If you are looking to cover up that cold and gray concrete basement floor, you’ve got a lot of options at your disposal. One such option is laminate flooring. What we are going to try and do here is explain just what laminate flooring you can use on a concrete basement floor.

Laminate flooring comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes and a huge array of finishes. So it’s only natural that you would take a look at this type of flooring to get the desired result you are looking for in your basement. From the solid wood look to a beautiful ceramic tile appeal, you can find a laminate that will work in all situations. Personally, I prefer the lighter wood shades as it tends to brighten up a basement. Darker shades will make your basement look and feel darker and smaller.

Most all laminate flooring is a type of floating floor. They are installed either using some sort of click and lock system or with an adhesive backing to lock them down into place. One type of laminate not to use down in a basement especially if you are going directly on a concrete basement floor is the adhesive kind. This will likely not give you the desired effect simply because they are kept in place by a glue. And glue’s in basements, especially directly on a concrete floor, is not really recommended. Basement floors will seep because concrete is a pourous material. It let’s water (and vapors) travel through it. So gluing a flooring material down to it is never a good answer.

It’s recommended that you use a laminate flooring with a click and lock system. These are easy to install and are made so that you can do it yourself. You will pay a bit more to have a professional come and install them. But if you’ve got a weekend to work away, it’s definitely something that you can try on your own.

If you are going to install laminate flooring on a concrete basement floor, please use a premium underlayment with a moisture barrier for added protection. If at all possible, use a subfloor to lift the laminate off of the basement floor so that there is a vapor barrier between the flooring and the concrete. This will allow the concrete to continue to breath and keep the moisture directly off of the laminate planks. At a minimum, a 6 ml plastic underlayment should be put down first, although this will not let the vapors evaporate like a raised sub-floor.

One thing to keep in mind is that many manufacturers don’t seal their laminates well enough on the back to prevent water damage. There are laminates specifically designed for sub-level installation, just make sure to check the ratings and you’ll be good to go from there.

Know what type of room your basement is going to be and check the AC rating of the laminate flooring you are planning to use. AC ratings are as follows:

• AC1 is suitable for lighter, more infrequent traffic, e.g. a bedroom.
• AC2 is suitable for general residential use in living rooms and dining rooms.
• AC3 can be applied to more varied locations, such as small offices and other light commercial location
• AC4 can be installed in higher traffic commercial areas such as boutiques, busier offices, and restaurant
• AC5 is more durable still and can withstand the traffic of heavier commercial areas such as department stores and public buildings.

Knowing this, you can use just about any king of laminate flooring on a concrete basement floor. Laminate flooring is an extremely versatile flooring product and can be installed in virtually any room of your home, above or below ground. Just make sure that the job gets done right.

One thing we get asked quite a bit about is what is a good flooring for a damp basement? While there are certainly some floors you could use, you are going to want to spend some time upfront trying to fix those damp issues first. If your basement is constantly getting wet and showing efflorescence on your concrete floors and walls, see if you can’t find what’s causing it first. Sometimes, it’s nothing more than hydrostatic pressure that you’ll need to find a way to alleviate, while others could simply need some good basement waterproofing sealant to close and seal it all up. Whatever it is, since we haven’t seen it and can’t really determine, find out and get it fixed.

Continuously damp basements can cause health issues due to mold and mildew deposits. While these floors won’t be damaged as much as others, it can still leave the mold and mildew problem behind and possibly just hide it until it becomes a real problem. With the water issues out of the way, a basement may still get a little damp from time to time. Knowing this, here are some ideas on getting good flooring for a damp basement.

Painted Basement Floors:
One thing you can do is simply paint the basement floor. You can use a good garage floor epoxy to get the job done plus, since it’s paint, you can get it in a multitude of different colors and shades. Going this route you wouldn’t have to worry about installing an expensive flooring in your basement only to have it ruined by your basement becoming damp from time to time. For a little added comfort, you can use throw rugs to spread about and kind of class it up a bit. Although painting is not the most glorious flooring available, it’ll definitely work.

Stained Basement Floors:
Becoming more and more popular, you could choose to pull out the natural beauty of the concrete in your basement by acid staining it. This will leave quite a striking design in the overall finish. It’ll still be a little cold to the touch in those cold winter months, but I’ve been lucky enough to see a few of these finishes and they were very nice. Staining is something that you could DIY, but just be careful. There’s a lot of fumes and acids involved so be safe and keep the ventilation going very, very well. If you really break out into it, you could even acid-etch in a cool design or family crest. Plus, the stains come in a lot of different colors as well.

Basement Carpet Tiles:
If you are looking for something that’ll keep the feet a bit warmer, you could have some basement carpet tiles installed. This will give you a much better look of a “regular” type of room. Just make sure that the carpet tiles have some kind of rubberized backing. This will help to maintain a carpet tiles lifespan especially when using it directly on a cold/damp basement floor. The good thing about this type of flooring is that manufacturing companies are coming up with new designs all the time. You could get a pretty neat flooring pattern for your basement if you take your time and search out your options. Plus, you could even go the route of remnants and one off’s that you catch one sale and mix and match your way to a basement floor that’s all your style and coordination. Not only that, if one gets damaged you can simply replace it without having to replace the entire floor.

Rubber Basement Flooring:
Gaining in popularity, these types of floors were used mainly in more industrial/commercial types of settings. Something like restraunt kitchens or office buildings. Reason being, they could be cleaned easily and effectively. But with more and more people looking for a better solution for their basement, these floors are gaining in popularity. Easily pieced together, they can also be removed for a proper cleaning, although that’s not something you are going to want to do very much.

I just want to caution you though, if your basement is damp, please get it looked at by a professional if you can’t figure out how to stop it. Even if you do, wait a while before installing any flooring in your basement after the damp issue has been corrected to ensure that it is indeed truly fixed. If you have these types of issues in your basement, I would suggest not putting down an actual flooring material and opting for one of the first two. All in all though, there’s 4 options for good flooring for a damp basement.

If you are looking to remodel your basement but don’t want to spend a ton of money, check out this low cost basement remodeling idea. This is based on a couple of things here first to keep in mind before you start this project. First, to keep the costs down you are going to have to make this a DIY project so just make sure either you or a good friend willing to help out is fairly handy. If you aren’t paying anybody to do the job it’s going to keep your costs low. Second, you need to make sure that the basement is completely waterproof, that is you don’t have any leaks or moisture problems. If you do, PLEASE take care of those issues first to save yourself some heartache in the long run. What you’ll find out here is that you don’t need to spend a whole lot of money to get a functional and clean looking basement. For this project we are going to assume that the room is a 10 foot by 20 foot room, makes the calculations a bit easier and you can simply adjust for your particular dimensions.

The Basement Ceiling:
First, if your basement ceiling is fairly clean from obstructions and ductwork, the most cost effective method to having a finished look is to simply just paint it. You are going to need a sprayer to do this one right. Don’t try and simply use a roller or brush. The sprayer will get you better coverage. If you don’t have one, find a friend that does or simply rent one from your local hardware store like Lowe’s or Home Depot. You’ll probably end up spending like $35 bucks to rent it for the day, but a single days rental should be all you need there. You’ll likely end up using a couple of gallons of paint to get the job done, and paint ranges anywhere from $20 – $50 a gallon so let’s just say it’ll cost you about $80 for the paint. All in all you are looking at $100 to $200 to get this size ceiling done.

If painting is not for you, then you could think about installing a drop ceiling. A little more expensive than painting (probably somewhere in the neighborhood of $2 to $5 per square foot) to get a more traditional looking ceiling. You’ll still get the benefits as you’ll be able to easily access to all the pipes, wires and ductwork overhead without having to tear it all up. A drop ceiling estimated cost for this size room would range from $400 to $1000.

The Basement Walls:
Just for an extra measure and to add a little piece of mind, you might want to think about putting a good coat of waterproofing paint on your walls to start with. Make sure it’s one that when dry will hold out water and not let it seep through. Once done, again the easiest and most cost effective solution is to simply paint the walls the color of your choice, if you don’t mind the look of concrete block walls.

Staring at cold concrete walls not your thing? Then you could do an unframed drywall installation. Although not as good as actually framing your walls, what you do is take 2×2 and simply attach it to the concrete walls with a strong liquid glue adhesive approximately 4 foot apart to attach the drywall to the concrete. Just make sure to measure appropriately so your drywall pieces attach at both sides for all pieces. Just screw the drywall into the wood strips. After they are all attached, use some drywall tape and mud to clean and fill the seams to make it all look like one piece. Once it’s all dry, pick out your favorite color of paint and get to work painting it. Just be sure to cut out for your electrical circuits so you don’t cover them up.

Drywall will cost you on average about $6 for a 4ft x 8ft sheet. So for this little project, you’ll need about 15 sheets. Add in the cost of the 2×2′s and the tape, mud, screws and paint and you are looking at around $300 for the walls. Not to shabby.

The Basement Floors:
Once again, paint is your friend as it’s going to be the most cost-effective solution for a DIY basement remodel. Some people will tell you to use some indoor/outdoor carpeting on the floor but I’m just not a big fan of that. Most of those carpets are pretty rough to the touch on bare feet. One thing that I am a fan of is carpet tiles. Check with some of your local flooring stores and see what they’ve got on clearance. If you have an outlet in your area even better. Sometimes you can find some really great deals on carpet squares/tiles that you could use in your basement. If you do go this route though, make sure your concrete basement floor is adequately proofed against moisture. Using carpet tiles you can easily replace them when one gets damaged, but it’s not something you are going to want to do all the time. Depending on the method you choose, you can expect to spend anywhere from $100 (for paint) to $600 for some discounted carpet tiles. One great thing about carpet tiles is just make sure you select by size. You can always use solid colors and mix and match them to get a great effect.

All in all, for this low cost basement remodeling solution you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 on the low end to $2000 on the higher end when you take into account the major expenses listed above and add in all the trim work and such. It just really depends on your choices and what you want your finished basement to look like.

One question that we get asked quite a bit is around how to secure a basement window. Basement windows can sometimes be a very easy target for potential burglars as homeowners usual do not take the proper precautions. Good basement window security will not only give you and your significant other peace of mind but also help in detering burglars and thieves.

Visible Basement Windows:
One of the best and easiest things that you can do to secure the window in your basement is to make sure it’s visible to the outside world. Yeah, sounds kind of contradictory, but it’s true. Burglars and thieves love to work under a cloak of darkness and if you make it easy for them by trying to hide your basement window behind shrubs and plants, it makes their job a little easier in that they can “hide” while they are doing it. This is easy cover and it’s easier for them to conceal themselves behind a big bush right in front of your window. Do yourself a favor and get rid of the flower garden in front of your basement window.

Install a Home Security System:
Having a home security system installed that is monitored is one of the best ways to prevent someone from breaking in. Well, maybe not prevent, but definitely deter. Get a good one that will not only trigger the silent alarms, but will also be loud enough to “wake-the-neighbors” in case someone trys. To be effective in the basement though it should include monitored windows. Install glass break sensors in alarm system in all rooms with windows. That way when someone open it up, the alarm goes off. Not only that, be proud of it. Show it off. Most companies that install monitored security systems will provide you with all the signs and stickers you would need. Get a couple extra and post them both outside your basement window and on it.

Can Someone Look In Your Basement?
If someone standing in your yard or on the street can peer in and see that nobody is home or around through your uncovered basement window, you might have a problem. This makes for an easy entry point for a would be criminal to see that you’re not home. Make sure to get some good blinds or curtains to block the view into your basement. If they can’t see in to see if anyone is home, it will help in slowing them down and at least making them think before acting.

Install Shatterproof Glass:
As a security measure, all first floor windows should have shatterproof glass installed. This holds true for your basement as well. Just remember, not all windows come with shatter-resistant glass, you’ll likely have to ask for this when having your basement window installed or simply replacing the glass in your current window. Just check with a local glass shop on the different types of shatterproof glass available (tempered, laminated, or plexiglass).

Install Security Film to the Glass:
This is an easy one for those DIY types. Simply install some high quality window security film to the window in your basement. Not only will it help eliminate forced entry for those smash and grab criminals by adding a protective barrier to the glass, but it will also help in case of storms by keeping the window in tact if something flies about and hits it. Others will shatter and go all over the place, but a window protected with security film will shatter and stay together.

Use Good Lighting Outside
Let’s face it. Most break-in’s occur during the night. The criminals will look for unlit, easy entry points like back doors and bottom floor windows. If your basement window is in an area that’s concealed or is really dark at night, use some good lighting outside the window to keep it very visible. A crook doesn’t want to be seen and if you make it so that there is a chance that he (or she) will, then they’ll likely look for an easier target. Having a good lighting source set on some kind of timer that will turn on when it gets dark just outside your window will help with that.

Other Tips That Didn’t Make The List:
There are other methods that you’ll hear around that quite simply I’m just not a big fan of but I’ll list some of them here. You could install security bars in your windows, just make sure that they are up to code and work properly, especially if these are egress windows. But I’m not a big fan of those, what is this, your home or a prison? Besides, I think they look kind of tacky. You could use a lock and key system on the windows, but again just make sure they fit to your local building codes. Personally, I think lock and key systems are better for doors than windows and if there ever is an emergency and I’m trapped, I don’t want to be looking around for a key to get out. You’ll also likely hear a lot about making the window impassable by putting stuff in front of it to “startle” an intruder. Bleh!! Why bother, if they want in and that’s your defense you are really not going to stop them that way. Besides, I think it detracts from the beauty of having a window in your basement if you are just going to put stuff in front of it.

Just be smart, follow the 6 tips to securing your basement windows and do what you feel comfortable with. Bottom line is you’ve got to live there so whatever measure you need to take to feel secure, go for it.

If you are in process or just getting started remodeling the basement, maybe even just looking for a way to clean things up in an almost finished lower level, installing a drop ceiling in a basement might be the trick you are looking for. These types of ceilings work well in just about any room, but they particularly work well in rooms like basements where you have much more to deal with overhead.

Drop Ceiling 101
Although made famous and probably more common in public facilities like schools and offices, this type of ceiling is a very popular option for a basement. Basically, it’s an easy to install ceiling that simply hangs from the joists in your basement ceiling. It’s overall framework is a metal structure where fitted ceiling tiles easily slide into place. In fact it became so cost efficient and popular in big office buildings as it was an easy fix to a problem. It provided space and ease of accessibility to all the duct and electrical work needed. And this is precisely why it’s becoming so popular in basement settings as well.

Pipes, Wires and Ductwork: Pure Ugliness In A Basement
Unfinished basement ceilings are simply ugly and in a basement remodeling project poses one of the major challenges you’ll take in completely refinishing it. If your home is like most, you are likely to have plenty of exposed electrical wires, large runs of ductwork feeding air and heat into other areas of your home, and fairly unattractive pipes that are running water and such to and from your home all throughout the ceiling in your basement. The challenge comes in with being able to cover it all up to make an attractive room but still have access to it without completely tearing up your hard work in case there is ever an emergency that you need to get in there to fix. This is where a drop ceiling in a basement can work wonders for you. With this type of design, you can simply cover it all up with out a whole lot of work and effort. Plus, if something ever goes wrong, you can simply remove a tile (as they are easy to remove) and get in there for any repair work that may need to be done. Not only that, if you ever have a tile that gets damaged from a leaking or dripping pipe in your basement ceiling, you can just remove it, fix the leak, and then replace the ceiling tile with a new one and your as good as new.

Major Advantages Of A Basement Drop/Suspended Ceiling:
Repairs – As we stated just above, this is the absolute big plus of installing this type of ceiling. It makes it easy to get in and correct a problem, and being a homeowner, you know at one time or another you will have a problem that is going to require your attention.

Replacements – If something ever disrupts the natural beauty of it, simply replace it. Ceiling tiles are fairly inexpensive in the overall scheme of things so you should plan on purchasing some extra’s in case you ever need to replace one or two. Who knows, you may have a pipe bust or a little one that forgot to turn off the bathtub just overhead. Having this type of system in place, you’d only have to replace the damaged tiles and not the whole ceiling.

Lighting – Makes it so much easier to install some quality recessed lighting. You’ll have all the room you need to work with and be able to draw in some dramatic appeal with some strategically placed recessed lighting in your basement.

Easy Installation – This is one ceiling where you wouldn’t really need a seasoned professional or contractor to perform. If you consider yourself fairly handy then you can build the basement drop ceiling yourself. The only real trick to it all is making sure that you keep it level which you can do fairly easily with the help of a laser level and snap chalk line (but you’ll need a partner to help you with that one so grab a buddy).

The Problems:
Even though most homeowners could put one of these in as a DIY project with some of the tools they already have laying around the garage, this little project will take some time. Don’t expect to be done with it in a flash. You need to take your time and make sure to measure the frame correctly. Also, leveling can sometimes be a challenge for people to get it straight. Plus, your basement ceiling will sometimes have obstacles that are quite tricky to work around. If you don’t get those elements right, your new drop basement ceiling won’t look as good as it could. If you’re confident that you can do it, then by all means, go for it. But it’s because of these reasons that most homeowners will simply contract out this work. Furthermore, just make sure you have the right amount of space to have one installed as it will be a little lower than the existing height you currently have.

The Wrap-up:
There are definite advantages to going with a drop ceiling in a basement. They are easy to install, hide all those ugly basement ceiling nuances like pipes, wires, and ductwork, easy for repair work to be done and replace damaged tiles, and afford the luxury of recessed lighting.

It’s been said that purchasing carpet is one of the top 3 most expensive purchases that an average homeowner will make, falling right behind the purchase of a new home and a new car in sheer dollar amounts. The problem with this purchase though is it’s typically made for the wrong reason as most will simply seek to select the appropriate color to match the surroundings. As a homeowner, though, you should know that carpet is not a very conducive material to have as a basement flooring. Not saying that it’s impossible, but that you should be ready to make sure basement is prepared before you ever decide to install carpeting.

First let’s take a look at some of the advantages as to why you would want basement carpet. If you are planning on turning your basement into more of a living/media/playroom type setting, carpet can help in cutting down noise filtering throughout your home. Studies have shown that carpet can absorb nearly 10x more noise than most other flooring material. Carpet is pretty and you have an absolute ton of choices stemming from colors, designs and textures that you could use to really make your room pop. Carpet can make the difference of you feeling like you are in your home versus being in an office somewhere. There’s just something about it that makes most people feel comfortable in a room that’s carpeted. Carpet can also be a great insulator. There’s quite a difference at times when stepping down on a freezing cold floor versus a warm, plush carpet. So, now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s move on.

The problem with carpeting the basement though is that most all basements have some type of water issue at one time or another. And if you’ve just installed some high-quality Berber, you surely don’t want to see it get ruined which is why most basements are not the place for carpeting without some good renovation tactics up front. Even if your basement doesn’t seem to show any signs of water problems or leaks, you could still be vunerable to high moisture levels and not even know it. In fact, it’s sometimes common for ill-functioning gutters to drop enough water close to your home so that it build up all around your concrete slab and walls. This is a recipe for disaster as if it gets to be too much, it will seep through a solid concrete floor or wall.

If you think you’ve got all your moisture issues under control and can maintain it, you should still probably take a few extra steps before carpeting the basement. If you don’t have a dehumidifier already, you should be ready to invest in a quality one. Basements are notorious for stagnant air which in turn becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Ceiling fans can also help to improve the situation by keeping the air flowing, if you have the room, plus it’ll help to maintain a comfort zone that you’ll like. You will likely need to get under the carpet to and it’s suggested that you get a good anti-microbial carpet pad. This will help in keeping the carpet from forming mold problems from the concrete up.

Once you are sure that your basement can support the installation of carpeting, there’s really no other special requirements to get it down there. I know up to this point it’s sounded fairly discouraging and even though it’s not one of our preferred solutions for a basement, it’s certainly something that can be done. As in any other room of your home, the rules still remain the same as to whether or not you would want a loop or twist or anyother type of carpet. Just remember that it’s going to take some care and caution through the years to maintain a beautiful looking basement and with the inherent problems that a carpet will likely face sub-level, I wouldn’t suggest a top of the line, expensive brand.

Precautions and Tips:
Pay attention to how the carpet is made and what type of fibers it has. Look to see that the carpet fibers are chemical-resistant in case you ever need to really get in there to clean something up. Also, you only want synthetic type products. Stay away from those carpets with a jute-backing. These simply will not hold up to the wear and tear of a basement. Doing this will help to maintain your carpets health for many years to come barring any disasters.

Alternatives to Basement Carpet:
If you really like the soft feel of carpeting and don’t mind taking all the precautions ahead of time, then it’s certainly possible for you to have some basement carpet. However, carpet can be one of the more expensive flooring options and if you are not up for that expense, there are certainly cheaper alternatives. You could certainly stain or paint the concrete floor. A good staining can bring out quite a unique flooring opportunity. Either way there though you would still need to invest in some rugs. You could even do some laminate or engineered flooring. Another good alternative would be to use carpet tiles that can be replaced individually without replacing the entire floor in case something happens.

That sure is a funny name for a window – egress – but it really does serve a purpose. If you look at the actual definition of egress, it simply means a way out or an exit. Therefore, if you have a basement egress window, then you have a way out of your basement in case of an emergency. It’s actually a building code requirement that for any bedroom or room that has sleeping quarters in a home, have these kind of windows installed so that the inhabitants of that room can get out or a rescue team has room to enter. Basically, if you ever become trapped in your basement during an emergency, like a fire, your basement windows have to meet certain requirements so you can get out of harms way and the local fire department can get in to put it out. Actually, these are a good idea for all basements regardless of whether you have a bedroom in it or not.

Building Code Regulations:
Be sure to check your local building codes as some may vary:

• The minimum opening width of the window has to be at least 20 inches.
• The minimum opening height of the window has to be at least 2 feet (24 inches).
• The minimum opening clearance has to be at least 5 square feet.
• The maximum height of the window sill above the floor can be no more than 3 feet 8 inches (or 44 inches).

Older homes may not be in compliance with these regulations as they are fairly new, but it’s up to you to keep your house up to code for your families and friends safety. So before you start your next basement remodeling project to install a new bedroom remember that you’ll need to keep things up to code. Most of the time this will require you to have your home inspected by a professional but not always. The thing is, this is your responsibility and not the inspectors. So do it right the first time.

Sometimes, this is not an easy task as you’ll likely have to remove the window that’s currently in place and either add some height or width to accomodate the new one. Plus, purchasing new windows was probably not in your original budget when you first started thinking about remodeling the basement so it’s likely to hit the purse strings a bit. The thing is, you’ve got to think about what you are protecting. Now is not the time to scrimp on saving a buck or two as it’s never worth it in the end. Safety should always be a priority in these matters, and installing these safety basement windows could save you a lot of heartache in the long run.

Other Egress Window Tips:
Not only are there certain size requirements involved with these windows, but there are also some other factors needed to keep them in proper working order. The main one being that someone must be able to operate it from the inside of your home without the use of a key or special tool. If you are worried about safety and break-ins, you can still have bars attached to these windows. However, they too will have to be able to be opened without a key or tool as well.

Best Type Of Egress Basement Windows:
By far, what we feel is the best type of window to install as an egress in the basement has to be casement windows. They make for ideal escape with maximum opening capabilities in a more standard window size. This is due to how they open. Casement windows are hinged to the frame on the sides. This allows for a single pane, fully opened window that will be large enough for almost anyone to escape out of. Plus, we think they are one of the more attractive options for a basement and with their wide openings, during those cool days, you can get maximum air flow through a casement window opening.

As a second option, you could opt for a double hung window. All though not as efficient as a casment window, these can certainly pass building regulation codes, but they are going to have to be much bigger than the aforementioned. Why so much bigger? Well, for starters, they only open half way so you are only going to get half of the opening as the same sized casement type. They actually have two panes of glass that slides behind one another leaving half of the window size still covered up. It’s still an option, but what you need to think about is how big of a window do you really want in your basement.

I would never suggest installing awning windows as an egress in a basement setting simply because of the way they are designed. Sure they are very good windows for a basement, just not as an egress. These type of windows are hinged at the top and actually open outwards and could have the potential of trapping you inside. You’d have to crawl through the frame and under the outward glass opening to get free.

Special Requirements:
You are going to need to install a window well since basements are underground and egress windows have to meet requirements. Without one, you may have a hard time getting your window to function properly without being obstructed. The basement window well is going to need some room to be installed directly outside the window in your home. This will allow you some adequate space once outside to manuever your way to safety. One thing to keep in mind is that if the well is too deep for you to easily get out of in an emergency, have a safety ladder installed in it so you can climb your way out quickly and effeciently. And don’t use it as a storage area to keep things out of the way. You’ve got to be able to use it when and if the time ever comes.

Nobody ever said renovating your basement would be easy and inexpensive, but egress basement windows are a life-saving feature that should be added to any basement whether or not they are a bedroom. Don’t forget to look into your own local building codes and if it is a bedroom, be sure to have it inspected both before and after the remodeling project.

Everyone has their own reasons for remodeling the basement. Whether it’s to add an additional bedroom or simply expand some of the liveable space in your home with a new living room, you’ve got your reasons. But what exactly can you expect when using a remodeling contractor? If you are using the GC to do a full remodeling project, then at minimal you would expect them to handle everything from start to finish. This should also include design, engineering, plans and drawings, attaining permits, before and after inspections, demolition and removal, and all the work involved. However, if you have never been down this process before, here’s what you can expect to happen as kind of a general rule of thumb when looking to hire a basement remodeling contractor.

Step 1: Phone Consultation – This is more introductory than anything but it should be used to discuss your basement remodeling needs. Let them know your thoughts on what you have currently and what you are expecting out of your project. This will help lay the foundation and give the contractor a general idea and guideline to work from so they can come prepared for the next step in the process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Any reliable contractor will take the time to answer them and if you are not satisfied, just stop there and move on to the next one on the list. But be sure to use this time to kind of get to know them and see if they might be a good fit for your project.

Step 2: Site Visit and Inspection – As a follow-up, the contractor should schedule an initial visit with you to give the basement a good inspection. At this juncture, expect the contractor to start taking measurements and talking about different materials that will be used to get the desired results. General shop talk is over. It’s time to start getting into the specifics and details about the scope of work your project is going to require. This will likely not be a short visit. Expect it to take some time. Again, ask questions and be comfortable with the answers.

Step 3: Basic Estimate – The basic estimate is pretty much a “rough draft” provided to you based upon the information up to this point on your remodeling project. It should be high-level, but to avoid any surprises, it should include at a minimum a written list of everything that’s going to be a part and included in your project. It should also include any references the contractor may have, their insurance policy and a general overall timeline. You should give them at least 24 to 48 hours to get this back in your hands. That will give them ample time to really think about the remodel and go over all aspects in an attempt to uncover anything they may have overlooked. You want to be able to use this to get an accurate bid.

Step 4: Your Approval – Up to this point, it’s been all in the contractors hands. But now that you’ve got the estimate in your hands, it’s your turn now. You shouldn’t feel pressured to give an approval to continue to the next step, if you are, then that’s a good indication that you might not want to be working with that contractor. Up to now, everything should have been free of charge. Once you start getting into the next steps, expect to start opening up your pocket book a bit. Basically once you are saying here now is that “yes, I agree with what’s been stated up to this point and would like to proceed”. By this point, you should have received 2 or 3 other estimates from insured contractors to get a good feel and compare what’s being offered. You’ll need to narrow them down now and make a choice. Cost is a big decision but it shouldn’t be your only one as most of the time, you end up getting what you pay for. Here’s some other things to keep in mind. Keep an eye on what all is included. See that the bids include all labor, materials, permits and any other necessary items. If you discover that there are pieces missing from ones that are included in the others, either ask them to include it so you can make a viable decision or simply use it as a discard and focus on the complete ones. It’s the little things that are missed in the inclusion process that can end up hurting your bottom line overall later. Things like flooring and fixtures. Also, you may want to check with your local Better Business Bureau and call on some of their references to see what kind of history the contractor may have. It’s big picture time.

Step 5: Detailed Bid – Once you’ve picked your contractor, expect to receive a detailed bid. This will now list all the details including materials with quoted costs that will be your final price for your remodeling project. At this point, it may be required to have some construction drawings. If this is the case, expect that you will have to pay to receive them. The detailed bid itself should be part of the service and not be charged.

Step 6: Acceptance – After you have reviewed the detailed bid, you will need to give written acceptance of the project. Most times this is simply your signature on the contract. Once signed, your basement remodeling project will get scheduled. You should receive as a part of that, a specific timeline and final copy of the contract for you to keep and review. You’ll also likely be presented with a payment schedule and be required to produce a deposit so initial materials and supplies can be purchased. You should not be required to pay in full up front.

Step 7: Project Start – Everything is signed, sealed and delivered and the project is ready to get under way. It’s now time for the dust to start flying and your contractor will begin all the site preparation work. As part of that, they should be taking measures to protect your home as well to minimalize all the construction going on in your home. Just be aware that sometimes things happen. If something is uncovered or changes during the actual construction process like you adding a new feature or the contractor doing something a little extra, it should be brought to your attention through a change order. That work should not commence until you have reviewed and accepted and both the contractor and the home owner has signed the change order.

Now that you know the 7 steps for hiring a basement remodeling contractor and what you can expect, let’s have a little more general talk on what you can expect surrounding cost and timelines. As a general rule of thumb, and probably more on an average, what you can gauge for the cost of a basement remodeling project at this point while trying to get a ball park figure is around $35 per square foot. Quality and price can vary from project to project, just beware of the low-ballers. The next thing you’ll want to know is how long a basement remodeling project takes. Depending on what you are having done and the extent of work involved, this type of project takes some time. Expect and prepare for your project to take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks as demolition has to occur, materials have to acclimate, and work and finishing take time.

Fire escape basement windows will give you a life saving escape route if you are trapped in your basement during an emergency, plus because the way they are constructed they’ll bring in all the fresh air and natural light that you could need. You and your guests can relax and enjoy the time spent in your basement when you have one of these egress windows installed. Not to mention that current building codes require that you have one installed. However, older homes do not have these window types that allow a grown person to adequately use it as an escape route during an emergency.

If you are about to start remodeling the basement and are looking to keep your house in compliance, you are going to have to create an escape route. While these could be a DIY project, there’s a lot of work and red tape involved, so this one might be better off in a qualified contractors hands. Here are a few things you’ll need to know before you break ground and what you should ask the general basement contractors should ensure if you go that route:

Locate the Utilities – Before you dig, you got to know where these run and if your plans will interfere or interrupt service. Ensure that this is part of the plan.

Ensure Structural Integrity – You are going to need some help here so your house doesn’t fall in, get the help of a Professional Engineer that can “stamp” the approval that the window plans won’t affect the overall structure of your home.

Permit Applications – Most municipalities will require that you have a permit for this type of renovation. Cut through the red tape and save yourself some hassle in the end and do it up front.

Excavation and Removal of dirt – Since most all basements are underground and to properly install a fire escape basement window, you are going to have to dig. Either have plans for the dirt after removal or make sure that as part of the contract the contractors will get rid of it. Also, it would be a good idea to hear just how they are going to remove the dirt, whether they will use large equipment or if it’s going to be more of a manual process. If equipment is involved, make sure that it doesn’t affect any lines running to and from your home and that the surrounding landscape will remain pretty much intact.

Protection from Dust and Debris in Your Home – This one is a messy job and the dirt and dust will be flying. Either make sure that you have that all covered so that it will minimalize exposure to the rest of your home or find out what the contractor is going to do to protect it.

Sawing the Concrete for an Egress Basement Window – Once the hole is dug, you are going to have to cut the opening into the concrete wall to hold the egress window. This will take a specialized saw to get the job done right that you probably don’t just have lying around the house. While I don’t think that you will need to spend the money purchasing one, ensure that there is one available for you to rent somewhere and that you’ll be able to handle the tool effectively. If a contractor is doing the job, ask them what they will be cutting the concrete with, how many they have done and about how long it will take to make the proper size opening. Remember, measure twice and cut once.

Concrete Removal and Disposal – Once the concrete wall is cut and the remnants on the ground, you have to do something with it. Concrete is not only heavy but can be a chore to get rid of. Know what you are going to do with it once it’s done. If it’s contracted, make sure that the contract states for removal and disposal by the contractor for the cut concrete.

Framing Materials – Now that you’ve got your hole, make sure that you will have enough material to properly frame out the new window appropriately. Find out from your contractor what materials and exactly what precautions they will take while framing.

Basement Window Well – This one comes down to your choice and how much you are willing to live with. Just make sure that the one you choose or the contractor suggests not only fits the budget but is aesthetically pleasing from both the inside and outside of your home, since peering out your new window, you’ll definitely see it.

Basement Egress Windows – What type of window are you going to install? Personal choice and preference work well here but if I could suggest one, I’d definitely look into a casement window. These windows will offer maximum room to escape as they are hinged on the side and will open wide. Ask the contractor what type of window they will be installing.

Window Well Fire Escape Ladder – This is the reason you are installing the window in the first place, as an escape route during an emergency. Ensure that one is provided as part of the installation process.

General Labor – although your labor charges if you do it yourself are free, if you are having a contractor do it, see just how much the actual labor figures are.

But How Much Will Fire Escape Basement Windows Cost?

Most standard installations of fire escape basement windows are typically either 3 foot by 4 foot or 4 foot by 4 foot packages and they can range from $2,500 to $2,800. Of course this can vary depending on the quality of windows used, how much work has to be done on the outside realigning utilities or sprinklers, how thick your actual concrete wall is, and the overall condition of the environment just outside your home. Most of the time, it will only take a good general contractor about a day to properly install an egress basement window, but it may take 2. So that you are not surprised when the time comes, just make sure that it’s all included as part of your contractors bid for installing a fire escape basement window so you know what to expect.

Basement Remodeling Service is your complete basement renovation resource. This means that you can count on us to be your one-stop remodeling source. From walls to floors, ceilings and windows, lighting and electrical, everything you need, we’ll walk you right through it from start to finish.

If your dungeon is in need of a makeover, let us help you convert that musty, smelly lower level into a comfortable, healthy new living space for you and your family to enjoy. Discover the potential your finished basement has now!

There is absolutely no easier or faster way to increase livable space in your home than basement remodeling. It’s more cost-effective than a home addition and the room can be utilized for whatever purpose you may have in mind. Finishing the basement will increase your space today!

Basement Floors

Although basements are not the optimum place for hardwood flooring, that doesn’t mean that you still don’t have a ton of choices that you could use. Laminates, ceramics and even specialized carpet tiles can play a major role in dressing up your basement floors. Don’t rush through it though, make sure you take your time and get the right flooring for the room you are preparing, it’ll make all the difference in the world! Be sure to browse our entire section on basement floors to see what options you have.

Most people find that the floors in their basement is what typically gives them the most problems. What’s typically found though is that it’s not necessarily the floors that cause the problem, but either improper waterproofing of the concrete slab or a bad installation of the actual flooring that does not account for proper waterproofing methods and technique’s.

Basement Walls

Basement walls can be tricky little things. There are some common problems associated with it as most people don’t realize that you shouldn’t frame them out with wooden structures connected directly to the concrete wall. If you do, you can really lead yourself into some problems down the road. Then you’ve got the age old debate of how to actually insulate the walls of your basement. There’s definitely some tricks and tips that people should follow when doing this yourself. Be sure to check out our whole section on properly installing and finishing the walls of your basement for further reading.

The walls of your basement can be as plain as day or as intricate and detailed as you’d like. Just depends on how much you are willing to spend of effort you are willing to extend doing it yourself. There’s even some exclusive wall panel systems that can virtually slip in place.

Basement Ceilings

Basement ceilings can be a little tricky. What’s the easiest way to hide all that duct work overhead but still allow you have access in case anything goes wrong or needs repair? What if I’m dealing with some height restrictions, what are my options?

Well, dependent on what you got going on below-grade of your home really depends on what you can do for a basement ceiling. You’ve definitely got options varying from suspended ceilings to drywall ceilings, to a newer open model or painted. What fits with your basement design depends on what you want in the room. Check out what you can do for a ceiling in your basement here.

We want you to feel confident in what you are going to be doing while remodeling the basement so we’ve tried to group everything by tasks to make it easier for you. Other sections that you will find here include a section on basement ideas for those still deciding what to do under the house, other considerations and tips to take in during your basement remodeling project, as well as simple techniques, products and tips for you to use while waterproofing the basement to protect and keep it dry.