Are you planning to transform your outdated basement to something more functional and with better curb appeal? Are you overwhelmed with the idea and you do not have a concrete idea on what to do?
Fortunately, you came to the right place, as we are going to share the systematic process for your basement remodeling. Doing some parts of the project is a good way to save costs, yet you need the expertise of a remodeling contractor for the difficult parts.
Read on to have a better understanding of how professional basement remodeling services do it.
Step1 – Visualize Your Basement Remodel Outcome
This is considered one of the challenging parts in remodeling your basement. There are hundreds of options on how you want to transform your old basements. We can make it an extension of your living area, a guest lounge, mini bar, mini theater, children’s playroom, office, or a wine cellar.
Practically, this stage is part of your planning phase, alongside whether to hire a remodeling contractor or not. You need to gauge your carpentry and designing skills, before deciding not to hire a private contractor.
If you want to save on cost and still achieve the best basement remodels, then hire a general contractor like Mega Kitchen and Bath, while you do parts of the renovation tasks.
Step2 – Financial Planning
Remodeling or refinishing your basement will require sufficient funds, especially when you have a larger space. So far, the average cost for finishing a standard basement is $7.50 per square foot. Approximately, the total cost for your REMODEL MY BASEMENT project is between $7,000 to $30,000.
Here are some estimated breakdowns per square foot for finishing your basement.
- Ceiling – $3.50
- Framing – $1.00
- Flooring – $1.50
- Drywall – $1.50
If you have a 2,000 square foot house, then your average cost for basement finishing is around $15,000. For basement remodeling with an area larger than 1,000 square feet, the cost can go about $35,000.
You can fill out our request form online, to get a free estimate from us. If you want an in-house estimate, then call us and schedule an appointment beforehand.
Step3 – Securing the Permits
Changing the plumbing, electrical works, and some structures of your house requires some permits from your local municipality or city engineer’s office. You need to comply with the requirements and permits before starting your small basement renovation.
When you hire a general contractor, you can pass the burden of getting the permits to them. We have a separate legal team that shall handle this paperwork, while you focus on your work and business.
Step4 – Cleaning and Testing for Moisture
Once you have finished all the pre-operating requirements, you can now start decluttering and vacuuming your old basement. Likewise, make sure to check on its moisture level, so you can improve the ventilation and HVAC system inside.
Excess moisture must be removed as it can ruin your appliances and provide a suitable environment for the growth of molds and mildews.
Meanwhile, below are some helpful tips that can improve the waterproofing properties of your basement.
- Change the direction of your downspouts away from your basement
- Change the slope of your lawn in a way that water will be directed away from your basement
- Apply eco-friendly waterproof paints on the interior walls of your basement
- For your storm drain pipes, connect that to another drain pipe leading away from the basement. Likewise, secure a sump pump in case you need an external force to pump water out efficiently.
Step5 – Framing
Installing a new frame for the new walls of your basement is a good start off point. The usual material used is wood with a size of 2×4. Nevertheless, we still recommend that you complete your electrical connection and wall insulation before framing.
Step6 – Electrical and Plumbing Works
If you want to save more, you can take care of the electrical connections needed for your budget basement renovation. You need to make sure it is properly done considering that basements are very prone to flooding and moisture.
Meanwhile, the plumbing works are a piece of cake, especially when you have strong skills for it. The tedious task will be installing new pipes when you plan to install a small bathroom and sink area. If you want to escape the hassle of this task, then you can let our plumbers do it for you.
Step7 – Drywall Installation
Installing your drywall is a cumbersome and heavy task that doesn’t let you save much time and money for DIY. Drywalls are heavy and dusty. You need to locate, measure, and cut-out holes in your drywall that match the location of the valves and electrical outlets.
Step8 – Flooring
A seasoned contractor knows how and what to install for new basement flooring. Typically, we recommend three materials for your flooring, that is, tiles, vinyl, and carpets.
- Tiles – It provides a glossy and easy-to-clean floor in your basement. Make sure to choose textured ones and smaller tiles to decrease the risk of slipping.
- Vinyl – We have vinyl that mimics the appearance of natural wood, so you can have an earthly warmth theme. Moreover, vinyl floors are innately water-resistant and easy to install.
- Carpet – The carpeted floor is a wise choice because you can seamlessly take it out in case there are water leak or flood problems. Take out the damp carpet and replace it with a dried one. Wash the soiled carpet and let it dry for its second use.
Step9 – Work on your Ceiling
You need to hide the several electrical wires and pipes on top of your newly renovated basement as it can downgrade aesthetics. Fortunately, our staff can work on installing new ceilings to hide those skeletal structures.
There are two types of ceilings we can install for your budget basement remodeling, that is, drop and drywall ceiling.
- Drop Ceiling – Its installation is pretty straightforward and affordable. It is the in-demand choice among households because it is cost-efficient and easy to maintain and repair.
- Drywall Ceiling – This one takes more effort although it allows you to save more space. Our technicians will customize the cut and size of your drywall so you can easily access them anytime for checking and maintenance.
Step10 – Painting
If your basement is less than 1,000 square feet, then you can fairly handle the painting works to save on labor costs. However, when you have friends and relatives to call for assistance, then you can take care of this task efficiently.
Nonetheless, if you have no one to call for assistance with the painting jobs, then you can pass some of it to our personnel.
Get Your Free Estimate Today
Mega Kitchen and Bath is authorized when it comes to renovating your outdated kitchen, bathroom, and basements. We are operating in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the Washington DC area.
If you need a free estimate, you can fill out our online request form. Our team will give you a reply within 24 hours or earlier. Meanwhile, you can call us for an in-house inspection and estimate.
Get free assistance, call us now or check us on Instagram anytime!
