Basement Remodeling
Basement Remodeling Ideas
What should I do first?
You will need to determine what you will be using the finished space for. Some homeowners choose to remodel or finish only part of their basement by simply creating one extra bedroom with adjoining bathroom, leaving the remainder of the area unfinished for storage or workshop space. Other homeowners choose to finish the entire space in order to maximize the amount of livable space in their home.
Many homeowners with young children or teenagers opt to finish their basements in order to create a game room or media room for their children. Basement bars can make get-togethers and holiday parties fun for adults. Some people even choose to implement miniature golf into their basement remodeling project. Several homeowners decide to create a combination of the basement remodeling ideas mentioned above.
By adding one or two extra bedrooms with a full bathroom, an exercise room, and a theatre room, many homeowners are able to significantly increase the resale value of their home. There are several factors for homeowners to consider when making the decision about what type of basement remodeling project to pursue. The list of questions below will help you to determine which basement remodeling idea will work best for you and your family.
Do you have children or teenagers living at home?
If you have children or teenagers living at home, consider a design idea that would allow your kids or teens to have a gathering place for entertaining their friends. Many homeowners with teens choose to create one large media room with a full bathroom. Don't forget to leave room in the budget for a pool table and big screen! This will keep their messes confined to the basement which is always a plus!
Remember that this type of basement remodel is also fun for adults. While the kids are away at camp, cuddle up with your spouse on your micro suede sectional and watch a DVD or blue ray disk in HD while enjoying your surround sound theatre equipment! Other options for enhancing the level of entertainment in your basement are popcorn makers and bars.
Do you do a lot of entertaining?
If you and your spouse frequently host the annual New Year's Eve party and Superbowl Sunday festivities, consider including a full bar, mini-kitchen, and theatre sound into your basement remodeling design. Now, all you'll need is a little Marvin Gaye, some wine for the wine cooler, beer for the fridge and a few bottles of your favorite liquors to get the party started!
Do you frequently entertain company from out of town who need a more private place to sleep and bathe than your main floor spare bedroom?
If your mother-in-law likes to drop in for two week stays, make it easier on everyone and offer her premium comfort and peace in one of the new bedrooms in your basement. This way she won't be bothered with the hall traffic she'd have to deal with staying in the room between the kids' rooms. And you won't wake her before you leave for a busy day at the office or a day packed full of errands!
Have many of your neighbors completed their basement remodeling projects?
This factor is important because if many of your neighbors are undergoing basement remodeling projects, then you may want to seriously consider jumping on the band wagon. Everyone knows the expression, "Keeping up with The Jones'," right? Well, this is one area where you will want to keep up!
Just like you wouldn't want to have the most expensive house in your subdivision, you certainly don't want to own the least expensive either.
Do you or anyone in your family exercise regularly?
If you enjoy working out, but keep your exercise equipment in the garage or in the spare bedroom closet, think about incorporating a place to exercise into your basement remodeling plans. Many people who have done this have actually found that having a designated place in their home to exercise actually increased their adherence to a work out regimen. So, perhaps if you are thinking about starting a work out plan, this is a great way to encourage yourself to participate.
All of the basement remodeling ideas above can be as simple or as involved as your budget allows. You can certainly build a media room without a 60" plasma television and scored and stained concrete. And you can definitely add a bar to your remodeling plans without including a wine cooler and granite countertops.
Now that you have determined what you would like to use the space in your basement for, the next step in planning your basement remodeling project is determining your budget parameters.
How do I know what my basement remodel will cost?
Basement remodeling is one of the most popular home remodeling projects performed today. Whether homeowners are looking to expand their living space to accommodate their family's needs, or are looking to resell their home, basement remodeling is a great way to increase your home's overall market value, especially when you consider the cost of adding an addition which requires a foundation, new walls, and a roof. You can get the same amount of space by finishing your basement, for a whole lot less per square foot.
But what kind of a budget should you set aside for your basement remodeling project? What are the cost averages for a basement remodel? What individual contracting services are factored into that cost?
According to Remodeling Magazine's 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report, the national average cost for a midrange basement remodel is $62,067.00. This is for an average size basement including a new bathroom and possibly a bar area or small kitchenette. Again, this is for an average project, there are many factors that will affect the cost of your basement remodel. It's not uncommon to far exceed this cost. Generally, the biggest cost factors will be the:
- Size of your basement
- Scale & scope of the basement remodeling project
- Geographic project region
- Choice of materials
- Attention to detail and quality of work.
To be completely satisified with your basement remodeling project, and to have it turn out just the way you want it, it's important to choose a reputable contractor with experience in basement remodeling. One who not only shares your vision, but can execute your plans. Your basement can be anything you want it to be—home theater, game room, home gym, or work space—the key is finding the right contractor to work with.
Experience Our Services
Remodeling your home can be an exciting endeavor so long as you’ve hired the right team of professionals to take on your project. If you’re located in our service area, which encompasses Ithaca, NY and the surrounding communities, why not call on us for some free advice? We truly enjoy speaking with people about their remodeling plans.
Having served this community for more than 17 years, we have extensive experience in creative design and high quality remodeling services, such as:- Complete Design Services
- Additions and Major Renovations
- Complete Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling
- Basement and Attic Spaces
- Energy Efficient Window and Door Replacement – Featuring Marvin™, Simpson™ & Therma-Tru™
- New Roofing, Seamless Gutters and Gutter Cover
Year after year dozens of discerning homeowners trust their homes and remodeling projects to us and our team of designers, trade partners and craftsmen. Once they've experienced working with us, most of these homeowners are clients that continue to hire us time and time again. In fact, in 2008, more than 90% of our work was repeat and referral business.
As a professional, “full-service” remodeling contractor, we will work with you to incorporate your ideas and ours into a project that best fits your home, lifestyle, and budget. Large or small, we can take your project from concept to completion and our services are second to none.
If you would like to discuss the exciting possibilities for improving your home with a qualified and reputable remodeling company, simply contact us today or give us a call at (607) 539-6014.
We'll be happy to discuss your needs over the phone to see if we can help. Then, at no cost and without any obligation, we'll be happy to set up a consultation in your home to have a closer look, discuss your ideas, make suggestions, and answer all of your questions.
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[Some content courtesy of Signature Contractors and Basement Ideas]