How to get started on your basement remodel

An unfinished basement is your family space just waiting to happen. But where do you even start to transform it from a boring cement block into cozy bedrooms, a media room or whatever else you imagine? Use our basement remodeling tips to help you through the entire process, from drawing up plans to budgeting to hiring a reliable contractor.

Planning stages

Looking at all the logistics beforehand can make your basement renovation project less stressful, with fewer surprises along the way. Take time to draw up plans, determine your budget and get all your permits in order.

Measure your basement, then draw your plans to scale so you get an accurate picture of your finished space.

Designing your unfinished basement

What does your dream basement include? Before you start collecting paint and flooring samples, think about how you’ll use your space. Do you need more bedrooms? Do you want a home theater? Will you use it as a game center?

Once you know what you want to include, consider which areas of your basement are best suited for their future function. For example, you may want your new office to have the largest window.

Next, think through any obstacles you’ll need to work around. You’ll need to consider:

• HVAC ducts

• Plumbling

• Overhead lighting

• Permanent support beams

Draw a floor plan — graph paper is helpful — using actual room dimensions. Be sure to mark all the doors and windows so you can take advantage of natural lighting where you’ll want it most.

Plan your basement build budget

When you’re trying to figure out how to finish your basement on a budget, you need realistic expectations. Because construction costs can add up quickly, it’s helpful to get an idea of where you can save and where you need to spend. What can you do yourself? When will you need to hire a pro?

To calculate your basic costs, first measure the basement’s total square footage. In general, plan on spending $50 to $60 per square foot. That means if you’re finishing a 1,000-square-foot basement, budget for a minimum of $50,000. For each specialized area, such as a kitchenette, add another $10,000 or more.

Before you start building, visit your city offices to get required permits.

Get permits for your basement reno

Most Utah cities require building permits for any major work in your home. If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll be doing structural, electrical and plumbing work — all of which must meet specific building codes. Failing to get proper permits could lead to legal action, so consider it a must-do.

Having a proper permit will also protect you if you later have a homeowner’s insurance claim. And when you eventually want to sell your home, there won’t be any related hangups that could hinder your sale.

DIY basement projects

There are many jobs you can do on your own as you finish your basement, providing you have the time and patience. Save a few dollars by doing projects such as:

• Adding trim or other decorative woodwork

• Installing light fixtures

• Painting

• Fastening storage shelving

• Hanging wallpaper

Save money by doing some of the simpler projects yourself.

The job will go smoother when you have the right tools. Find deals to save you money on KSL Classifieds, where you can find secondhand equipment including:

• Ladders

• Power drills

• Circular saws

• Caulking guns

• Shop vacs

Find more helpful shop tools on KSL Classifieds

When to call a pro for your basement remodel

If you’re not handy with a hammer, or simply feel overwhelmed by all the different roles needed to get the job done, turn to a Utah basement finishing contractor. They can take you from start to finish.

A general contractor will not only help you design your future basement, they’ll oversee the day-to-day aspects of the renovation to keep the project on schedule. They’ll arrange for individual contractors, as needed, and verify that the work is getting done correctly.

Find a general contractor on KSL Services

Hire a pro for jobs you can't comfortably or safely do yourself.

Even if you’re a DIY kind of person, it’s wise to hire a professional for jobs requiring expertise. Pros should know local building codes too, so you’ll be in compliance. To properly finish your basement, hire:

• Electricians to ensure your home’s wiring is safely installed.

• Drywall installers to avoid visible seams and uneven walls.

• Plumbers to prevent poor drainage, gas leaks and sewer backups.

• Flooring experts so floor coverings are installed quickly and correctly with a moisture barrier.

• Painters to properly prepare surfaces and advise you on the best kind of paint. 

When hiring individual contractors, be sure to get multiple quotes so you can compare prices and get a timeline. Also, be sure the company you’re considering is licensed and insured. Feel free to ask for references from recent jobs and/or check if they have positive online reviews.

Find licensed contractors on KSL

Find help on KSL Services

If you’re considering doing much of the basement remodel on your own, remember it’s smart to hire pros for some jobs. When you attempt projects out of your realm of knowledge, you risk paying for the work twice: once for your work, then a second time for a pro to fix your mistakes. So while it might cost you a little more upfront, you’ll likely save in the long run.

Search KSL Services to find Utah’s local electricians and carpenters, plumbers and framers, and any other job you need done right. Look for Google Reviews on the Services listings for extra assurance that you’re dealing with reputable companies.

Find contractors near your on KSL Services