-optimal design than if you were to hire an experienced basement contractor.
Hiring a designer
A professional will also know how to maximize ceiling height and achieve straight lines for ceilings and walls by strategically routing piping and heating ducts. You want to avoid a lot of odd angles and protrusions of things like sprinkler valves, gas lines or water meters. Routing these lines can help your basement feel less like a basement and more like another floor of the house.
Adequate light is key in a basement. You don't want to feel like you're descending into a dark dungeon. A variety of recessed light bulbs overcome the typical lack of natural light found in most basements. Expert advice on the amount, type and location of lighting will ensure that your basement is bright and well-lit and doesn't look like a bastille.
Most importantly, get it right the first time. Just ask yourself, "If I don't take the time to do it right the first time, when and where will I find the time and money to do it again or fix it?" You won't have a successful project if you try to cut corners. Especially in construction, you often get what you pay for.
You should plan on getting estimates from three different contractors. Three is a good number because it allows you to compare without it getting too confusing. However, the lowest bid does not necessarily indicate the most honest, efficient or competent contractor. Low bids may indicate that a contractor (through mistakes or inexperience) is omitting necessary steps, time or resources to complete a job properly. Inquire whether the price is for a finished product. Ask questions such as, "Is the carpet included in the price?", "How many light fixtures are you using?", and "What is the quality of the shower door?".
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