| So, you consider remodeling your current house. To | | | | most basements. Getting expert advice on the |
| build a room addition, you are looking at about $110 | | | | amount, type and location of lighting will ensure that |
| to $135 per square foot. Hmm, not much different | | | | your basement is bright, properly illuminated and not |
| than buying a new house. Maybe its time to finish | | | | Bastille-like. |
| your basement. At $32 to $38 per square foot, | | | | The key is to do it right the first time. Just ask |
| finishing your basement is an attractive alternative | | | | yourself, "If I don't take the time to do it right the |
| that is quite a bit less expensive than the other | | | | first time, when and where am I going to find the |
| options. | | | | time and the money to do it over or fix it?" You will |
| Cost effectiveness is not the only benefit to finishing | | | | not have a successful project by trying to cut |
| your basement. A finished basement gives your | | | | corners. Often -- especially in the construction |
| family an additional level of living space, giving you | | | | business -- you get what you pay for. |
| some separation to help enhance privacy (especially | | | | You should plan on getting estimates from three |
| advantageous when teenagers want to hang out | | | | different contractors. Three is a good number |
| with their friends and play Nintendo). Having a guest | | | | because it gives you some comparison without |
| bedroom and bathroom on another level also helps | | | | getting too confusing. The lowest bid does not |
| visitors feel more comfortable and lets you retain | | | | necessarily indicate the most honest, efficient or |
| your privacy. The basement is also the perfect place | | | | competent contractor, however. Low bids may be an |
| for specialty rooms, such as home offices, media | | | | indication of a contractor omitting (through error or |
| rooms, wine cellars, darkrooms and all-purpose | | | | inexperience) necessary steps, time or resources to |
| recreation and entertainment areas for pool tables | | | | complete a task properly. Find out if the price is for a |
| and Ping-Pong tables. | | | | finished product. Ask questions like, "Does this price |
| So now that you are convinced that finishing your | | | | include carpet?", "How many lights are you using?", |
| basement is the right way to go for your family, you | | | | and "What is the quality of the shower door?" |
| need to define and outline the purpose and goals for | | | | By contrast, the highest bid is not necessarily an |
| your project. Ask yourself, " what is it you hope to | | | | indication of superior quality. Some contractors will |
| achieve by undertaking this project?". Determine | | | | size up a homeowner to see if they can afford more. |
| what you want to do with the space that you have | | | | Ask to see their work. Find a contractor with whom |
| to work with. Prioritize your "needs" and "wants". | | | | you develop a good rapport and some measure of |
| Think about what is absolutely essential to help your | | | | trust. Any reputable contractor won't hesitate to |
| family function without discomfort. For the family of | | | | provide a written agreement and should be willing |
| ten kids above, a third or fourth bathroom would be | | | | break down the costs of each piece of the project. |
| considered a very critical ("needed") item. "Wants" | | | | If they refuse to itemize costs when you ask, move |
| would include items like a media center, a wet bar, | | | | on to the next contractor. |
| steam shower, or any items you feel add to your | | | | Once you have selected a contractor and signed a |
| comfort. | | | | contract, you are ready to get started. If you are |
| You should also give some consideration to things like | | | | like most people, you probably have a ton of stuff |
| bookshelves, game and linen closets and storage | | | | already in your basement. You will need to have the |
| shelving in the unfinished area. A computer or study | | | | entire area cleared so workers can move about |
| center, for instance, may be a necessity for some | | | | unimpeded and to prevent damage to your things |
| families and just a nice added bonus for others. | | | | (Some contractors, as an incentive to begin the job |
| The next step is finding a good contractor who can | | | | may offer to do this for you, including hauling off site |
| help make your project a reality. The best way to do | | | | unwanted items. It is worth inquiring if this service is |
| that is by referral. Ask your neighbors who finished | | | | included in the price) This might seem monumental, |
| their basement. Friends and colleagues are also good | | | | but typically you can move most of it to an |
| sources for referrals. A referral, however, should not | | | | unfinished area and cover it with plastic. |
| be considered a "green light" for hiring. For example, a | | | | You will also probably need to provide your |
| contractor that is very experienced and competent in | | | | contractor with a key to put in a real estate type |
| commercial interiors, may not be the best firm to | | | | lock box. This allows the workers to come and go as |
| finish your basement. You should really look for a | | | | necessary without having to inconvenience you by |
| contractor who specializes in basement finishing. | | | | being there all the time they are working. |
| You may ask, "What about hiring an architect or | | | | If you selected a good contractor, your project |
| designer?" If you were building a room addition, the | | | | should progress smoothly. However, sometimes |
| service of an architect would be critical. But for a | | | | things can happen that can slow things down. For |
| basement you are much better off finding a | | | | instance, those cabinets for your laundry room that |
| basement finishing specialist who can offer sound | | | | you had your heart set on may be back-stocked and |
| guidance on how to lay out the basement, has been | | | | unavailable for five weeks. Be sure to pick things out |
| through the process many times, seen it all, and | | | | early on and be sure to communicate with your |
| solved common problems. | | | | contractor along the way to avoid delays, especially |
| For instance, the rough plumbing for the bathroom | | | | if you have any changes. Choosing a finished |
| sometimes does not exist, or has been poorly placed | | | | basement contractor that |
| by the original builder and often needs to be | | | | Once the project nears its end, it is a good idea to |
| relocated to improve the layout. Contractors who | | | | walk around and make a punch list of final items that |
| have not done many basements can be intimidated | | | | may have been overlooked or need to be touched |
| by this and sometimes may charge more to achieve | | | | up. You may notice an outlet cover missing or some |
| a less than optimum layout than you would get with | | | | paint needing to be touched up. Be sure to let your |
| a seasoned basement finisher. | | | | contractor know about these so they can be quickly |
| Hiring a designer | | | | attended to. No matter how good your contractor, |
| A specialist will also know how to maximize ceiling | | | | every job always has little items that need to be |
| height and achieve straight lines for soffits and walls | | | | addressed before the project is over. Remember, it |
| by strategically moving plumbing pipes and heat ducts. | | | | is your basement and you will always see more than |
| You want to avoid lots of strange angles and | | | | he does. As long as you do not nit-pick, your |
| protrusions from things like sprinkler valves, gas lines | | | | contractor will appreciate your pointing out these |
| or water meters. Moving them can go a long way | | | | items so the job can be wrapped up efficiently. |
| toward making your basement feel less like a | | | | Before you know it, the day will arrive when you will |
| basement and more like just another level of the | | | | begin to move into your new finished basement. You |
| house. | | | | and your family will enjoy the benefit of additional |
| Sufficient light is paramount in a basement. You do | | | | comfortable living space. By matching the look of the |
| not want to feel that you are descending into a dark | | | | upstairs you will have a seamless transition to |
| dungeon. Plenty of incandescent recessed lights | | | | another level of your house until the next ten kids |
| overcomes the typical lack of natural light found in | | | | come along. |