What’s the Goal of Your Basement Build-Out?
Dreaming of finishing your basement? Kids moving out or moving back home? Mancave? Or dreams of a home theatre? Whatever the idea, whatever the plan for your basement build-out, O’Grady Companies, can help bring your project to light!
Where to Start
Finding a reputable contractor and subcontractors is the first and most important step on your basement endeavor. Do your homework by asking family and friends if they know of anyone. If so, be sure to look online for them as well; checking their reviews, website, history and more. It would be prudent to speak with more than one entity and to get a written estimate from each.
Be sure the contractor yo hire has the skills to take on your vision and fits your budget before signing any contracts or committing. Select someone that you know is familiar with the proper permitting and zoning regulations in your city or town and, can bring in specialists to handle any electrical and necessary plumbing work.
“Lights – Lights – Action”
A typical basement build-out starts with framing and ends with the proper flooring. Electrical is central to your project and it must be done properly to start so you are safe and have the lighting you’ve dreamed of and desired. Not only lighting – it’s the set up for your heating and cooling, ceiling fans, your audio, and more!
Since it is a basement, don’t skimp on the lighting – you’re going to need it! Better to have too many, than too little – so have a good lighting plan in mind! Think ‘atmosphere’ and design your electrical plan – sketch it out and have fun with it! Consulting with a reputable, local electrician is a wise choice too. They can provide tips and little known facts that you would otherwise not know.
Take note in your home where your switch plates are and then walk the basement or buildout area and take the placement of switches in mind. Something to definitely think about ahead of time.
Independence … It’s a Good Thing
Give heavy thought to having a separate, dedicated circuit strictly for your electronics and exercise equipment. It’s just added security against electric overload.
“A Must … I Want”
Make a list of the absolute ‘must haves’ and then the ‘I’d really like’. Then you can more clearly decide on what you’re able and willing to spend. Only then should you move forward and commit to a contractor. Once you’ve decided what you’re willing to spend, talk to a contractor.
Be aware that it’s somewhat typical to spend 15% to 20% of your home’s value on a basement build-out. Don’t spend more unless you have plans to stay in your home for more than five years.
Let’s talk ROI
What is the value a finished basement will provide you in the future? Will it help you rent or sell your home? If not, investing funds in other parts of your home or property might be a wiser way to go – an overall better investment.
A Real Plus!
Basement, even finished ones, don’t typically add square footage to your home for the appraisal sake; they can, however, have a significant impact on the marketability of your home. A truly finished basement, with all the bells and whistles, recoups nearly 70% of its cost in positive resale value – not to mention years of enjoyment for you and your family!