Got the Unfinished Basement Blues?
Written by: Admin | Date: Tuesday, 23rd March 2010

Have you been scanning home magazines for years now, trying to decide on the perfect finished basement style? Have you been dreaming for a long time about a finished basement, but something tells you it's never going to happen? 

If you're ready to put the magazines down and set doubt aside, this might be the time for you to act on your dreams.  With a few simple steps, getting that extra square footage your heart longs for, might be right around the corner.  Here are a few things you might want to consider:

Consider a Contractor

Maybe it's time to consider outsourcing the work to a local contractor.  It may seem like an intimidating idea at first, but step by step you will see it all works out. 

If you're under the impression it will be more costly to hire a contractor, that may or may not be true.  Of course you will pay for labor costs on top of materials if you use a contractor, but sometimes contractor pricing can be passed along to you that otherwise wouldn't be.   Also, there's no price you can put on the mistakes or inferior work of an inexperienced person. 

Time is money, and if you do it yourself, it will cost you plenty; of time that is.  Other priorities are bound to take over, and it is especially difficult to complete such a task alongside your day job.   No one wants to live with disorganization and drywall dust for months on end.  A contractor should be able to give you a defined window of time to complete the job.

A good contractor knows what is needed, and is passionate about doing the work.  It's the career he has made for himself.  His passion and experience give him a natural groove.  Make sure you do a background check on the contractor you hire so that you know his "groove" is evident. 

Make Good Plans

Narrow down what it is you want to use your lower level for.  Make a rough plan with the family's input.  Of course, after speaking to a contractor, the plans might need to be altered, but it is helpful to at least have some basic ideas developed before calling a contractor for a quote.

Contractors will often quote on the entire project, but sometimes homeowners have a preference for other materials or have a favorite friend they want to do part of the work. Don't take these details for granted.  When you ask for a quote, make it clear who will be providing finishes and fixtures or extra details.  Will tile work be contracted out to a separate party at a separate cost?  Will a fireplace be a separate item?  What about flooring, vanities and light fixtures; will you be purchasing them separately, or should they be in the quote? 

Narrow down other details such as whether you'd like a subfloor, which raises the floor off the concrete foundation (helpful in damp or extremely cold climates).  Heated floors are popular, and if you intend to install one, do your homework well in advance of calling a contractor.  Consider the extra cost of installing sound proof insulation in the ceiling and between certain walls like the washroom or furnace room.  You won't ever regret having the extra soundproofing, but you may regret not putting it in before walls and ceilings are finished.

Call a Contractor

Contact a contractor or two for quotes, and begin dialogue on what it is you want done, a schedule and so forth.  Make sure you check out references, and choose one whose personality will mesh with yours. 

Reputable contractors will not hesitate to work according to building code and do the extra work of getting required permits and inspections.  They should give you a detailed quotation and signed contract upfront.

Ask the contractors for written quotes that include a detailed list of the building supplies, and an outline for the payment schedule. Make sure it includes any upgrades you've requested such as sound-proof insulation and so forth.  The quote should match what you've discussed, and present a picture that matches your expectations. 

It isn't necessary to accept the cheapest quote, nor the highest.  Do some homework to make sure the prices make sense.  Ask others who've had their basements done (of course comparing square footage), and visit hardware stores to see the cost of supplies.

Financing

Make sure you have financing in place so you can see the job through with payments according to schedule, and without any setbacks. You shouldn't have to pay a large sum upfront, except for a reasonable down payment. The down payment secures the job and is the money for the initial supplies

Schedule the Work

Get an expected start date.  Contractors sometimes have a few projects on the go at once.  They also may subcontract out parts like spray insulation, textured ceilings or gas fireplaces, and may need to co-ordinate with those suppliers.  Try to find out what else is going on at the same time for the contractor, and prepare for occasional time delays unless he has firmly agreed to a specified period.  It makes it a lot easier if you both know what is expected.

Get it Going

Be bold. Ask around for references, or check your local paper or phone book for names of contractors, and begin the process.
Many people dream of finishing their basement some day.  The problem is, that some people are better at dreaming about it than getting it done.  Your finished basement can become a reality in just days or weeks, if you decide now to take the necessary steps to get the project going.