Basement Finishing by GreenBuild

Basement Renovations

7 Steps to choosing a Contractor

6 Questions that are not asked of contractors!

Basement Renovations

The size and shape of families living under one roof is changing – kids stay home longer after college graduation, adult children welcome their parents into their house to ensure their safety, or an adult struggling financially finds refugee in a relative’s home. Whatever the reason, many families are looking to increase their living space.

(PRWEB) September 10, 2008 - Most homeowners have two options: build an addition or expand unutilized space by renovating the basement.

When considering an addition, make sure you are aware of a number of things: architecture costs, neighboring markets home value, timetable for completion, how much of your time and money you are going to invest, and disruption of your personal life. Also remember that the bones of the job - foundation, framing, roofing, and siding - are just a portion of your cost. The finishing details will also add to your final bill. According to Money Magazine 2002, a home addition can cost anywhere from “$150 to $200 a square foot”.

The easiest and least expensive method of adding livable square footage to a house is to remodel the basement. Money Magazine estimates the cost for remodeling your basement to be anywhere “from $30 to $75 a square foot.”

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With that low cost, you can nearly double the size of the habitable area within your house. With today’s basement specialty products, you can transform your unfinished basement into a bright, warm, comfortable and beautiful living area.

As you look into this project, find a reputable contractor that specializes in working with basements. Everybody has their niche, even carpenters, so find a reputable basement company that can work with you on your vision.

Being able to construct a kitchen or bathroom doesn't mean a contractor understands the intricacies of the basement. For instance, basements are susceptible to mold and mildew growth because foundation walls are porous and inherently contain moisture. When renovating this space, a contractor should use “below grade” materials. The contractor should be using metal studs and a mold, mildew and moisture resistant wall and ceiling system. They should not be using anything organic. Remember a basement is a different environment, treat it like one!

These days, homeowners are enhancing their basements by adding home theaters, offices, bathrooms, play rooms, entertainment rooms and bedrooms.. According to a realtor magazine, the average length of time to finish a basement is 45-60 days. With today’s basement specialty products, you should be able to get this project done in less than two weeks. Homeowners really want the same look and feel as they do upstairs as they want downstairs. But with the same benefits that have been discussed

As you venture into these projects, always take your time and make sure that you comfortable with the person you are working with. Make sure that they work for a reputable company that has plenty of references.

For more information please visit http://www.GoGreenBasements.com, call (610) 647-1758 or email jlarkin@gogreenbasements.com

7 Steps to choosing a Contractor

1. Reliability: Make sure the contractor you are looking to do business has been in business for lengthy time frame and is financially secure. Make sure they are licensed to operate in your state and they have necessary paperwork. Also, they must have $1,000,000 in general liability insurance. This allows the homeowner to be covered.

2. Stand behind their work: Referrals and references are great to help you get started. You should consider doing a one of three things: 1. Onsite inspection 2. Review a picture album of their work. 3. View their videos of recent work. Also, the contractor should have some type of warranty behind their work and the product.

3. Check out the Better Business Bureau before you consider a contractor. Even if you get a reference for the contractor, the BBB is a great place to look at the contractors past. If the contractor is not on the BBB, then you should did further about the contractor. This will save you a lot of aggravation!

4. When doing projects that takes more than a week. Make sure your contractor is only working on your project and spending a half day on your project and then running off to another job.
5. Don’t go Cheap! The number one complaint by the BBB is contractors. 80% of all homeowners who took the lowest bid had problems getting their job completed.

6. Get a detailed description of the work to be performed. This contract will set expectations and avoid any confusion in the end.
7. Be aware of the materials the contractor is using for your job. Make sure the contractor is not using inferior products or products that are not right for certain environments. For instance contractors sill consider using wood or cellulose products in high humid environments. This is a lead into creating a mold and mildew environment.

8. Never give a contractor more than 10%.

9. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/disaster/msg1121400917812.html

6 Questions that are not asked of contractors!

1. Do you have proper insurance and are you registered by the state? Make sure the contractor has at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and check their worker’s compensation. Make sure they are registered with the states they are going to be doing the work.

2. Are you a one man operation? See if they have a helper and are they going to working on your project only. If they are not just working on your project, then they could be working on two or three projects at once. Therefore you will not receive the time and attention your project deserves.

3. Will you pull permits? Make sure that they pull permits. A reputable contractor has an understanding of the codes that are required to be followed during the project. Therefore if the contractor pulls the permit you will be assured from the town or city that everything is up to code.

4. Do you guarantee your work? Contractors should guarantee their work for at least a year from the date of completion. They should also use materials that are right for the environment and have a warranty associated with them.

5. Do you offer financing? Many contractors are lender approved. They have been approved and investigated by the lenders.

6. How do you handle the "dirty work"? Do you clean up every night? Will it be dusty? Good contractors are neat and they always clean up after themselves. They should have a respect for the home they are working in.

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