How to Plan a Basement Renovation in Connecticut

Careful planning is critical to achieving a successful basement remodel – one that provides quality living space and adds value to your home.

The first – and most important – step in planning a basement remodel is to make sure you hire a reputable contractor who will complete the job on time and within budget. They’ll also be able to offer expert advice on how to make the best use of the space and options when it comes to materials and fixtures.

Some elements of planning a basement renovation are absolute musts to ensure functionality, while other aspects allow you to get more creative.

Better Built Basements has put together this guide to help home-owners in Connecticut plan the perfect basement renovation.

Choosing Your Connecticut Basement Renovation Contractor

While most contractors are trustworthy, it pays to do your research before settling on who you will work with on your project to avoid headaches down later on.

For instance, be wary of a basement remodeling contractor who gives you an unrealistic, cheap estimate. It may sound great, but if it’s significantly below your other quotes, it could be a sign they’ll use inferior materials and cut corners to keep costs down.

A good Connecticut basement renovations contractor will be able to:

• Give you a written contract.
• Provide you with recommendations from satisfied customers.
• Comply with insurance and licensing requirements.
• Give you a written warranty.
• Provide an outline of the project’s scope that might include a plan and timeline.

To help make sure you get a basement contractor you can trust, ask questions such as:

• What experience do you have in basement renovation?
• Can you provide financial references?
• How many other projects would you likely be working on at the same time as mine?
• Can you show me a list of previous clients and photos of past projects?

Answers to questions like these will give you an idea of how efficiently your basement project will progress and help you to establish levels of a contractor’s professionalism, dependability, and availability.

A good contractor will also be able to help you plan your basement remodel budget and may even be able to offer help with financing.

Another question it’s worth asking a contractor is whether they do most of the work themselves or subcontract it out.

Finding a contractor whose direct employees do most or all of your basement renovation means you’ll get a one-stop basement remodeling resource, quality-controlled from start to finish, and using only premium materials and the best craftsmen.

Essential Considerations in Planning a Basement Renovation in Connecticut

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

• Built-in lighting – 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 – without windows, a basement can feel dark and dismal, 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.
• Waterproofing – to protect your home’s foundations from water damage and avoid health issues arising from the formation of mold and mildew.
• Insulation – crucial to control temperature and reduce energy consumption, insulation can also help reduce sound transmission from the basement to the rest of the house.
• Moisture control – What steps, if any, are needed to keep the basement feeling dry? Some basements can be a bit musty, and there are options to mitigate those conditions.

Adding a Touch of Class and Style to Your New Basement

Now you’ve planned for the essential components of your basement remodel, it’s time to think about exactly how you want to customize the space to suit your needs and lifestyle – and a basement renovation gives you multiple options.

You can use your new basement for a specific purpose – such as a custom bar, home gym, or home office – or to provide a spare bedroom, for example.

A basement remodel also gives you the chance to divide the space into different zones for various activities like hobbies such as arts and crafts.

Planning your basement decor allows you to put your stamp on your basement remodel.

Bear in mind, though, that painting the surfaces in a neutral shade may be your best option –bold colors can make a basement look and feel smaller. You can add a splash of color and character with accessories and coverings, such as curtains throw pillows and rugs.

And don’t forget storage options such as built-in cabinets or under-stair storage. As well as creating extra living space, a basement remodel can still give you additional storage space to avoid cluttering up other areas of your home.

Benefits of Good Basement Renovation Planning

Diligent planning of your basement remodel – finding a good contractor, getting the essential elements of functionality right, and customizing the space to your individual requirements and purposes – will go a long way to ensuring you get quality extra living space.

It can also increase the market worth of your home on resale, enabling you to recover 70 percent or more of your basement remodel investment.