When it comes to remodeling, the basement is often an excellent place to start. Not only does a remodeled basement offer something of a blank slate, but it’s so separate from the rest of your home that it can have a unique character. You will, however, want to consider a few factors before you start your remodel.
Know Your Budget
The first thing to consider before you start working on your basement remodel is always going to be your budget. Nothing’s going to impact what you can realistically accomplish more than the money you have in the bank, so be realistic about what you are prepared to spend. You may need to scale back your project if you don’t have enough to tackle everything, but you may also find that what you’re willing to spend can go a long way.
The State Of Your Basement
You also need to know the state of your basement before you begin. Are you looking at mold damage? Code violations? Are there issues that are going to impact your ability to work? If so, what is it going to cost you to ameliorate those problems? Inspect the whole basement to make sure you are going to be improving the space and not just decorating it differently. You may need some Andersen replacement windows if the ones you have been cracked or broken. You may also need new plumbing or electrical. Give the entire space the time and attention it deserves during your inspection.
Who Is Doing The Work
It’s also important to decide who is going to do the work before you make any plans. If you consider your basement a DIY project, you need to think about what you can realistically do yourself. If you’re going to hire someone, you’ll want to look for specialists that can make your dreams into a reality. Never start until you’re sure about what kind of labor you plan on using.
Your Goals
Finally, you’ll want to consider your goals. The steps you’ll need to take to turn your basement into a rec room versus those you’d need to take to turn it into an apartment are quite different and might require some substantially different approaches. You need to be sure about what you want from the space before you start your remodel.
Don’t be afraid to spend some time thinking before you make changes to your basement. From your budget to your end goals, you need to have the necessary information set before you start. If you have a solid plan, you’ll be able to create a much better space out of your old basement.
