Basement Remodeling Checklist
Summary Basement Remodeling Checklist for
Finishing a Basement
By: Mark J. Donovan
|
|
Remodeling a basement is great way to
create additional living space and increase the value of your home. However
before grabbing a hammer and nailing up some 2x4s, it is imperative to first
develop a comprehensive basement remodeling checklist. By creating a basement
remodeling checklist you can step back and plan the entire basement remodeling
project to make sure you get the finished basement you are looking for.
|
|
A basement remodeling checklist
should include everything from developing basement remodeling plans, to
obtaining the final inspection. There are many steps along the way between these
two major milestones, and many homeowners are unfamiliar with what they are.
However each one of these steps is critical in the process of successfully
completing a basement remodeling project.
To help get you started in planning a
basement remodeling project, I have summarized below a high level basement
remodeling checklist.
|
 |
|
|
I must reiterate that this brief
checklist of action items is only the first step in the process of fully
fleshing out a set of basement remodeling plans. Before remodeling begins, you
will need to develop a much more comprehensive basement remodeling checklist if
you are to ensure a smooth and successful basement remodeling project.
Summary
Basement Remodeling Checklist
1) Visit
Banks to Understand your Basement Remodeling Financing Options
|
Unless you are planning to pay cash
for your basement remodeling project, you will need to obtain bank financing.
Without the cash or financing your basement remodeling project won’t get very
far. Talk with a few local banks to find out which ones will loan you money,
how much money, and at what terms.
2) Evaluate your Basement for Finishing
Not all basements can support being
finished. You may need to have your local building inspector come by to evaluate
it for sufficient headroom and egress. Also make sure there are no major water
or moisture issues that cannot be resolved. All water and moisture issues should
be completely and permanently resolved before starting a basement remodeling
project. Otherwise you will end up with a moldy finished basement in short
order.
3) Basement Remodeling Plans
You can either generate your own
basement remodeling plans or enlist the services of an architect to create
basement remodeling plans. Do not try to wing it, which many homeowners do when
finishing a basement. I can always tell when a basement was finished on a wing
and a prayer, and most other people do as well, including future home buyers. So
don’t skimp on creating a complete set of basement remodeling plans.
|
Photo by Mark Donovan |
4) Hire
a Basement Remodeling Contractor and Subcontractors
With a complete set of basement
remodeling plans in place, meet with prospective basement remodeling contractors
to solicit contractor remodeling bids. Carefully review each contractor bid to
determine which basement remodeling contractor is right for your basement
remodeling project.
5) Obtain
Financing (If Required)
Once you have selected a contractor
and know your basement remodeling costs you can obtain financing on the project.
6)
Pull Basement Remodeling Permits
With a basement remodeling contractor
and financing in place, visit your local building inspector to pull remodeling
permits. You will most likely need to pull permits for framing, electrical, and
plumbing.
|
Find a Qualified New Basement Remodeling Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with New Basement
Remodeling
Contractors! |
7) Begin
Basement Remodeling
Once you have the basement remodeling
permits in hand you are ready to begin construction on your basement remodeling
project. Start and completion dates for construction work to begin should have
been included in the timeline provided by your basement remodeling contractor.
8) Inspect
your Basement Remodeling Contractor’s Work Regularly
Unlike a new home construction
project, it is much easier to keep tabs on your basement remodeling project. You
simply have to walk downstairs. Plan to review the basement remodeling work each
day, and preferably while the basement remodeling contractor is on site so that
you can discuss any issues that you may see. However, don’t be a pain in the
neck. Make no more than 1 or 2 visits a day. Any more will be unproductive. When
inspecting the remodeling contractor’s work check to see if it is complying to
the basement remodeling plans and to the quality level you expected.
9) Schedule
Basement Remodeling Inspections
At the completion of each major phase
of the basement remodeling project, e.g. the completion of framing, rough
electric, rough plumbing, etc, the local building inspector should be contacted
to come by and inspect and sign off on the work.
10)
Obtain Final Inspection
When the basement remodeling project
is complete, obtain the final inspection approval from the local building
inspector.
With the final inspection complete,
your newly remodeled basement is ready for use.
It is important to remember that this
is a summary basement remodeling checklist. There are many other detailed steps
along the way, and additional major steps that may need to be taken depending
upon your unique situation. For example, if the basement remodeling project
requires water or moisture mitigation before construction, you may need to
enlist the services of basement waterproofing company.
For a more comprehensive basement
remodeling checklist, see my
Basement Remodeling Bid Sheet. The Basement
Remodeling Bid Sheet provides a request for quote checklist section that you can
provide to prospective basement remodeling contractors. It also includes a
comprehensive basement remodeling cost breakdown table, in Microsoft Excel
format, that allows the contractor to include his projected remodeling costs for
every phase of the project.
How to Finance Basement Additions -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Related
Basement Remodeling Information
Additional Basement Remodeling Resources
from Amazon.com
Bathroom Faucets, Vanities and Accessories from Amazon.com
Get Free Basement Remodeling Price Quotes
with
No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on basement remodeling from one of our prescreened and licensed basement
remodeling contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to
continue once you receive your basement remodeling price estimate.
|
