4 Things to Look For Basement Contractors

4 Things to Look For Comparing Contractors

Many homeowners think that they can complete their own basement remodel with little or no experience. Unfortunately, finishing a basement is not as simple as it seems on television or in the movies. There are typically many complications that must be dealt with before the project can even begin. This article will give you the information you need to decide to complete a basement yourself or hiring a basement contractor.

There are two directions you could go when choosing a contractor to complete your basement: find a general contractor that is willing to perform the job for you, or find a basement remodeling specialist. When choosing between these two varieties of contractors, here are three important things to keep in mind: age of the home, hidden water sources, and permits required. Each type of contractor will recommend a slightly different way to complete your basement. Although the age of the home is not nearly as important as the presence of hidden water sources or permits, knowing the typical costs will allow you to more accurately determine which option will be best for your needs.

Basement Remodeling Specialists vs. General Contractors Average Cost: The cost of a professional basement contractor is more than double that of an average-priced general contractor. This cost is due primarily to the complexity of the tasks involved. Specifically, basement remodeling specialists will need to perform any large-scale construction work, such as installing vents or new plumbing; they will also need to verify permits and perform routine inspections on your property. While this may seem like an expensive endeavor, it is far less costly than starting from scratch. Therefore, if you expect to add new rooms to your house without experiencing as much trouble, then hiring a remodeling specialist would be your best bet.

Basement Contractors Vs. Proper Permits

If you are planning to perform major renovations to your basement, including adding a room over an existing room, it is necessary that you obtain proper permits. Without these permits, your plans could be disapproved. Although basement remodelers can save the homeowner money, there are also some disadvantages. Typically, there are some problems that arise when contractors do not follow local building codes and they end up getting in trouble with their permits. In some cases, the permits simply are not granted for Basement Renovation Project. Without the proper permits, you may be required to remove part or all of your foundation, which will require extensive structural changes.

Mold and Mildew: Basement renovations are particularly susceptible to mold and mildew because of the dampness and humidity that are typically present during the process. Prolonged exposure to mold and mildew can result in serious health risks. In fact, mold and mildew can actually cause some people to have life-threatening respiratory conditions, such as asthma. For this reason, you should be very concerned about having any type of mold or mildew removal done during your basement renovations.

Basement Repairs and Plumbing

Usually, basement renovations include some plumbing or electrical work, as well as some type of insulation or drywall installation. Because of the moisture in the basement, your basement will generally need to be vented at some point. You may also need to insulate your basement walls, as well as repair leaking plumbing and repair any leaking appliances. It is always a good idea to hire a qualified professional to make sure your basement renovation project is completed correctly and up to code.

Compare Quotes and Projects

A great way to ensure that you get the best value for your money when it comes to basement remodeling and construction is by comparing quotes from different contractors. By getting multiple bids, you will be able to choose the most affordable contractor in the area. However, before you compare quotes, you should gather basic information on each contractor, such as years of experience. You should also ask for references and inquire about the number of permits each one has gotten. Most importantly, you should compare bids so that you will know that you are truly getting the best value for your money.

Basement Finishing and Plumbing: General contractors are not the only ones who can complete basement finishing projects successfully. You can also choose to hire an experienced electrician, plumber, or stained glass designer to help finish your basement. Electrical contractors will be able to handle any electrical needs in your basement, including heating, cooling, and plumbing. If you choose to hire an electrician, you should have his or her business inspected by the city of your choice. In order to protect yourself and your family from dangerous electrical shocks, you should always have your basement professionally inspected by a licensed electrician.