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Finished Basement Planning
Finished Basement Planning requires Sketches,
Permits, and Moisture Abatement Prior to Construction
By: Mark J. Donovan
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Finishing a basement can be tricky
due to headroom issues, pipe and ductwork, mechanical equipment and limited
natural light. However, with a little upfront finished basement planning, you
can usually overcome these issues to create a beautifully finished basement.
Unlike adding an attached home
addition, a finished basement typically does not require any excavation or
exterior work, except for the possibility of installing a window.
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Consequently, the cost of finishing a
basement on a per square foot basis is usually lower. In addition, a full set of
construction blueprints is usually not required.
Though a full set of blueprints may
not be necessary, building permits are required and thus at least a fairly
detailed sketch of the finished basement will be necessary for pulling permits.
In addition, to ensure a quality finished basement, it is also important to do
a significant amount of upfront finished basement planning. |
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Upfront finished basement planning
includes first creating a set of sketches of your finished basement floor plans.
Besides defining the shapes, sizes and purpose of each room in the finished
basement, the sketches should also include the locations for any soffits to hide
pipe and ductwork. After generating a set of sketches visit your building
inspector to pull permits.
Besides creating a set of sketches,
finished basement planning also includes specifying the unique features and
materials needed for the remodeled basement.
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Leave no stone unturned when
generating your feature and material lists. Every item down to the nail and
curtain rod should be included. By creating this type of detailed list you can
better assess your finished basement costs, as well as determine when materials
need to be ordered and delivered. Note that many home building materials have
long lead times. For example, cabinets for a basement wet bar could take 6-8
weeks to have delivered.
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Another major finished basement
planning activity that needs to be done is to assess the basement for moisture
problems and to determine how best to deal with them. Wet, or even highly humid
basements, can quickly ruin a finished basement due to the growth of mold and
mildew. Usually it is best to have a basement waterproofing expert evaluate your
basement for moisture issues prior to starting your finished basement project.
They can provide recommendations for mitigating basement water or moisture
problems that will help to protect your investment and to ensure a comfortable
finished basement living space. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
Finally, if your basement lacks a
walk out door, or bulkhead, you will most likely need to include an egress
window in your finished basement plans for fire and safety concerns. This is
particularly true if your finished basement plans include bedrooms.
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Standard narrow basement windows
located near the basement ceiling won’t meet code for a basement egress window.
An egress window has to be large enough for an adult to pass through and it
needs to be located near enough to the ground for easy access. Consequently
installing an egress window in a basement wall can be a little tricky and
costly. Depending upon your basement walls this may include having to cut the
concrete basement walls and installing a basement window well. This said,
installing an egress window, also offers the additional advantage of letting in
more natural light.
So before you break out the hammer
and 2x4s, spend some time doing some upfront finished basement planning. By
doing so, you will help to ensure your basement remodeling project goes smoothly
and achieve the finished space you desire.
For
a more help on your Finished Basement Project, 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 Finished Basement Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Related
Basement Remodeling Information
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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.
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