Whether you’ve inherited a dilapidated, water-logged property or simply want to expand your living space, a basement renovation may be the answer, and while it may not be the most glamorous of projects, a well-executed basement renovation can yield a host of positive benefits, from adding extra living space to freeing up valuable closet space.
If you’re planning to undertake a renovation on the floor below your main living area, it’s worth considering the impact that work may have on you and your family.
Set clear goals
- What are you trying to achieve?
- Do you hope to turn your basement into a new living space or use it as a place for storage?
- Do you want to create more storage, convert it into an entertainment area, or make it into a bedroom?
Once you have an idea of what you want your renovation to achieve, the rest of the process will become much easier.
Consider the impact of the work schedule
If you’re in a busy family, it can be hard to juggle work and family commitments but if you plan on undertaking a basement renovation, you want to make sure your work schedule won’t interfere with the needs of your family.
For example, if you have young children, and they need more attention while you undergo the renovation process, it might be best to hire a contractor who will take care of the job during evenings or weekends when your children are not as active.
Still, some contractors may request that construction starts early in the morning or late at night to avoid interrupting daytime activities for families, you should discuss this with potential contractors before signing any contracts; this is something you need to think about beforehand.
Understand the scope of the project
The first step in any project is to understand the scope of the project., you can break your basement renovation down into 3 key areas:
1) The dry-walled and finished basement
2) The unfinished or partly finished basement
3) The garage or other storage space
It’s important to consider which area you want to renovate and how much work you’re willing to commit to, if you just want a spacious, clean area for storage, then you only need to address the unfinished space.
However, if you plan on living in your basement and transforming it into a livable space, then you’ll need more time and energy.
Establish a budget
Before you embark on any renovation, it’s important to assess your current financial situation, you should be aware of all the costs associated with the project and have a general idea of how long it will take to complete and if you plan on purchasing new furniture or appliances, you’ll need to budget for these items too.
Final checks and safety precautions
Before you commence any work, it’s worth conducting a thorough safety inspection ensuring that all electrical wiring and plumbing are up to code, and make sure there are no unsafe conditions or materials for the workers.
As well as this, make sure that your insurance policies are in order so you can deal with any potential damage or injury to your home.
It may also be prudent to get an independent contractor in to conduct a final check of the environment before you start the project, a team of qualified tradesmen should be able to identify any potential problems before they arise and either advise against proceeding or offer solutions for how to deal with them – including mitigating some risks.