More homeowners than ever are looking to finish their basements, particularly as they require additional living space, to make the most out of their home. A finished basement can be used as an entertainment area, a fitness room, a play room or an office. The options are endless; now all you need to do is get started.
Follow these five steps to finish your basement:
Step 1: Clear Out Your Basement
Before you can bring new life into your basement, you are going to have to clear out the old. The first step that you need to take is to clean your basement thoroughly, purge any unneeded or unwanted items and find efficient storage for everything that is left. When your basement is empty, you are ready to take the next step.
Step 2: Come Up with a Plan and Hire a Contractor
Next you will need to decide how you want to finish your basement. A few choices that you will need to make include:
- Will you add carpet or wood flooring?
- Will you finish the ceiling?
- Will you drywall the walls?
- Does your lighting or electrical have to be updated?
- Are you going to be installing a bathroom?
Come up with a few goals and ideas for your new basement, then hire a contractor who can help you bring your dreams to life.
Step 3: Apply for Permits
You should work with your contractor and your municipality to determine if you need any permits for the work you are about to start.
Step 4: Purchase the Materials
Now you are ready to purchase your materials. This is often the most fun part of the project, because you get to select the flooring that you want, the paint that you want for the walls and other decorative accents that will complete your basement.
Step 5: Watch the Transformation Take Place
With all of the permits acquired and the materials purchased, the real work can begin. You can watch step-by-step as your basement is transformed into the space that you want and need.
It can take a lot of time and effort to finish your basement, but the result will be well worth it. Not only will your finished basement allow you to love your home even more, but it will also add significant value to your property.
About the Author
Linda Cappello, Broker, GRI, ABR
Linda A. Cappello, Owner/Broker of Cappello Realty Shoreline Properties. Cappello Realty is a full service boutique Real Estate firm that specializes in 06855 - East Norwalk, and services all of Norwalk and Fairfield County, CT. Linda has been in the Real Estate business for 20+ years, spending 18 of them as a Owner/Broker. Being a Broker adds a lot responsibility to her job. She is responsible for overseeing every transaction and agent in the office. This is a challenge that she looks forward to and takes very seriously. She is constantly taking continuing education classes and attending seminars to keep abreast of the ever changing market as well as the industry standards, rules and regulations.
She is a native to East Norwalk, and has an in-depth knowledge of the city that she loves, as well as the intricacies of the many unique neighborhoods and areas that Norwalk offers. Linda offers her clients a network of professionals ranging from Attorneys, Mortgage Brokers, Home Stagers and Home Inspectors to any and all pros that you may need for a successful transaction and for the convenience of her clients.
"My job doesn't end at the closing table. It goes far beyond that, keeping in touch and staying friends who refer their family and friends. A lot of my business is referral business which is the greatest accomplishment and honor of all. Earning my clients trust."
