7 Steps to a Basement Renovation You’ll Enjoy

Save money by doing most of the work yourself? Sign us up! Installing a basement is a fantastic way to expand your home and save money. If you’re looking to transform your basement into a second living space, here are seven steps to a renovation of your basement you’ll enjoy.

Plan Your Basement Renovation

As with any significant home renovation, a well-planned basement project is essential. Before you contract a contractor, you’ll want to set a budget and create a detailed renovation plan.

A renovation plan will outline the scope of work, the timeline, and the materials you’ll use. This will help you stay organized and on-task, and avoid costly delays.

Choose A Home For Your DIY Basement

Before you start digging, you’ll want to choose a home for your basement. Not only does this determine the footprint of the finished space, but it will have an impact on the entire renovation process.Think about how you’ll use the space, and the activities you’ll engage in there.

Get Permits And Licenses

For every major renovation, you’ll need to secure building permits and get the appropriate Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) approvals.

Depending on where you live, you may also need to obtain plumbing and hydroelectricity licenses. Get in touch with your local authority to find out what inspections you need, and when you need them.

Consult With Your Contractor

As you plan your basement renovation, you’ll want to stay in contact with your contractor. During the renovation process, you’ll bounce between being the client and the contractor.

As the client, you’ll be in charge of signing contracts, making payments, and scheduling work. As the owner of the project, you’ll be responsible for monitoring the work, and making sure everything is safe and legal.

The balance of power will shift when you engage a contractor. You can select your contractor, but they’ll select you if they want to do business with you.Choose your contractor wisely. You’ll want someone you trust to handle your project responsibly.

Set A Budget

As you talk with contractors, you’ll discover that the actual price of renovation varies tremendously. This is due to a variety of factors — size, materials, build quality, length of the project, and so on.

Therefore, it’s important to have a budget. This will help you narrow down your selection criteria, and ensure you’re not overspending.

Learn Basic Carpentry Skills

Before you hire a contractor, you’ll want to upgrade your skills in carpentry. Take a course at your local community college, or pick up a beginner’s book on the subject.

You’ll need to know how to hammer a nail, use a level, and set a level foundation. Your contractor will provide training, but you’ll need to be competent to complete the job.

Finally, Create Your DIY Finishing Space

A renovation of the basement isn’t just a room addition. It’s a complete overhaul of the entire space. This is why you’ll want to plan your renovation well in advance. From the layout and design of the rooms to the types of finishes you’ll use, to the size and placement of lights.

Making these decisions now will save you time and money, and ensure the space is modern and functional when the renovation is completed.

Doing arenovation of the basement yourself is rewarding, and not as scary as you might think. With a little planning and a lot of hard work, you can transform your basement into a second living space that is both functional and affordable.