Custom Basement Kitchens Renovation & Remodeling Contractors in Connecticut

​There are many reasons for putting a kitchen in the basement. If your basement already includes an en-suite or some kind of extra living space, adding a kitchen or kitchenette can upgrade the space into something more self-sufficient.

Adding a kitchen in the basement is also a great idea for entertainment purposes. Some opt to put a wet bar in their basement and you can take this idea even further with the option to cook or re-heat food for guests in the same space.

What Is The Difference Between A Kitchen And A Kitchenette?

Sometimes the terminologies in real estate can be a bit confusing and maybe there aren’t any hard and fast concrete answers.  Generally, a kitchenette refers to a smaller version of a kitchen.  Sounds obvious, yes?  This could mean that you don’t have a full-size refrigerator, a smaller sink, a microwave oven but no cooktop, and/or no oven.  There may also be limited storage and counter space.

A kitchen, on the other hand, is a more substantial, full-service space with full-size appliances, ample counter and storage space, and full-size plumbing options.  Which one of these options you choose will depend on your needs, available space, and budget.

What To Consider When Planning A Custom Basement Kitchen

There are a few factors you’ll need to take into account before putting a kitchen in the basement. Safety and health issues are of the utmost importance to address before you get started on your renovation process. Then, you can take your time designing the layout and picking out your finishing touches. Consulting with a professional renovation team before you begin can help you make all your decisions.  This will add the highest value to your home.

• Town Building Codes – The building codes vary for each town in Connecticut, so you will want to know what is and isn’t permitted before you get far along in the planning process. A good contractor or architect can help you sort through this and avoid any issues.
• Moisture – The first issue you need to investigate in any basement renovation. If there is a current leak or condensation problem, you’ll want to have it fixed before the work begins. Water damage to equipment is the last thing you want to worry about in converting your basement into a home office. Just remember, there is a difference between dealing with standing water and moisture coming through a crack or seam in your foundation versus humidity or damp air in the basement.  Be sure to talk to your contractor to get guidance and options.
• Lighting and Wiring – You’ll want to have lighting ideas in mind when you design your kitchen basement addition. Finding the right balance is preferable to avoid too dim or too harsh on a lighting scale. Wiring is also an important consideration in custom basement kitchens. Your system needs to be adequate for the increased load of additional appliances and electrical outlets.
• Plumbing – Your new basement kitchen will need a sink. You might also want to consider a dishwasher for this space too. Plumbing can increase your costs if there are no previous rough-ins in the space.
• Appliances – Kitchens can be furnished with appliances both large and small. You’ll want to consider having at least a small fridge, cooktop, oven, and microwave. Other common appliances to consider are a dishwasher and a wine fridge among many others. Don’t forget small appliances, like blenders, toasters, and more. Your local building code will have specific guidelines for the location and kind of electrical outlets you will need.
• Ventilation – Kitchens need proper ventilation for cooking purposes. Achieving this in a basement is not impossible, but it can prove a challenge for those inexperienced in basement renovations.

Locating a Team With Installation Experience with Custom Basement Kitchens

Asking friends and family members for recommendations for a quick internet search can yield a lot of results for local basement renovation teams. You can use an internet browser, like Google, or social media or Angie’s List to find and compare several companies near you. Read through several of the ratings and reviews that previous customers have left for several contractors to find the one that will give you the best value.  Be sure to look for licensed and insured companies to protect your investment

Once you’ve found the company to contact, you should prepare a few things before you reach out. Have your rough idea of your plan on hand to go over with the professionals. Be prepared that what you envision for your space may change according to the codes and standards that must be followed.

The Better Built Basements Difference

What is different about Better Built Basements?  We give you the plans that include show all the wall locations, the type of ceilings, window locations, and show the layout of the unfinished space and the space to be finished.  Also, other than a plumber (which may not be needed for your project), everyone who works on your project will be a Better Built Basement employee.  We don’t use sub-contractors for any of the projects we undertake.

Contact Us

Better Built Basements is a professional basement conversion business in Berlin, Connecticut area. You can contact us by calling (860) 829-8587.  Our social media pages offer basement renovation ideas, news, and offerings particular to our company.

We also have free estimates available for putting a kitchen in the basement to start the remodeling process on the right foot.