Managing (and Budgeting) Your Basement Remodel
It is the season of remodels now that the weather is getting nicer. Nicer weather means you do not need to sit in the house listening to the noise of the jackhammer downstairs from your basement finishing project. Basements are a key feature in New England homes and many individuals seek a house that has a basement. Whether they use the basement for storage or intend to finish it, many individuals find value in the extra square footage. Many homes in the south don’t have basements, so they are a luxury that you should take advantage of.
As with any remodel, a basement remodel can get hectic and your budget can get out of control. As a leading contractor for basement finishing we know and have seen the struggle of all sorts of problems with a basement remodel. From drywall, to windows, to plumbing and electrical there is a lot to consider when you’re budgeting for your finished basement. This is where a few of these tricks that we’ve figured out along the years could come in handy.
Figure out your budget
Before you even call a design/build contractor to design a plan of action, figure out how much you can spend on this project. Not how much you want to spend, should be able to spend, or anything like that. Figuring out how much investment you have to put into this project is important to consider before you start the project. This will help you and your contractor figure out what you can afford to do in the space that you have.
What do you want in the space?
Find out what you would like to do in the space. Is it more important for you to have a spare bedroom, a play room or to attempt to fit multiple rooms in the basement? It is important to determine your priorities of what you want in the home. This will allow you to cut parts of the project if needed.
Find out where to splurge and where to save
Some things you just won’t need in your basement. If you like to entertain and you plan on hosting parties down here, then it is time for you to splurge on a bar or something to entertain your guests. If you don’t to finish the entire footprint of the basement because you only need half of the space finished for what you need, then you can cut back on finishing the whole basement. It is a matter of perception, and it all goes back to your budget and needs.
Codes
While you have all of these grand plans for your basement in your head, make sure that you hire the right professional for your basement finishing project. A reliable design/build company will know the ins and outs of the laws for your area to make sure that your project is compliant.
When you are ready to tackle your basement project, call Blackdog Builders at our Salem location (603) 952-3192 or our Nashua location (603) 769-2080.
