Basement Finishing 101

So, you have been dreaming of finishing that basement for years now. Every time your family, or friends come over you talk about where your home theater room will be, or where the pool table is going to go, and so on.

Now I know homeowners want to finish their own basements to save money, and more power to you if it can be done.

I just have to say a few things to say about this subject:

1. Most of home owner finished basements I have seen are not top quality.

2. If you plan to sell your home in the future, I just want to say buyers do notice quality.

3. Real estate appraisers may not give you top dollar for work not done right.

4. Home buyers today due hire home inspectors, who will point out issues such as structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.

5. Most General contractors have been working in the industry for years and have developed relationships with suppliers/sub-contractors. For example, if you tried to hire my plumber, electrician, framer, etc. they will charge you more money to do the same job. The money General Contractors make is basically the money you would spend on hiring the work yourself, so in the end you will get quality work, pay the same price, and with much less headache.

OK enough of that, if you still choose to finish your own basement, instead of hiring a professional, here is the order of items that will need to be completed. Please hire licensed/professional contractors for all work performed.

1. Basement Layout & Design

2. Permits

3. Framing

4. Plumbing

5. Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

6. Electrical

7. Sheetrock/Drywall

8. Prime Sheetrock

9. Trim: Doors, Windows, Base, Crown Molding, Entertainment Centers, Etc.

10. Painting: Caulking, Putty, Wood Filler, Etc.

11. Kitchen Cabinets, Bar, Bathroom Vanities, Etc.

12. Counter tops: Granite, Marble, Laminate, Tile, Etc.

13. Flooring: Tile, Hardwood, Carpet, Vinyl, Etc.

14. Final Plumbing: Toilets, Sinks, Fixtures, Etc.

15. Final Electrical: Switches, Receptacles, Fans, Cans, Lighting, Etc.

16. Final HVAC: Unit start up, Installing grills, Etc.

17. Final Trim: Install shoe molding, tie in misc. trim, Etc.

18. Hardware: Cabinet pulls, door knobs, door bumps, mirrors, blinds, bathroom accessories.

19. Final paint touch up.

20. Cleaning

Thanks for reading

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