How to Avoid Hassles When Remodeling Your Basement

 

If you look at your plain, cold basement, and see extra living space or an entertainment area, you are showing some creativity. Despite your plans however, you could be setting yourself up for a few headaches if you don’t know the potential pitfalls. Many basement projects have been completed successfully, and with a few simple steps, yours could be among these. Here are some warnings you should heed if you want to pull this off with a hitch.

Be wise with your choice of contractor. There are plenty of contractors out there, and they are not all alike, as many homeowners have found out a little too late. Believe or not, some contractors are simply not up to the task of remodeling a basement. Look for a specialist in these projects and don’t hesitate to ask for references.

Watch out for low bids. Getting a few bids shows good sense, and a few of them might be much lower than you would expect. If this seems like the chance to get a great deal, think again. With any type of home remodeling exercise, this should be seen as a warning sign. You could end up with shoddy workmanship, or extra charges for additional work.

Do not pay a lot up front. Most contractors require a deposit to get the ball rolling, but you don’t have to pay more than the agreed upon amount. This will not get the work done any faster, and you could end up regretting this. The contractor will present a payment schedule based on the stages of the project. These payments will help with the purchasing of materials and paying subcontractors.

Check for moisture problems. This could spell doom for a basement remodeling project. If, after the work is done, you discover leaks, you could be faced with major repair costs. You might have to remove new installations just to carry get rid of the water and prevent mold.

Get a contract. With the kind of money you will be spending, having something in writing is essential to your peace of mind. This will also help to keep the work on track. Both you and the contractor will know what is expected. This will cover the details of the design and the materials that will be used.

A good contractor will know which permits are required, but you can do some research yourself. Make sure that your contractor is licensed and insured. Give us a call at 410-877-6112 or 302-793-9352 if you’re in the greater Earleville area and looking for basement remodeling experts. We’ll schedule an appointment for a consultation where you can also ask us about the same issues we’ve just mentioned.