9 Tips To Make The Most Of A Basement Remodel
For Chicago Homeowners

Consider HOW You’ll Use Your New Basement

How do you want to use your newly remodeled living space? When you reach out for a quote, this is likely the first question a basement remodeling contractor will ask you. Your prospective contractor will need to know what they’ll need to install and how to make the room as functional as possible.

Consider if you’ll use it to house guests, work on your hobbies, or host parties before requesting quotes. No matter what your vision is for your new and improved basement, make sure the contractor you choose can make it happen.

Seek Help From A Design-Build Contractor

After you know HOW you’ll use your basement space, the next essential step in the process is hiring a design-build remodeling contractor. They’ll have the architectural vision to make your project beautiful by leading the basement design from start to finish. You’ll have one person leading the design and build phases, which makes communication effortless.

A design-build contractor will literally take every aspect of your basement remodel and customize it to fit your exact needs — no cookie-cutter solutions for your unique abode.

Upgrade Your Insulation

Basements typically retain colder air since they don’t have ample sunlight exposure to naturally heat the room. Instead, the cold soil around the concrete walls refrigerated the space. That’s why adding more insulation to your basement design is crucial.

Extra insulation will keep your space warm and make your house more energy efficient. High-strength concrete combined with extra insulation prevents potential energy loss when heating or cooling your newly renovated basement. Your HVAC unit will turn on less often, leading to less electricity usage throughout the day.

Stick To All Construction & Building Codes

Your basement remodeling contractor will know all about construction codes, but you can always ask to get caught up to speed. They’ll explain how the regulations make newly remodeled spaces safer and how their design plan incorporates them.

You can also give feedback if you’d like to abide by the codes with a different design. Instead of installing a storm door, adding a window would still create a second emergency exit, which the International Construction Code requires of any living space. You’d gain more light and a view instead of a metal pair of doors.

Talk with your contractor about construction codes as you design your remodeling plan. Brainstorming together will create a more personalized design that suits your preferences.

Other Articles You Will Enjoy

Get Everything In Writing — No Exceptions

As you work with your contractor team, getting everything in writing is essential. Pick a form of communication — such as email or text — to track vital remodeling information like:

• The estimated budget
• The construction schedule
• The payment schedule

Experienced contractors will jumpstart the process for you by sending written copies of your plans. However, It’s essential to save everything for your reference. You never know when you’ll need to reflect on something or go back to a different draft version.

Make The Most Out Of Your Available Space

Remodeling is a chance to reduce wasted space in your basement. Consider your area’s design and which areas you don’t or can’t use. Removing a pillar or part of a wall could open more space, but it all depends on the existing build and what basement finishing you want.

Many homes in the Chicago area simply have wasted space where there could be an entertainment room, reliable storage options, or even an extra garage. Don’t let your home be part of the (figurative) statistics!

Think About Adding An Extra Bathroom

Having an extra bathroom is always helpful since you never know when someone will need to use the restroom when you’re hosting a party or having guests over. It’s also an essential addition if you’re transforming your basement into a guest suite.

If you’d like to add a bathroom, don’t forget to get additional quotes regarding bathroom remodeling in Chicago and the suburbs. It may require a different design plan to include essential features like plumbing and electrical work.

Upgrade Lighting & Electrical Outlets

People looking into basement remodeling in Chicago and the suburbs often add more electrical outlets during their projects. It’s a modern luxury that makes any space more usable. Your existing basement might not have any outlets to start with, making this an essential tip to get the most out of your basement remodeling project.

Your basement finishing won’t be complete without lighting that makes the room inviting. Traditional lamps might not provide enough light, especially if your finished basement has no windows.

Check out some of the most popular basement lighting options to warm your space while elevating its interior decorating. You can use your final decisions to guide other interior design elements too.