Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or have a contractor for the job, Basement Remodeling Lexington KY involves some serious planning. And don’t forget about getting the right permits.
Whether it’s the socializing room of your dreams or a cozy getaway, the basement can become a space that everyone in the family loves to use.
Cluttered, dark, and chilly basements are one of the most challenging spaces in a home to transform into a beautiful and useful space. However, basements offer the unique advantage of being a blank canvas that can be used as anything from an extra bedroom and home office to a media room and home gym. With the right design and a skilled contractor, basements can become the focal point of a home.
The first step of any remodeling project is the planning phase. This is where you determine the scope of your renovation. Will you be adding a bathroom, drywall, and framing? Changing existing surfaces like concrete walls and floors or simply moving around furnishings are all options for a finished basement.
Be sure to consider how your family will use the space before you go shopping for furniture, flooring, and other finishing touches. You may want to make the space as kid-friendly as possible with a large TV and seating area, or you might be more focused on entertaining guests with a bar and game room. You should also consider your family’s future needs to be sure that the finished space will meet your family’s lifestyle for years to come.
At this stage, you should also decide whether you will raise the ceiling to accommodate ductwork or other utilities. Raising the ceiling can cost significantly more than keeping it low, so it is important to think about this upfront. In many cases, a drop ceiling is the best option for basements, as it can hide electrical and plumbing lines without restricting access. This is especially true in older homes with basements that were never intended as living spaces.
Planning
The first step in any basement remodeling project is the planning process. This is where homeowners must decide what type of basement they want to create—will it be an office, living room, or bedroom? This decision will determine the layout of the space and whether it’s going to include a bathroom.
During this stage, it’s also important to examine the existing structure of the basement. This is the best time to spot problems like sagging ceilings, moisture, or water damage that may require repairs before moving on. It’s also an excellent opportunity to upgrade electrical wiring, HVAC ducting, and windows, which will save you money in the long run by not having to do these things later on.
Before making any decisions on how to use the space, sit down and talk with your family members. This is the only way to ensure that a remodeled basement will actually suit your lifestyle. Some homeowners choose to design a multi-functional basement, including a workout room and office. Others prefer a more traditional approach, such as adding a media room or guest suite.
The planning process is also the perfect time to consider the future resale value of your home. If you think that your finished basement will eventually become a rental unit, then it’s essential to plan rough-ins for plumbing and kitchen space.
The next step in the planning process is to frame walls and install insulation, which will protect your basement from moisture. Moisture problems in a basement can be very expensive to fix, so it’s important to address them early on. It’s a good idea to use moisture-resistant drywall in any rooms that will be exposed to excessive humidity, such as laundry and utility rooms.
Permits
When you’re ready to start your basement remodeling project, it’s best to find out the building codes that are in place in your area. They’ll be able to give you more information about the permits and inspections that are required for the project.
Permits will be required for most basement remodeling projects, particularly if you’re adding a new room or doing structural work. A permit is also necessary if you’re changing the use of an existing space, such as turning a laundry room into a bedroom. In this case, the basement will need to meet proper codes for a bedroom, such as having a separate means of escape.
If you’re going to do the basement remodel yourself or hire a contractor to do it for you, the process of getting the necessary permits will take a little time. However, it’s well worth the time in order to ensure that your basement remodel meets all of the building standards and requirements set by your local government.
For example, your local township will require that a certain number of smoke detectors be installed in any new rooms or spaces that are being remodeled. This is to ensure that people, in the event of a fire, can quickly locate and evacuate their family members. A local building inspector will check your work at various intervals throughout the project to make sure that everything is being done properly and up to code.
If you don’t get the necessary permits before beginning your basement remodeling project, it could end up costing you a lot of money in the long run. If the renovations you’re doing are found to be non-compliant with local regulations, your local building department may require you to remove the work and get it all inspected and approved again.
Construction
Once you’ve gotten your permits and your design squared away, the real work begins. Clear out the space by removing anything that isn’t going to be part of the finished basement and tearing down old walls (although you should never tear down load-bearing wall structures without consulting a professional first). Once the basement is clean, start framing the walls.
At this point, you’ll also want to install any plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC ducting that you’re adding. Depending on how much skill you have, this might be something you can tackle yourself or hire a professional to do for you.
Next comes drywall installation. Whether you go with a traditional drop ceiling or plan to leave the concrete floor exposed, make sure you get any cracks filled before installing any new materials. This is especially important if you’re planning on installing a new floor because water in the concrete can cause it to warp or even dissolve over time.
Another big decision is what type of flooring to install. Some options are better for certain types of basements than others, so be sure to choose carefully. Wood flooring isn’t usually recommended for basements because it can easily be damaged by moisture, so consider vinyl or laminate instead.
Once the drywall is in place, you can finish off the room by putting up any trim or molding and painting the walls and ceilings. Then it’s just a matter of installing any furniture and decorations you want to add. Don’t forget to decorate with mirrors and other reflective surfaces to brighten up the space, and make sure your furniture is moisture-resistant to avoid mold or mildew.
Finishing
It’s a good idea to do your research before starting any basement remodeling project. Visit home design shows, attend open houses, and browse through home improvement magazines to find ideas that will work for your space. If you can narrow down your choices to one or two designs that meet your needs, it will be easier to stick to a budget.
Depending on your add-ons, you may need to install plumbing or electrical wiring, which is an additional cost. If you are creating a full kitchen, for example, you’ll need to tap into the main house plumbing system, which may require a sump pump and a new drainage line for liquid waste. You’ll also need to consider what type of gas, if any, you want in your kitchen and whether or not you’d like to have a dishwasher or refrigerator in your basement.
A basement remodel is a great way to make the most of your living space and add value to your home. If you’re considering selling your house in the future, a finished basement is an attractive feature that could make your home stand out from the competition. It’s important to do your research before hiring a contractor, though, to ensure you are getting what you need at a price that you can afford. Lastly, make sure to follow all safety precautions during the construction process. You’ll need to wear protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask designed for basement work. You’ll also need to make sure you have first-aid kits and fire extinguishers nearby. If you’re planning to use a contractor for the job, make sure they are licensed and insured.
