You’ll be hard-pressed to find a home in Kansas City without a basement because it’s a hotspot for tornadoes. But unlike most houses, you can make your basement more than just storage of rotting papers and unopened boxes.
Remodeling a basement is a bit trickier because it’s not meant to be used a functional living space (except maybe for modern homes). It’s meant to store things, but if you need additional space for your growing family without building an addition, then to the ground you must go.
Here are steps to take when having a basement remodel in Kansas City:
1. Decide what to use it for.
The first thing you want to do is to decide on what you want your basement to be. Do you want to make it into a family recreational space? Or maybe a workshop for your woodworker spouse? Because cellars are usually cold and dark, many converts them into a home movie theater. They’re also great for gyms, in-law apartments, and even home offices.
2. Look for design inspirations.
Then, once you’ve decided, look for design inspirations to help you decide on its general theme. Do you want an elegant, modern vibe or a cozy one? As you search for inspirations, take note of elements, furniture, colors, and other decorations that you like and dislike. Keep it organized by saving pictures in a computer folder or printing photos and neatly filing them for future reference.
3. Set a budget.
Once you have an idea of what to use the basement for and the design that you’d like, it’s time to get an idea of how much the whole project will cost. Remodeling a basement usually costs around $20,000 to $50,000.
You’d have to factor in the following:
- Cost of construction supplies
- Pieces of furniture and appliances
- Labor (if you’ll hire a remodeling agency)
4. Decide if you’ll get help.
If you’re a decent handyman yourself and you’ve complete large-scale projects before, you can certainly take on the task of remodeling your basement. But if not and you have no idea how to deal with a pool of water and mold growth if the need arises (around 60% of basements in America are wet), then it’s best to work with a remodeling contractor. Remodeling a basement is also very time-consuming as it involves cleaning the space and making everything from scratch.
A remodeling company can also help you with building permits, taxes, and other regulations involved when remodeling a basement in Kansas City.
5. Don’t underestimate the construction time.
Depending on the complexity of the job and how many people are working on it, it may take anywhere from two weeks to a few months. Some homeowners even find themselves unable to finish the project in years because of time and budget issues. This points out the importance of careful planning and working with the right people to get it done as soon as possible.
Remodeling your basement can be rewarding as you’ll have a new relaxation space at home. Make sure that you know the ins and outs of rebuilding a basement and adequately prepare before you kick it off.
