How to Plan for Your Basement Remodelling: The Ultimate Guide

Oct 14, 2022 | Blog

Basement remodelling can be an exciting project as well as an overwhelming commitment! Whether you need more space for a growing family, to supplement your income with rental, or you just want to create a self-care space, basement remodelling is the perfect solution!

Basement Remodelling Planning Guide

Depending on the existing condition of your basement, visualizing a transformation into a usable space may be a tad daunting. Some basements are dark, dingy and are used to house the furnace, electrical system, and even just used as storage space. But a basement can be so much more than that.

Does your basement have small windows? What is the ceiling height? Can the foundation withstand structural changes? Before you begin your basement remodel, there are several aspects to consider when planning such a large project.

Begin by Analyzing Your Space

Obviously, any home renovation is done to improve, expand, or transform the available space of the property and/or structure. Pinpointing the needs of the remodel will help determine the amount of floor space to be renovated.

Consider Ducts, Beams and Columns

Analyzing the space does require taking into consideration any permanent fixtures such as columns, beams, and ductwork. In most instances, these features are not to be tampered with or moved. It should be noted that in some cases, a reputable and experienced renovation contractor can in fact work with this type of issue by using other stabilizers for the proposed work.

Plan for Lighting

In the planning stages for basement finishing, one important aspect to consider is the lighting options. Utilize the available lighting from existing egress or basement hopper windows, when possible, in the design plans. Designers recommend devising a blueprint of more lighting than originally planned.

Create a Layout of the Floor Plan

The existing floor plan of the basement may dictate the layout for the remodel project in some respects. Walls can be installed to create room separation and establish your desired floor plan. The exterior walls and the wall of the staircasing needs to be considered as well. In fact, foam insulation, steel studs, and utilizing the space under the staircase are major factors in the designing of the layout of the floor plan.

Include Egress Requirements

Along with the standard local building codes for the electrical, plumbing, and stairwell installation, the egress must also be considered. In cases of emergency, building codes demand a particular exit, aside from the stairwell, to be installed in a basement project. Depending on the local bylaws, windows count as sufficient exits in the basement.

Make Sure Your Basement Doesn’t Have Moisture Problems

With any basement remodelling, the potential for moisture is THE most important aspect to consider. Modern homes have the management system in place to prevent serious water and moisture issues. For those basements that have significant concerns, most professional contractors have cost-effective solutions to ensure moisture problems are addressed.

Consider the Cost of Painting

No basement remodelling project is complete with a good coat of paint on the walls. Using paint in the basement requires a particular form of application as well as specific primers and paint that offset potential moisture issues. 

As a basement can be dark and dreary, even with newly installed lighting and floors, consider using a lighter colour of paint. Unlike the other floors in the house, a basement won’t get as much natural light.

Create a Timeline

In any remodelling project, time is money, for both the contractor and the homeowner. Most additions or remodels within the living spaces of a home can take several weeks to several months, depending on the extent of the work. The same can be said for a basement remodelling project.

A typical basement remodel schedule can be broken down as follows for the first few weeks: demolition, framing, electrical and mechanical rough in’s and inspection. The next two or three weeks can see drywall, carpentry, painting, floor installation, and tiling completed. Next up is the installation of the fixtures and any appliances, touch-ups, final inspections, and homeowner walkthrough. If underpinning is to be done, the length of time for completion can be extended by weeks/month.

Stick to the Timeline

Sticking to a timeline can be tricky but with a reputable contractor, it is possible. Anyone who has done any form of remodelling project knows and understands that delays can happen with hidden issues and material delivery delays; even with accounting for unknown issues in the initial planning stages.

Hire Professionals to Meet Your Basement Work Requirements

The costs and time associated with sticking to a timeline can be better managed by hiring professional basement remodelling contractors. Most homeowners try to save money by performing DIY projects, which in minor redecorating projects can seem attainable. With a basement remodelling project, however, the complexity of the electrical and plumbing systems alone deems it necessary to hire a professional. This type of project requires the right permits, insurance, materials, tools and knowledge to ensure a safe and effective completion.

Contact Elite Construction and Renovations for Whole Basement Remodelling

For your search of “basement remodelling contractors near me”, have Elite Construction and Renovations be your first call! With more than 15 years of experience and customer satisfaction in the renovation and construction business, we can help bring your basement remodelling project to life! Contact us today to get started and turn your home into a living oasis!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jay McDonald

Jay McDonald

Jay McDonald, general contractor and owner of Elite Construction & Renovations, has over 20 years of construction experience. He has completed various Ontario Building Code and Business Management courses from George Brown College and has managed over $50 million-dollars-worth of construction in his career.