Basement Remodeling Checklist for the Perfect Finished Basement
Are you having trouble planning your basement remodel? The first step is having a vision of how the newly finished basement will operate. You will need to decide the best way to utilize this newly added space into your home. Whether it is going to serve as an entertainment area, add an in-home theater, feature a bar with a small kitchenette, add a guest room or bedroom, or even a workout space — there are specific details to consider. Luckily, planning is the most fun part!
Let’s review a few of the most important things you should keep in mind when planning out your new basement.
How Will You Use the Room?
Our favorite part of the remodeling process is having a dream become reality. The intended usage of the room will have a substantial impact on the scope of the project. If you decide you want a new guest or bedroom then you will need to work with the remodeling company to organize the blueprints to best fit the size of the basement. Especially if the basement will require egress access for the new bedroom.
Another option would be to renovate it into an entertainment room. This will take precise planning around the electrical wiring of the room. You will want to optimize it in a way that best fits the needs for your provided entertainment while considering how to utilize the entire space.
No matter what you decide—you should have a brainstorming session with us on how to incorporate your ideas into this beautiful new space.
Here are a few other fun options we think would go great in a newly finished basement:
- Second Kitchen
- Basement Bar
- Workout Room
- Kids Playroom
- Home Office
- Game Room
- Home Theater
- In-Door Spa
- Wine Collection Room
- In-Law Suite
Will It Require New Fixtures?
As we mentioned, the usage of the room will determine how to remodel the basement. There are different regulations and specifications that will need to be considered when designing the new room based upon what your dream is.
One of the first things to keep in mind is where plumbing, lighting, kitchen equipment, sinks, showers, etc. will be place to maximize the rooms potential.
Many unfinished basements do not have the proper fixture utilities and will require lots of planning. Luckily, at Bulksi Building & Remodeling we are ready to knock out any project and bring our years of experience to the table. We will do our best to accommodate and execute every detail for your ideal basement.
Do You Have Windows or Will You Require Additional Lighting?
Windows are a major component for planning a finished basement. The placement of windows have an impact on the natural light and assist with where additional lighting fixtures will be needed to provide the look, feel and use of your basement. Additionally, if you choose to put a bedroom in your basement–you may be required to install an egress window that can be used for exiting the room in case of an emergency.
While planning lighting can seem intimidating, we are equipped to install new light fixtures and leverage existing wiring. Not every room requires significant lighting. Rooms like a home theatre or workout room are better fit without natural light focusing on incandescent lighting. That is why the collaboration process of planning is crucial before you jump into the project.
What is the Best Flooring?
Most unfinished basements will have cement flooring. Cement floors can change the layout of the room and create unwanted moisture. It is best to think of the functionality of the room before landing on a flooring option.
Carpet is always a great alternative because it fits the existing floor layout and can reduce the moisture of a cement floor. On the other hand, any basement can be fitted to incorporate other flooring types like tile or hardwood. Today, the flooring market offers many options that are perfect for basement use, including laminate wood flooring which is moisture resistant.
We think it is best to examine your basement and decide on a flooring that will fit your home. When you build with Bulski Building & Remodeling you will have the chance to work hand-in-hand with our designers to make all of the difficult decisions for the basement remodel.
Do You Want a Bedroom?
Adding another bedroom to your home is a great way to add value to your property. Additional bedrooms are one of the most common choices for our clients who want to remodel their basement. If you do decide that you would like to add another bedroom you will need to consider the proper codes for a “livable” bedroom.
An often overlooked aspect is that bedrooms need to have an escape route. This can be in the form of a lower level door or an egress window. This is a safety measure to ensure that the person living in the new bedroom will be able to be saved in the event of an emergency.
Another consideration for installing a new bedroom is having a bathroom or sink installed. Incorporating another bathroom with the bedroom is also going to increase the value of your home while providing accommodations to whoever is living in this room. Whether you decide to rent the additional room, host one of your children, or have it serve as a guest room will change how necessary it is to install another bathroom.
How Will You Decorate the New Room?
Decorating your new basement is an incredibly fun experience. You will have a chance to explore ideas for decor that may have not made it into the other areas of your home. We think it is important to have a decoration plan in mind.
Additionally, decorating your new basement is a great way to continue to adjust the layout so it can meet your specific needs. Most people think of decorating as an after the fact. Planning for the aesthetic of your basement will instill excitement and give you an idea of what to expect when the project is finished.
Who is the Best for the Job?
Finding the right contractor for the project is one of the most crucial aspects of a basement remodel. You should consider everything we have discussed in this article before taking the plunge.
If you are feeling lost in the search for the “right” contractor then you should reach out to our team! We will address the project and determine if Bulski Building & Remodeling is the best company for the job.
Want to find out more about how we can renovate your basement? Contact our team to request an on-site estimate today! Click here to email us with any questions or to have us contact you to start your project!