What is the estimated
cost to finish a basement?
This is our number one question, and of course, there is no direct
answer. There are many variables that must be considered before even
giving an estimate. Additionally, every contractor charges a different
price. You can expect, however, that the more features you are requesting,
the more expensive it will be. Solid surface counter tops, wet bars,
fireplaces, home theaters, architectural features, steam showers,
etc., will raise the per square foot cost. The more basic the basement
finish, the less the cost.
In
addition, a small basement of 700 sq. ft. or less, will cost more
per square foot to finish. The bathroom is the most expensive room
to finish per square foot, and that cost must be spread over the entire
square footage cost – so the smaller the basement, the higher the
per square foot cost. The reverse is also true for larger spaces,
such as over 1,500 sq. ft.
How
long will it take to finish my basement?
Again, this is a question that has no exact answer because of the
numerous factors involved. We usually estimate one week per 100 sq.
ft. up to 1,000 sq. ft., and one week for every 200 sq. ft. over 1,000
sq. ft. For example, we estimate 10 weeks for a 1,000 sq. ft. basement,
and 11 weeks for a 1,200 sq. ft. basement. These estimates can change
by several weeks, though, if there are a lot of unusual or time-consuming
features.
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What
is the resale value of a finished basement?
That question is probably best answered by a real estate broker whose
judgement you trust and research. We have provided links to relavent
articles that may be informative.
The
National Association of Realtors "2005 Cost vs. Value Report"
Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, Real Estate Report, March, 2006
Remodeling Magazine,
Cost Vs. Value Report, November, 2005
Denver Post, October
21, 2004
Is
a permit required to finish a basement?
Yes, absolutely. It is against all building codes to finish a basement
without a permit. Additionally, having a permit is for the homeowner's
protection and safety. With a permit, all work must be inspected and
must pass inspection, assuring that everything meets safety codes.
It is also to a homeowner's advantage to have a permit if they are
considering selling their home. Potential buyers will require inspections
to ensure all work was done to building codes.
What
do permit costs?
Permits costs vary in each jursidiction. Contact your local building
department for permit costs.
What
is an egress window?
Every finished basement must have at least one egress window, and
if applicable, an egress window well. Every sleeping room must have
an egress window, and they can be one and the same if there is only
one sleeping room. An egress (escape) window must have a clear openable
area of 5.7 sq. ft., net clear openable height of 24 inches, and net
clear openable width of 20 inches. Sill height will not be more than
44 inches above the floor. Windows with a sill below ground level
must have a window well with a minimum net clear opening of 9 sq.
ft. with a minimum dimension of 36 inches. Window wells deeper than
44 inches must have a permanently attached ladder.
For
more information, refer to Section 310.4 of UCB.
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Are
there requirements for a certain size or number of windows in a basement?
There must be at least one egress window in a basement, and if there
is a bedroom, it must be in the bedroom. All bedrooms must have an
egress window. There is a code requirement in certain jurisdictions
that all habitable space must have 10% natural light and ventilation,
so be aware of that requirement.
Is
a kitchen allowed in a basement?
Many jurisdictions do not allow full kitchens in basements. The
stove top is the issue, but most other appliances are acceptable.
Check with your local building department.
Is
a fireplace allowed in a basement?
Yes, a direct vent gas fireplace can be installed in most basements.
Can
rough plumbing for a bathroom be moved or added?
Yes, but building codes require a 2 inch vent for the toilet in a
bathroom. Many older homes, however, do not have a means of venting
up through the house.
Are
hot tubs allowed in a basement?
Yes, but they are not recommended. A de-humidifying system is necessary
to deal with the added humidity.
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Is
it possible to have a hardwood floor in the basement?
Yes. It works well if the basement has a wood floor. There are also
new products that allow for a wood floor on a concrete floor.
What
is recommended if our furnace is not large enough to accommodate a
finished basement?
Another furnace can be added for the basement, or the existing one
can be replaced with a larger furnace. A high efficiency furnace may
be needed if the existing flue is too small.
A zoning system can also be added to existing forced air ducting to
increase the comfort and flexibility of the basement temperature.
It allows for temperature regulation on each floor.
Supplemental
electric baseboard heat units are another option. It is the more economical.
Is
there an advantage to using a suspended ceiling versus a drywall ceiling?
The only advantage is the ability to easily run wires from room to
room with a suspended ceiling. The disadvantages outweigh the advantages,
though. Suspended ceilings are unattractive, limit design options,
sag and discolor over time. We do not install this type of ceiling.
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Do
we provide design services exclusively?
No,
we provide design services for our basement finishing clients only.
Do
we do other projects in a home, such as remodeling in the upper levels?
We do occasionally provide remodeling services to the upper level
of homes in which we are finishing basements. We do not provide remodeling
services exclusively, nor do we provide handyman services.
Do
we allow clients to provide some of their own finishing materials,
such as paint, carpet, tile, bath fixtures, etc?
Yes. Clients providing some their own finishing materials, however,
must follow all criteria in our Owner Furnished Items Agreement.
Do
we allow clients to perform some of the work in their basement?
Yes, in certain circumstances. Any work requiring a license,
such as electrical, HVAC and plumbing, must be done by a licensed
tradesman in the client's jurisdiction, and must be completed within
our schedule timeline. Other work not requiring a license must also
be completed within our schedule timeline, such as painting, installing
cabinets, carpet, etc.
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Do
we handle partial finishes?
Yes, if the project meets a minimum project price.
Do we finish basements
in phases?
No, we do not finish basements in phases.
Do
we provide upgrades to existing finished basements?
Yes, if the upgrades meet a minimum project price, however, that
is rare. An interior designer or interior design service is probably
the best solution for upgrades to a finished space.
Do
we refinish existing basements without any demolition work?
Yes, but the project must meet a certain minimum price. Also,
all previous construction must meet certain criteria. Older homes
may require upgrading electrical, HVAC or plumbing to meet current
building codes. Reframing or adding an egress window may also be necessary
and require some demolition.
What
does our contract price include?
Our fixed price contract includes design through construction
with final inspections for a turnkey basement, including flooring.
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Can
clients make changes to their basement after a signed contract?
Yes, we have a change order process by which clients can make
changes to the design or finish materials. A client's project manager
will calculate the price difference, debit or credit, and present
the Change Order to the client for review and approval. No work is
performed until the Change Order(s) is approved and signed by the
client.
Do
we finish crawl spaces?
No.
Do
we use subcontractors?
Yes, all of our
trades people are subcontractors. Most of them have been working with
our company for years, and several since our inception. We believe
they are the best in their fields.
Do
we have a project superintendent on site?
Yes, we have both
a project superintendent on site, as well as his assistant, who visit
the site a minimum of 4 times per week.
Are
we licensed, bonded and insured?
Yes.
Do
we repair water damaged basements?
No.
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