A Comprehensive Guide to Finishing Basements: Platinum Construction's Process
At Platinum Construction, one of our favorite home improvement projects is finishing basements. When we first arrive, the space is often dark, cold, concrete, and being used as a cluttered storage area. When we are done, the transformation is amazing.
With a finished basement, our clients add warm, highly usable, and substantial living space to their homes. In this post, I want to share some details about what is involved in finishing a basement.
Table of Contents
Phase 1: Understanding Your Vision
for a Basement Remodel
Our process as basement contractors begins with learning about your vision and objectives. What do you need the space for, and how will you use it? These are the driving questions we answer at the start. Refinishing a basement can achieve many goals. Do you need an office, a bedroom, a recreation room, a bar, or a home theater? At Platinum Construction, we consider those two questions the most important of the project and urge our clients to consider the answers right up front.
Once you have a solid answer to these fundamental questions, it is time to give us a call. This call will start with a discussion about your answers and some additional technical questions to help us better understand the project. It’s a good idea to have an estimate of the total square footage of the basement space you are finishing. We will also want to know if you want a bathroom, the overall height of the ceiling, and how many rooms, walls, and doors you might like. It’s always a good idea to note any major obstructions you can see getting in the way of your new space as well.
From Vision to Consultation: Your Basement Remodel Estimate
After we have the answers to those initial questions, we will present you with a general range for the cost of your basement remodel. We offer a couple of different options for finishing basements based on your budget. Once we have both decided that we are a good fit for this building and remodeling relationship and the project is within your comfort range, we will schedule a consultation for the project.
At the consultation, we ask that all major stakeholders be present. Here we will take measurements and discuss finishing options and special touches. This is where we begin to visualize the process to finish your basement. We will ask more questions and make a rough sketch of the spatial dimensions.
This is a great opportunity for you to discuss your personal preferences for colors, furniture layout, TV and audio mounts, outlet locations, bathroom layout, ceiling options, and many more details about the remodel. It is a great idea to give some thought to these things before the consultation.
We recommend you spend some time in the space with everyone involved, making either a physical or mental note of your desires for the newly finished basement. It also helps to research finished basement photos for features and colors you like. If you need help visualizing your future refinished basement, we also offer detailed architectural planning and 3D visualizations for your project. At Platinum Construction LLC, we understand that a large project such as this is only as good as the planning and preparation you put in.
Phase 2: The Step-by-Step
Construction Process
After the consultation, we will determine a final price for your basement refinish based on what you have told us. We will share it with you in a contract for e-signature. This will include all pricing, a general start and finish date, as well as a payment schedule. Once you have reviewed and accepted by signature, we will formally secure the start of the project.
From Permits to Framing: Getting Your Basement Project Started
Upon contract signature, we will put together the necessary documentation and drawings to apply for the building permit with your local town. We will also begin to contact the sub-contractors required to help complete the project. This will likely include an electrician and a plumber if necessary. These licensed trades are essential for the project. Platinum Construction LLC will perform the majority of the rest of the project. During this phase, we will begin to source the required materials for the project.
Once the building permit is issued, work can begin. On day one of the project, Platinum Construction will collect the first payment according to the contracted payment schedule. We will ask that you clear the area to be finished of everything. Sometimes there are things that can’t be moved, such as a pool table, but we ask that the majority of the basement space be clear. On day one, we will have materials and begin the framing process, which is the first stage of construction.
The Finishing Touches: Making Your Basement Remodel a Reality
Next is insulation, rough plumbing, heating, and electrical. At this point, the town building inspector will likely perform an inspection. After Platinum Construction LLC has the go-ahead, we will continue by closing in the walls and ceilings and installing any doors that may be needed. We will then move onto flooring and finish work that usually requires some or all of the following: baseboard molding, door trim, quarter round, and possibly crown molding.
Some projects also require custom work such as kitchenettes, bars, islands, quartz work, shelving, or other unique finishing touches. During your basement finishing, we will work these things into the schedule at the appropriate time. Once we are at the correct point, the plumbing, heating, and electrical will be completed. This could include a sink, shower, vanity, baseboard heat registers, thermostat, plugs, switches, and lighting.
On most of our projects, painting is also performed and is generally the last step before completion. Once all phases have finished, Platinum Construction LLC will thoroughly inspect the project before the final approval by the building inspector. As you can see, there are many steps to reach this point, and this is certainly where our professionalism, experience, and character shine through.
Your New Basement Awaits:
Final Payment and a Lifelong Partnership
After the final inspection, we will collect our final payment for your home improvement project. We encourage clients to address any questions they have about anything throughout the process immediately. We pride ourselves on our ease of contact. If you see something you don’t like or simply have questions about it, don’t hesitate to point it out or ask. If after the remodel you notice something wrong or not working properly, do not hesitate to reach out, and we will promptly address your concerns. At this time, we know that we have gained a lifelong relationship and will look forward to working together with you and your friends and family on future home improvement projects.
