A basement remodel is a great way to add living space and value to your home. But there’s a lot that you and your contractor will need to do before you can start remodeling. That way, you’ll be happy with the final results of your basement remodeling project.
Here's what you can expect to put on your to-do list.
Get Any Necessary Permits
You always need to make sure you have the correct permits before remodeling. This is something your contractor can handle on your behalf so your new basement is code compliant.
Arrange for Waste Removal
Basement renovation produces a lot of waste, which is why we recommend renting a dumpster. Once we're done remodeling, you can arrange for someone to take the dumpster to the nearest landfill.
Plan Where You'll Install Electrical Outlets
Most basements weren’t designed as living spaces. That's why you’ll most likely want to install new electrical outlets.
A contractor can help you determine where to install outlets so they're convenient. You should decide where to install outlets before basement remodeling begins. For safety reasons, we recommend hiring an electrician to install new outlets.
Measure the Space Needed for Drop Ceilings
Drop ceilings are perfect for hiding pipes and ductwork. This is because it's easy to remove a ceiling tile to perform maintenance and repairs. But you’ll need to make sure you’ll have enough vertical space to accommodate drop ceilings.
Today’s drop ceilings come in a variety of materials and designs. That way, you're able to suit your home’s interior and your design preferences.
If you plan on installing a drop ceiling, you'll need to take your new ceiling height into account. This is especially the case if you plan on adding other design elements, like built-in shelves.
Waterproof Your Basement
According to , the average cost of a basement remodel is $20,236. After spending all that money, the last thing you want is for your new remodeled basement to flood.
Even if your home has never flooded, now is the time to protect your basement from any . For example, you’ll want to make sure you fill any cracks in foundation walls to prevent leaks.
We also recommend inspecting around your home the next time it rains. That way, you'll be able to spot any areas where water pools against the side of your home.
Declutter Your Basement
Most people use their unfinished basements for storage. This may mean you have a lot of stuff you’ll need to remove from your basement before remodeling can begin.
If you have a lot of stuff you plan on throwing away, we recommend renting a truck or dumpster. It's also a good idea to donate whatever is in good condition to local charities.
Request a Free In-Home Consultation for Basement Remodeling
Interested in remodeling your basement? You've come to the right place! Our Grand Rapids basement remodelers work hard to earn your business. To request a free in-home consultation for your project, please feel free to call Basement Trust at (616) 608-9716. We hope to hear from you soon!
This blog post has been updated.