If you are looking to remodel your basement, there are a number of factors that can help you determine the return on investment. While the exact ROI will vary depending on the amount of work and expenses involved, these tips can be a great start.
Bathrooms and Home Theaters are Among the Most Expensive Projects
The cost of remodeling a basement can be prohibitively expensive. Fortunately, you can make your money go further with a few tips and tricks. One of the best tricks of the trade is to hire a professional to manage the project. A reputable contractor is not only going to do the dirty work, but they will also be more receptive to your needs. As a result, you can enjoy your new abode in a fraction of the time and headaches of conventional DIY approaches. For example, a spruced up 200 square foot basement can be had for as little as $7000. Of course, there are some things that you shouldn’t try to do yourself. If you’re up for the challenge, get the ball rolling by requesting free estimates from your favorite contractors.
Recessed Lighting is a Great Way to Create All-over Brightness in a Basement
If your basement is dark and dreary, recessed lighting can help brighten up the room. Recessed lights are a popular way to add light to a space and are inexpensive.
Before you install recessed lighting, you’ll want to design a layout. The size of the fixtures depends on how much square footage you have. You’ll also need to consider what the room will be used for. For example, the kitchen will need to be well lit, but the basement will need less brightness.
The best type of recessed lights to use in your basement are LEDs. These are energy efficient and come in a wide variety of colors. They are also dimmable. This is helpful for those who prefer a softer glow.
When designing your recessed lighting, you’ll need to make sure that you place the fixtures in the correct locations. Lights placed too close to the ceiling can create shadows. Also, you’ll want to place the light source at least 24 inches away from the wall.
Garden-level Lot Basements Receive More Natural Light
In a nutshell, a garden level lot is a basement atop a lower floor. It’s not as fancy as a below-grade, but it’s not the worst either. Most garden-level houses feature some form of indoor-outdoor living with patios and decks being a mainstay. A well-designed garden-level house is not only pleasing to the eye, but it can be a safe haven for a growing family.
Among other things, a garden-level lot is the ideal place to house a pool or hot tub. With a little planning and budgeting, a garden-level home can be the envy of the neighborhood. However, such a feat can be difficult to pull off, especially if your building plans are anything but slick. You’ll also want to take some time to plan for eventual floods and water damage.
Permits and Inspection Fees
Whether you’re looking to remodel your basement or simply adding a new bathroom, it’s important to understand the costs of permits and inspections. These costs can affect the value of your home, as well as how much you can resell it.
Permits and inspection fees can vary by community. They’re also based on the size of the project and the quality of the materials. Depending on the scope of your renovation, you may need several permits.
A building permit is required for demolition, structural changes, and electrical work. The cost of a permit will depend on the city, county, and community you live in. For a simple remodeling project, you might pay as little as $200.
Plumbing and electrical work should be completed by professionals. Many cities don’t allow homeowners to install wiring, so you’ll have to hire a licensed contractor.
The bottom line: the return on investment to remodel your basement should take into account more than simply the financial aspect. You must consider the years of enjoyment that your new finished basement will bring. That’s not easy to put into dollar terms, but it sure is worth a lot.