Home renovations are all about balancing needs with budget and making the best use of space in every room. When it comes to renovating, one of the best ways to use previously unused space is with a basement remodel.
Remodeling the basement in any home helps homeowners to create a new rec room, a fun man cave, a great area for the kids or even a fully functional apartment that brings rental income to the space. Improving this area of the home also adds value and when done right makes the house a more enjoyable place to live.
When planning a basement remodel, homeowners benefit by mapping out the space first. A great way to do this is by walking through the basement area and picturing the ideal usage for each area.
This might include adding a bedroom or a television room, an office or a workout room or even incorporating a space for a home business or rental suite. Knowing what the family’s needs are can make this task easier, and it allows the homeowners to properly budget for the ideal basement remodeling project.
After mapping out the area, it is time to consult with a general contractor. Even if a homeowner is planning a diy basement renovation, a general contractor can bring to the table great decorating and architectural ideas and point out structural considerations that must be made in order for the remodel to be a success.
General contractors can also point out potential costs that the homeowner might not have anticipated when making their original budget.
When discussing a project with a general contractor, homeowners should ask a lot of questions about the scope of work provided, the quality of materials used and the warranty provided after the job is done. This allows them to compare apples to apples and make an educated final decision.
Once a general contractor is lined up, there are some important legal tasks that must be completed.
Checking with the local zoning and permitting office helps homeowners to make sure their basement renovation is up to code and completed properly. This can save a significant amount of time and money down the road, and it becomes extremely important if the homeowner decides to sell at some point down the road.
While some homeowners think it is okay to skip this step, doing so will result in unnecessary delays and hassles, and it can also result in legal troubles including fines and in some cases, even jail time. Information on permits and inspections can be found by contacting a local municipality office.
Renovating a basement is a great way to improve a home and make use of otherwise unused space. It can provide a rental income for families or a place to work for home business owners. These renovations must be carefully considered and executed to maximize their value and usefulness, but when done right, they often prove to be a value and worthwhile investment in any home.