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Posts tagged construction projects

Should You Finish Your Basement?

Apr18
2008
2 Comments Written by Shanna

Basement RemodelAre you looking to add extra space to your home?

Are potential buyers turned off by the small size of your home’s interior? Would a finished basement help capture their attention?

There are pluses and minuses with either finished or unfinished spaces, so you’ll want to do your homework before jumping into a lengthy project. However, it makes sense that by transforming unused spaces into functional living areas, you could give your home a leg up against the competition.

Should you finish your basement? You decide.

Tip #1: Do some comparison shopping

It’s Basic Selling 101 to know your competition. Learning what your neighbors offer will give you a good idea of how your home stacks up. What asking price are similar homes in the area, with and without finished basements, going for? If the difference in price is very small, remodeling your basement may not be a worthwhile project. However, if it looks like you can reasonably expect a large return for your work, it’s worth the investment.

Of course, if you’re considering the remodel for more immediate needs-your own increased living space, for example-that should take priority over whatever statistics you find.

Tip #2: Talk with professionals

Talk with a few contractors and get quotes to find the best deal for your project. Especially if you’ll be adding a bathroom or completing other major renovations, you’ll want to find experts who can help.

Your contractor will be able to help you get a clear plan in place, take care of plumbing and electric needs and ensure the work is done to industry standards. 

Also, be aware that when you undertake a basement remodeling project, your city may require certain permits, so you’ll want to check with your local governmental authorities before beginning work.

Tip #3: Make design choices that blend with the rest of the home

If you do decide to remodel, by all means do it right. This means choosing good-quality materials that will match the rest of the home in style and design.

If the basement looks better than the other levels, buyers will wish the whole home had been redone.

If it looks worse than the other levels, having been completed with shoddy materials, buyers will know. Instead of adding value, the project will only reveal the work buyers would have to invest.

However, if the basement has been finished with the same trim, moldings, walls and doors as the rest of the interior, the basement will seem to maximize the total living space. This adds value in the mind of the buyer.

So the choice is yours:

Leave your basement unfinished, and you give buyers current storage areas, with the potential to create finished spaces in the future.

Undergo a remodeling project, and you increase your home’s living spaces for yourself and for future buyers.

Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged adding value to your home, basement, finished basement, home improvements, home remodeling, remodeling
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Big-Time Home Remodeling

Mar08
2008
1 Comment Written by Sarah

How to Hire the Right Contractor and Keep to Your Budget

Contractor

While do-it-yourself remodels are all the rage these days, there are some projects that will inevitably be outside your realm of expertise. When these larger-scale projects come around, it might be best to hire a contractor to organize and execute your plan. Structural changes and major additions will likely result in hiring outside work, and it is important to know what you need before you begin construction. While your contractor should be well-versed in local building codes, trade expertise and organization, it is your responsibility to bring as much to the project as you are able. Knowledge, planning and solid records are three solid ways to minimize the cost of your remodel:

Know Exactly What you Want

Write down every detail of your remodeling plan, from the massive wall knock-downs down to knobs and faucets. This is important when writing a contract with your contractor; the more detailed the plan, the closer you will stay to your proposed budget when construction begins. Also, the more information you include, the less likely your contractor will make a costly error due to miscommunication. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry advises customers to “include all your product selections in the contract to avoid confusion…Include the model, size, color, and…save 10-20 percent of your budget to allow for items added to the scope of work.” Keep in mind that some projects are more labor-intensive than others, and can affect the total of your proposed budget.

Know how to Add Space

There are two ways to add space to your home: you can either add square footage beyond the original structure, you can use space from one room to make another space bigger. This is called space reconfiguration, and can save a lot of money if you aren’t remodeling for the sole purpose of adding square footage. The NARI suggests “stealing” space from linen or pantry closets, finding spaces in between wall studs to build sleek storage niches or using hallway space.

Minimize Labor Costs

When installing minor accessories such as crown molding, chair-rail molding, trim, casings or siding, you can order them pre-finished to avoid extra on-site labor. The NARI also suggests ordering finger-jointed trim instead of clear, vertical grain to save money and make installation easier. If you are remodeling a bathroom, consider installing a shower/tub combination or a pedestal sink instead of a full vanity. These additions can make installation much easier and less costly; some pedestal sinks can be pricey, but the upside is that they also save space.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged adding value to your home, Home Improvement, home improvements, home remodeling, renovations, tips
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