Basements offer a lot of potential for home living space. You can turn that one room into several, adding a bathroom, laundry room, bedroom, entertainment space, bar, and so many other possibilities. Home theaters, kids’ playrooms, and even a quiet office space are all options to expand your existing square footage.
When you’re thinking of remodeling your basement, take the time to do it right. Basements, unlike above ground square footage, have more considerations and planning. You will need to account for foundation issues, moisture preparations, unique codes, mechanical accessibility, and more.
With the right approach, renovating a basement is simple. Just make sure you do it right the first time to avoid headaches later. See how to begin your basement renovation and what steps you need to take.
If you have an unfinished basement, the possibilities are endless. Many Baltimore homeowners renovate their basements for additional entertainment areas, extra bedrooms, in-law and guest quarters, game rooms, home theaters, and more. Depending on the placement of your plumbing, you can add additional bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry, and more. Some homeowners even opt for wet bars and small kitchenettes to make hosting easier.
When considering the use of your space, remember to factor in storage and utility access. Basements are important for storage, and leaving even one section available for boxes and other items is a huge help later down the line, even helping with resale value. You also do not want to block any access points, so be mindful when envisioning the use of your new space.
Now that you have a vision, you need to make sure your vision is code compliant. In Maryland, and many other states, basement bedrooms must have certain egresses to count as actual bedroom spaces. You also need to pull permits for additional lighting/electrical, plumbing, and other modifications in some circumstances.
While permits and HOA rules may not seem like they matter, or that anyone will notice, it can cause a huge headache down the road. Without permits, you face fines or having to remove the work, failed inspections when you attempt to resell, and even voided home insurance policies. A local home improvement contractor can assist when it comes time to renovate and ensure all the proper paperwork is in order.
Yes, you are going to want a home improvement contractor in Baltimore to handle your basement renovation. While many homeowners are handy and learn many tricks online to get the job done, unfortunately, basements are a much more complex home renovation project.
Basement renovations require foundation inspections and sometimes repairs, specialized permits and layouts to have the square footage count, moisture protection against flooding or humidity, and allowances for mechanical access. Contractors are experienced and knowledgeable on all of these details, allowing for a faster renovation that is legally compliant and safer for everyone.
Once you have a plan and a contractor, you can discuss budget. You should have a budget in mind before speaking with a basement renovation contractor, but working with a professional will allow you to have a realistic idea of overall costs from start to finish.
Remember, your renovation budget doesn’t just include flooring, paint, and lighting. Your budget needs to cover permits, insurance, inspections, electrical, plumbing, and other behind-the-scenes items. This is where an experienced general contractor can help you understand where and how money will be invested.
It’s a lot of work upfront, but with the right preparations, your basement renovation project can go a lot faster and easier. When you have a purpose for the space, a rough layout, an experienced contractor, and your final budget, the work can begin! The time now will make your investment worth more later, with less stress and better value built in from the get-go.
Skipping Perimts. Homeowners think this will save them time and money, but lack of permits can void insurance, fail home inspections, and result in hefty fines.
Ignoring the Foundation. Don’t build around your foundation without a thorough inspection; otherwise, you have to remove your work to fix issues later.
No Waterproofing. Just because you’ve never noticed water in the basement before doesn’t mean it isn’t, or won’t, become an issue, so always plan ahead.
Mechanical Access. The basement houses a lot of access to important utilities; if you don’t allow for easy access, you could have serious and costly issues later.
Going DIY. While some home renovations can be done solo, a basement renovation has special needs that require a contractor and knowledgeable team.
Small Budget. A budget for a basement renovation has to include permits, insurance, inspection, and other technical details, not just flooring, lighting, framing, etc.
Know the laws of Maryland home building codes before beginning your basement renovation! There are special considerations to factor in to ensure your renovation is legal and won’t become a problem down the road. Ask your contractor about specific county laws when beginning your remodel and if your remodel plan is compliant. Some building codes to be aware of:
Bedroom Egresses. All bedrooms, especially bedrooms in a basement, must have a code-compliant window or exterior door to be counted as a “bedroom.”
Ceiling Heights. Ceiling heights must be at least 7ft tall. There are some exceptions for beams or other markers, but these vary.
Shared Building Fire Safety and Sound. If you are renovating a basement in your townhouse or other shared living housing, have you checked codes for fire safety, sound, and other updates that may impact your neighbors?
Out of Code Older Homes. Sometimes, a renovation will reveal details that are out of code due to the age of the building; all updates should be up to new code, which can require renovating old wiring or other parts.
Historic Districts and Buildings. If you’re in a historic neighborhood, the updates you want to make may have restrictions on them; always be aware of the historical significance of your home or neighborhood.
Multiple Inspections. Maryland requires multiple inspections during home builds and during some renovations, including between insulation and framework, and often for plumbing or other technical remodeling.
Marshall Cruz Construction in Baltimore, MD has the experience of remodeling and renovating basements in Maryland. We know how to plan for water or moisture, all about protecting mechanical and utility access, and can help create a layout that is code-compliant and within budget. Don’t start such a major project alone and risk damages, fines, or voided home insurance policies.
Let’s get started today! Expand your living space, add that extra bathroom, and give guests their own room for privacy. Your basement renovation is just the beginning. Call now for a free estimate.
Based in Baltimore, MD, Marshall Cruz Construction is a quality, professional construction company serving Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. Whether you’re a company manager in need of new renovations at your business or you’re a project manager completing residential home renovations, we have a crew to help.
2020-Present © Marshall Cruz Construction | Web Design by Graphic Forms
