Compared to a renovation or refinish, building a basement extension or converting a space into one, is usually more costly. But adding a basement to your home could increase the value of your property. This is true if you do it right and you get the right general contractor in Park City to do it.
With that said, below are some vital things to consider when planning your basement extension.
Be Specific with Your Needs
When planning your basement extension, you need to be very clear about what you want to do with your basement. Although this may seem or should seem obvious, your basement’s primary purpose will make an immensely significant difference in how it will be designed and built according to your budget.
For instance, if you want your basement to serve as a guestroom, its design and build would massively differ to the design and build of a music room or utility room.
Excavation Will Require Thorough Planning
Adding a basement extension is one of the most popular options when adding more space to an existing structure when side additions or lofts are not possible. But it’s also crucial to keep in mind that digging can be costly.
So your contractor must understand your exact needs and potential costs relative to local property values (should you decide to sell your home later on).
Keeping Costs in Check
Generally speaking, the essential costs of building a basement extension, including the excavation, retaining structure, as well as waterproofing for starters, usually mean that the costs could be at least 50% higher than refinishing an existing basement or room.
But you can certainly avoid these costs from rising uncontrollably. For example, you’ll undoubtedly have to spend a pretty penny if you want direct daylight. This is true, especially if you need to excavate massive exterior windows or add huge glazing areas.
One option to avoid this cost is to use your basement as a space that doesn’t require daylight, like a music room, home cinema, sauna or utility room, for instance. Although building a basement may seem like an unnecessary and costly way to obtain more space, doing so could free up much-needed space in your home that you can remodel to suit your needs.
Letting Light In
Unless you’re planning on creating a basement that does not require direct daylight, the reality is that most homeowners want to use their basement as a space that will need daylight. In most instances, this will require careful and smart planning.
This is to help make certain that the lighting is on point and that space won’t feel too claustrophobic or underground.
Ventilation Matters
Damp and musty air might be something that people can generally tolerate, provided that you only use your basement occasionally. However, having proper ventilation is needed to ensure good air quality when you’re planning on using your basement as a living space.
Having a basement extension that’s built properly based on its intended purpose can be an excellent addition to any abode. Just keep the above considerations in mind to ensure a hassle-free and cost-effective undertaking.
