More and more Denver residents are trying to get the most out of their basements and transform them from glorified storage areas to masterpieces. Whether you’re thinking to finish your basement, remodel it, or waterproof it, a basement contractor can help you get the job done right. But with a multitude of contractors to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
Tips Before You Hire
Many homeowners are hesitant to hire a basement contractor because they don’t trust the company. This is because there are many companies that take advantage of people in need of help. It can be daunting to secure a reputable company, but it is not impossible. Keep reading for tips on how to do so!
- Avoid contractors who won’t provide references or show you their license: They should offer this information willingly and without hesitation if they want your business.
- Ask about the warranty: A good guarantee will cover any issues with the workmanship for years after completion; if the contractor doesn’t offer one, walk away from them immediately.
- Consider cost and quality at an even level: Quality does have its price, but don’t pay more for a contractor because they have a nice website. If you compare two contractors that have the exact cost, look at the quality of their work before making a final decision.
- Understand what you’re spending your money on: If they do only part of the job, such as waterproofing and not finishing, be sure to ask about how long it will take and how much it will cost.
- Check to see if the company has been sued or had complaints filed with better business bureaus: If they’ve done this several times in the past, you probably shouldn’t trust them with your basement.
Hiring a basement contractor can be a long and tedious process. It isn’t as simple as meeting with one contractor and deciding between them. Make sure to be thorough and patient, and you will end up hiring the company that is right for you!
What To Ask Your Contractor
- What is your experience with basement finishing?
- Do you have any references from past basement finishing projects?
- Can you provide a detailed estimate for the project?
- What kind of building materials will you be using for the project?
- What kind of turnaround will the project take to complete?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What is your cancellation policy?
It is important to ask all these questions before you hire a basement contractor. You don’t want any surprises at the end of the project, so be very diligent when hiring your contractor. Here are some other variables you may want to consider:
- What kind of equipment does the contractor have? Will he be doing the work himself, or does he have a crew?
- What kind of warranty does the contractor offer on his workmanship and materials?
One last word of advice. If you aren’t looking forward to working with your basement finishing contractor, chances are the project won’t be a pleasant experience for anyone. Keep up the searching until you find someone that is easy to work with and has a good reputation.
Do It Yourself VS Hiring The Pro’s
Hiring a professional contractor to finish and remodel your basement can be a great idea, especially if you’re inexperienced in home improvement projects. Professional contractors have all the experience and knowledge to get the job done right, and they can often do it more quickly and cheaply than if you tried to do it yourself.
However, there may be some things you can do yourself to improve your basement, such as waterproofing and installing insulation. So before you undertake whether or not to hire a contractor, be sure to assess your own abilities and what you want to achieve with your basement renovation project.
For example, if you want to save money but don’t have the skills or knowledge to finish your basement yourself, hiring a contractor might be the best way to go about it. Alternatively, if you are thinking to take on a challenge and learn new skills in the process, perhaps doing it yourself would be better.
How To Get A Contractor
When looking for a contractor, you can go through a referral from a friend, family member, or co-worker.
You could also conduct an online search and see who comes up in your area that offers basement finishing services. You can then use the internet to research each of them by checking out their website and online reviews.
Or you can also hire a general contractor who will take care of all the details for you so that way there’s less work to do on your part. If you go this route, be sure to get recommendations from friends or family members so that way you know you are getting a reputable company.
Your Basement Renovations: Lick of Paint or Complete Makeover?
Renovating your basement can be a considerable undertaking, and it’s essential to plan out the project ahead of time.
It is important to know what you want to do before committing to a contractor. This will ensure that you are both on the same page and that the contractor understands the work that needs to be done. It will also help to avoid any confusion or surprises down the road.
When you’re deciding whether to hire a contractor for your basement, it’s essential to know what kind of work you want to be done. If you just need some light touch-ups, like painting or new flooring, then you can probably handle the work yourself. But if you want to give your basement a complete makeover, with new walls, ceilings, and flooring, then you’ll need to hire a contractor.
Types of Jobs Your Basement May Require:
When renovating your basement, there are many different aspects to consider. One of the most important is waterproofing- if you don’t take care of this, then any other work you do in the basement will be for naught. Foundation work is also important, as it will make sure your basement is stable and can support the extra weight. Cosmetic touches, such as new lighting or flooring, can really improve the look and feel of your basement. Finally, don’t forget about remodeling- this can really make your basement into a usable space.
Foundations
When remodeling a basement, the first step is to determine the foundation’s condition. If the foundation is stable and in good condition, then only minor repairs may be required. However, if the foundation is unstable or needs repair, more extensive work may be required.
Problems within the foundation of a home can include:
- Cracks in walls and floor
- Penetrating or exfiltration water
- Settlement/heaving of the concrete floor.
If you have concerns about your basement’s foundation, the best thing to do is call a professional with experience in determining the foundation’s condition.
Waterproofing
It is essential to seal and waterproof your basement as part of a remodeling project because water damage can be an extremely costly nuisance to repair. By waterproofing your basement, you can ensure that your new finish looks great and lasts for years.
Basement waterproofing is a vast and vital project and should never be attempted without a professional. Improper waterproofing can lead to water damage in your home, costing you time and money. An experienced contractor will have the experience and knowledge to get the job done right and ensure your basement is adequately protected.
Questions you should ask your contractor ahead of time can include:
- What are the best ways to waterproof a basement?
- How much will it cost on average to waterproof a basement?
- Is there any chance of flooding during a storm in my area?
- Will this adversely affect my home insurance rates?
- Can you offer me an estimate of the cost without coming into my house and examining the problem first hand.
- Will the price go up if I need additional work done like a French Drain, Sump Pump, or Grate?
- What kind of things can be done to make my basement more functional and livable?
- How much does it cost to finish a basement?
- Do you have any before & after photos of your work in the area?
Answers to all of these questions and more can be found on their website. You can also read up about the latest innovations in basement waterproofing, exterior drainage solutions, sump pump installation & replacement by visiting your contractor’s online presence. They should be happy and willing to provide information for reviews.
Framing
Framing a basement means preparing the lining and ceilings of the basement.
Framing a basement is one of the best ways to add more living space to your home. By framing the basement, you are creating walls and a ceiling, which will give you a blank canvas on which to start your remodeling project. There are several things to keep in mind when framing a basement. First, the floor must be able to support the weight of the framing materials and the finished basement. Second, you must ensure that the framing is done correctly so that the basement is adequately insulated and waterproofed.
If you are not comfortable framing a basement yourself, you can always hire a contractor to do it for you. A qualified contractor will be able to frame the basement quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your new living space is ready.
Framing a basement can be a complicated process that a professional should only attempt. The framing contractor will install the lumber and metal studs in the correct places to support the weight of the concrete and soil. They will also ensure that the walls are straight and square.
Concrete Pad
The concrete pad installation is the most important step in building a basement. It follows what is called “floating” the foundation on blocks, which means no footings are coming through to support the slab. After the concrete has been poured, it’s allowed time to cure before being covered with the waterproofing system.
The dirt works its way into the corner of each block in a foundation and can create pockets of air that will prevent the slab from reaching its full strength. To compensate for this, many contractors install perforated drain pipes along the exterior walls to drain any groundwater that might collect during heavy rains. This system is suitable for protecting the structure of your basement, but it will not protect your basement floor.
Finishing Basement Walls
When finishing the walls in your basement, you will likely need to do some work to get them ready for painting or tiling. If your basement is partially or completely unfinished, you may want to consider installing drywall or paneling on the walls. If the walls are already finished, you may need to patch and repair any damage that has been done over time. Once the walls are ready, you can then apply your desired finish.
Your contractor can apply a variety of finishes to your basement walls, depending on your preferences and budget. Standard finishes include paint, wallpaper, tile, and paneling. Many homeowners choose to finish their basement walls in a similar fashion as the main floor of their home. Others prefer more unique finishes, such as brick or stone.
Basement Insulation
Insulating your basement will help regulate temperature and save money on energy costs throughout the year. Insulation is especially important if you reside in a cold climate because it will prevent heat from escaping through your basement’s concrete walls.
Insulation can be installed between, above, or below floor joists depending on the desired effect. Insulating between floor joists will help keep warm air inside during the winter months and cool air inside during the summer months. Insulating above floor joists will create an extra barrier against heat loss, but it can lead to problems with odors and dust throughout the year. Insulating below-floor joists is less effective than insulating above or between floor joists, but it reduces humidity levels in basements often used for storage.
When finishing your basement, you must consider what will be done to the foundation. Insulating or finishing the foundation walls may lead to problems with moisture and mold. If you plan to insulation or finish your basement after it has been completed, make sure that your contractor knows about your plans ahead of time so they can account for them in their work. No matter what variety of finishing you choose for your basement, it’s important to maintain a healthy humidity level in the room. If the humidity drops too low, it could lead to mold and mildew growth problems.
Invest Wisely – Do Not Skimp, Do Not Splurge
When it comes to the work of finishing and remodeling basements, cheaper is not always better. In many cases, it’s essential to make the right investment in this project. This means spending the money to hire a contractor who has the experience and expertise to do the job correctly. A contractor experienced in basement remodeling will be able to finish the project quickly and efficiently, without any significant problems.
One of the most indispensable aspects of hiring a contractor is to check their references. You want to hire someone with a lot of experience and proven results, but you also need to know that they will charge you reasonably.
It can be very dangerous to hire a contractor who charges very little for his work. Often, these contractors are unlicensed and uninsured, and they may not do a good job. Furthermore, they may not be able to finish the job on time, or they may do a poor job that will need to be redone.
Just as it is crucial not to overspend on a basement finishing project, it is also essential to be pragmatic about what you can achieve. Many homeowners mistake overestimating the amount of work they can do in their basement and then wind up disappointed.
It’s essential to set a spreadsheet budget and stick to it and make sure that you’re hiring a reputable contractor and have a good track record. Don’t be apprehensive about asking for referrals from friends or family members. And always make sure to get at least three estimates before deciding on a contractor.
How can you find a contractor who will do a good job and charge fair prices? The easiest way is to seek out recommendations. If they have worked on similar jobs, they should be able to provide the name of at least one previous customer. Contact this person and ask if their basement was completed satisfactorily. An unsatisfactory finish that is discovered after the contractor has moved on to other jobs can be very costly.
You should also personally check with related companies, such as suppliers of construction materials, who may have worked with the contractor before. Many building supply stores will require their contractors to present documents such as a proof of license and insurance before allowing them to purchase supplies for a job.
Contact Us Today
To contact Avi’s Remodeling, you can either call us or send us an email. We will be delighted to address any of your queries and provide you with a free consultation. Our team of professionals will be on standby to assist you with all aspects of your project. We extend a full range of home remodeling services and pride ourselves in quality workmanship and excellent service.
