Finishing A Basement

Having a finished basement can add the additional space to a home that any growing family may occasionally need. Many families finish the basement to add those entertaining areas that the main floor plan just will not accommodate.

When considering a project of this magnitude, or any significant remodeling project, it is important to have a clear view of the space and know exactly what you are looking to accomplish. It is also important to communicate exactly what you are looking for to your contractor. In the case of a new home, you may want to utilize the builder for finishing the basement and keeping it to the same standard as the main levels of the home. After all who knows the upper level finishing better than the builder who built it to start with?
 
The first and most important factor is to determine how much of the space is to be finished and how elaborate it is to be. Do you want a kitchen, wet bar, full bathroom, additional bedroom, media room, game room, exercise room, fireplace, outdoor kitchen or any other specialty area? This determines the price point for the project. Again it is important for all parties concerned to communicate in detail what the expectations are. You as a buyer or owner wouldn´t want to be expecting a Ferrari and in turn have the builder present you with a Porsche. Even though either one by itself is wonderful, if you want a Ferrari you want a Ferrari.

I had the privilege of assisting a family from south Florida with the purchase of their new home in Cumming, GA. They wanted to have the basement finished to the same standard as the upper levels prior to moving in. This page reflects the events of getting the basement finished for the new owners. The open line of communication between the buyer and builder is exemplified due to the buyer being out of state.

There are several phases associated with this project from the construction standpoint:

Framing and Mechanicals Installation including HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical and Gas Lines
Drywall and Trim Installation
Painting
Floor Coverings
Final Completion and Move In
 
After an initial phone consultation, both the buyer and builder had a complete understanding of what each other´s expectations were and elected to proceed with the basement finishing project.

The first part of the project involves the builder obtaining the applicable permits that are required by the county. This being done, framing has started. Until the framing is complete the mechanicals can not be installed.
 
Framing is now complete and it is time to begin the installation of the mechanicals. This is possibly the most important time during the construction. Any changes should be considered now as the drywall (sheetrock) has not been installed.  All the water lines have to be installed as well as the heating and air conditioning unit along with the duct work that is required to keep the area comfortable. This is also the time for the fireplace unit to been installed into its area. All the wiring and the additional gas lines to the fireplace and the outdoor grilling area will be installed next.

The HVAC system has been completely installed along with all the behind the scene plumbing and electrical. The next portion of the project will be the low voltage lighting, audio and video wiring for the basement. Selection of an area for component placement will determine the location of the master controls for the audio and video systems that are to be installed. All basic inspections by the county have been completed and as soon as the contractor finishes the A/V wiring, sheetrock will start going on the walls and this project will begin to take on it’s own personality.

The low voltage wiring in the basement is now completed. The wiring contractor has completed most of the basic wiring to the upper two living levels. One of the important factors to consider when wiring is being performed on an already completed portion of a home is for the contractor to be as careful as possible so that the least amount of sheetrock repair is required. In this case it was beneficial for the wiring contractor and the builder of the home to coordinate efforts with the builder providing the contractor the location of an exhaust chase for the wiring to the upper levels to be routed through.
 
The basement is now beginning to take on it’s own personality. The outdoor shower plumbing and fixtures have been installed.  Also, the sheetrock has been installed which gives each room it’s definition. The installers will now begin the process of "mudding" and taping the sheetrock. At each joint the mud and tape are applied which will, after sanding, give each wall and ceiling the smooth appearance that is desired. The finishing of the walls and ceilings normally require a week to ten days to be completed. The timeframe is totally dependent on temperature and humidity.
  
Things have really begun to take shape. The sheetrock was installed then the seams and corners were mudded and sanded. Now that the trimwork has been installed  and cabinetry is in place the entire area is taking on it’s own unique personality. Prior to painting, all the custom trimwork must be caulked to insure a smooth flush fit. Once all the trimwork has been caulked, this basement will be ready for painting.
  
The trimwork has been caulked, the stone work around the fireplace is completed and the tile in the bar area and bathroom has been installed. Once these items were finished it was time for the painters to come in and perform their handy work. While the area remains a construction zone, one can tell by the pictures that this basement has been through a major transformation in a relatively short period of time. In the next week or so, even more of the evolution of this basement will be visible. The cabinetry that is to be stained will get stained, the granite countertops will be installed, lighting will be installed and plumbing fixtures will be completed. Once those final steps are completed the stained cabinets will get their finish coats, the carpeting can be installed and the low voltage wiring professionals can complete the items they will be installing.
 
Well the basement is almost complete. The only remaining items to be completed are the installation of the microwave and the tile backsplash in the bar area. As the areas become completed many times the homeowners want to make one of the rooms a shrine to their alma ma’ter. With the effort put into thinking of the many possible uses of this basement there should be many hours of enjoyment for family and friends.
  
This basement finishing project was made possible through the efforts of two primary contractors along with the various subcontractors that they utilize. Tom Nail is the builder of the home and also was the contractor in charge of the basement finishing. The home automation and low voltage wiring was expertly performed by Link Your House.