Home Basement Renovations in Connecticut

Basement renovations come in all shapes and sizes. You might want to take an unfinished basement and turn it into simple storage space or go much further and create one of these options: home theater or guest suite or playroom. This is just the tip of the iceberg, there are many more options such as:

Once you know the intended goal of the space, the next step is to figure out what your options are.  Some of those options are self-imposed based on your preferences, budget, and timing. Others will be variables that you have to accommodate.

For example, a basement with a low ceiling may not be an ideal situation for a home gym with a TRX training system or a chin-up bar. Likewise, the big family room you want might have to be resized if mechanical equipment like HVAC units or boilers can’t be relocated. And finally, every town in Connecticut will have a specific building code that outlines what you can and can’t do with your space.

Once you have identified the goal(s) for the basement you want to renovate and have accounted for what you can and can’t do with the space, you can begin working on a plan to determine your options.  It is helpful to bring in an experienced basement renovation contractor at this stage (or even earlier).  This can help avoid mistakes and set expectations as far as timing, costs, and options.

Essential Considerations in Planning a Basement Renovation in Connecticut

What are some of the items you’ll have to keep in mind regardless of what kind of project you are planning for your basement?

Once you’ve found a contractor you’re happy with, they can help you plan for critical components in your basement renovation, such as:

• 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. 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.
• Built-in lighting – It is essential in an underground space, even if you can incorporate some natural light. Track lighting can be effective and recessed lighting is ideal for basements with lower ceilings.
• Windows –  A basement can feel dark and dismal without windows, even with light fixtures. At least one window is required by building codes to provide rescue access and an emergency exit.
• Flooring – There are many options for basement flooring, including carpet, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), ceramic tiles, and engineered hardwood.
• Plumbing – If you’re planning a basement bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room, you’re going to need the necessary plumbing.

Locating a Team With Installation Experience with Basement Renovations

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 always have free estimates available for updating your basement to help make the remodeling process simple as can be.