To Homeowners - What is the main reason why you would renovate your basement?
To Contractors... what is the main reason your customers want to renovate their basement space?
Please share your answers ....Thanks.
My customers... electrical layout, lighting and resale value.
As a small contracting firm we do our fair share of basements. Our clients are growing families looking to add more usable living space. Priorities tend to be a rec room, an extra bathroom and a bedroom for guests if possible.
Our clients' main concerns are cost of the project, that the space looks good and is functional for their needs and that everything is done to corresponding building codes.
We have some tools to help clients plan their renovations and try to be as helpful in their planning stages as possible. The better planned the basement renovation, or any renovation, the better the final product and the more likely you'll stay on budget.
The main reason is to increase living space. They can turn a 900sqft home into a 1500sqft home without packing up and moving.
Insulation, biggest heat loss in a home is the basement. Increase floor space.
There are so many reasons to finish a basement, you would be bored reading my reply.
It depends on the client. Some want play area's for the kids. Some want play area's for themselves, pool tables, big screen theatres etc. Work out rooms, finished storage area's. Extra bedrooms for guests, bathrooms. Bar and entertainment area's. Some clients I have had finish the basement for use as a rental unit or units. There's the short list.
All of your insulation and water intrusion issues must be adressed first and properly.
Now if you desire all or some of your basement to be finished here is a list for you to follow:
1) Spend some time and put together an idea of what you want to do with the space.
2) Know what you are comfortable spending.
3) Make sure you hire a contractor or designer to plan the use of space with you. The structural issues can be addressed at this point.
4) Be sure you are comfortable with the contractor you hire to do the work.
Extra space for them or kids
Resale value
Insulation upgrade
More wc
Constantine
The main reason our customers renovate a basement, is to utilize unused space, to add bedrooms, family rooms, additional bathrooms. Beyond that, bars, wine rooms & theater rooms would be part of higher end lower level renovation.
Cindee,
As I mentioned in the previous question, the value of your home can be increased with basement development. The second reason would simply to utilize the space that isn't being used.
Most basements become places to store "stuff" ... that you probably will never use. (x-country skies, exercise equipment, vacation clothing, etc.). If you do the job well and think about what you want, the basement can become a very welcoming area and virtually double your living space.
Enjoy,
Mark
Basement renovation projects can be enjoyable and rewarding, however, they require pre-planning, budgeting and the right materials. A new basement makes your home stand out. It also helps you get the most out of your life's biggest investment.
There was a time when the basement was merely unfinished space used for storage. Not any more. Today, they are fully functioning, live able spaces, where people go to unwind, relax and enjoy home theatres, bars or custom gyms and spas. They are also the ideal place for home offices and nanny suites or for separate living space for elderly relatives or older children. Best of all, a newly renovated or refinished basement will build equity in your home, and makes your house more valuable and more attractive to potential buyers.
Many new homes built are left with unfinished basements for the new homeowner to design.
Finishing an unfinished space in your home is one of the most cost effective ways to add equity and increase the value in your home.
Legal Basement Suites are an extremely popular way to have your home pay off the cost of the renovation
If your family is growing and you need more space, or you want to create revenue, your unfinished basement is the answer!
Do the planning first !!
The main reason I have found is increase in living / playing space and of course the resale value added to a finished rec room.
Thanks
James
Search the TrustedPros directory and discover the best contractors in your area.
Find your home service pro