BASEMENT REMODELING & MAN CAVES
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EXISTING SPACE IN YOUR HOME.
Finishing your basement is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase the living space in your home. The square footage is already there — it simply needs to be finished.
Remodeling a basement is a great option for expanding families, creating a “man-cave” retreat for sports and poker night or increasing the resale value of your home.
At Elite Custom Builders, we want you to enjoy your space for years to come. Assessing the needs of your family, weighing the limitations and opportunities of your space and managing your budget will ensure your space gives you the maximum return on investment. That’s the ELITE difference. Learn the 6 things you should consider when finished a basement:
6 THINGS YOU MUST CONSIDER WHEN FINISHING YOUR BASEMENT
01.
MOISTURE
Older basements often have water issues like drips, puddles or pools on the basement floor, which can lead to other problems such as mold later on. Before you start renovations, check your basement thoroughly for signs of water issues. Are there cracks in the foundation where water can get in? Is the outside ground graded away from the foundation? You may need to install a vapor barrier on the walls and floors before framing up your interior walls as well. It is key to take care of this early before investing in the rest of the basement.
02.
HEAT
Because they are below ground, basements are generally cooler than their upstairs counterparts. This is great in the summer, but can make hanging out in the basement a little uncomfortable in colder weather. When finishing a basement, make sure you have a heat source to keep your new room comfy and cozy. Baseboard heat is a great option because they sit close to the floor and allow the heat to rise. Just make sure the heating source you choose is compatible with your current HVAC system.
03.
HEIGHT
Many older basements have low ceilings, and most basements have exposed HVAC, plumbing, and electric running along the beams. A great option to finishing the ceiling of your new underground room is drop-ceilings. With drop-ceilings, it’s easy to remove and replace a panel to get to a utility line in case of an issue. However, check the height of your ceiling first, as you don’t want to make the ceiling too low and have to hunch over when shooting pool in your new underground game room!
04.
LIGHT & ELECTRIC
Because they are below ground, basements are generally cooler than their upstairs counterparts. This is great in the summer, but can make hanging out in the basement a little uncomfortable in colder weather. When finishing a basement, make sure you have a heat source to keep your new room comfy and cozy. Baseboard heat is a great option because they sit close to the floor and allow the heat to rise. Just make sure the heating source you choose is compatible with your current HVAC system.
That 70” flat screen TV isn’t going to power itself, so don’t forget to run enough electric—and run it in the right places! We recommend placing an outlet every 4-6 feet, about 2 feet from the floor, all the way around the room. That way, you always have a power source close by, even if you decide to rearrange the furniture. This is also a great time to pre-run any A/V cables for your TV, stereo, jukebox, computer, etc.
05.
CODE
Before you start swinging a hammer, check with your local government (city, county, or local municipality) to see what kinds of permits you need. You could get fined if you don’t have a construction permit!
06.
BUDGET
As with any project, it is important to set a budget up front. This will allow you to make decision on the best places to spend your money. You may want to spend your money on fixtures, decorations, or even that surround sound system you have always wanted. Lastly, not having enough money to finish a project could be an absolute disaster.
If you’re serious about creating a finished basement that you’re going to love, talk to a contractor who specializes in renovating basements. At Elite Custom Builders, we can turn the house you have into the home you want, and we love finishing basements and creating unique underground game rooms, man caves, home-gyms, play rooms, bedrooms, and just about anything else you else you can think of. Give us a call at 304-566-7946 and let’s talk about your project!
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Serving North Central West Virginia, including:
- Morgantown
- Fairmont
- Cheat Lake
- Clarksburg
- Bridgeport
- Weston
- Elkins
- Davis
- Preston County
- Wheeling
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