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Building the Perfect Basement
03/13/2008 - By James Clarke, Curb Appeal Contracting
Is there really a perfect basement? Or is it an illusive idea that someone else thinks they have?..
Every basement is a different as the people who live in them. So how do you find a basement that meets your specific and varied needs? In the next few paragraphs I hope to give you a few pointers to at least start you in the right direction.
Before you call a contractor do a “needs assessment”. Simply put, determining the key items you want in the unutilized portion of your house. Items such as a bathroom, recreational room, storage, bedrooms, etc.
Once you’ve figured out what you need take the time and make a “close to scale” drawing of your basement including the total outside perimeter, staircase, window and door locations, furnace and hot water heater, posts, and floor drain locations.
With your drawings in hand and your lists of requirements, take the time to sit (not in your basement) and doodle with how you think the layout should be. Remember that once you have completed your project, a good design will be the most important factor in effectively meeting your objectives.
Now is the time to call a contractor. When he sits with you and sees your fore thoughts he should be able to take your idea, as good as it is, and make suggestions to turn your ideas into the “perfect design”
Of course there are many finish items, such as lighting options, accent trims, floors etc. that will be an important factor to consider long before the first nail or screw is fastened, these items may affect wall positions or utilizing available natural light.
The up front time the contractor is willing to take with you is crucial in determining what it is you need and so by giving you a quote that reflects his clear understanding of how to build you the perfect basement.
