The height of summer is here and when we aren’t out enjoying the sunshine we’re hiding out in the coolest spots we can find. And this makes a finished basement an incredible investment for a busy West Michigan home.
But, despite the obvious benefits, West Michigan basement remodeling can come with a wide variety of questions. So, we’ll do our best to answer some of the most common here:
What Do Basement Remodels Cost?
The cost of your remodel can vary depending on the size and condition of your basement, the quality and type of materials you choose, and the extent and complexity of the changes you want to make to the space—especially any structural changes.
According to some sources, the national average cost for a basement remodeling or finishing project in 2023/2024 ranges from $15,000 to $75,000 for a 500 to 1500 square foot space, respectively. Choosing an open floorplan will be cheaper, while adding bathrooms, bedrooms, home offices, basement bars, and other extras can push that price higher but may be well worth it depending on your needs.
What Are Some Of The Most Popular Options For West Michigan Basement Remodels?
While any basement finishing or remodeling work can increase the usable, livable space you have at home, you can do even more with your project when you plan ahead. And, among the many possibilities for basement transformations we’ve seen in recent years, some of the most popular and successful have been:
- family rooms or game rooms to contain the chaos
- home offices or studios for convenient productivity
- guest bedrooms or suites to host friends, family, or to rent out
- home gyms or yoga spaces where you can exercise, center, and stay fit
- home theaters or bars where you can host friends and enjoy movies, music, and drinks
- playrooms or kids’ areas where your children can have fun together or find quiet spaces to recharge apart from one another
- hidden laundry nooks or dedicated laundry rooms to give you the space to keep the dirty clothes moving in and the clean clothes moving out
- storage rooms with floor to ceiling shelving so you can organize and store your belongings safely
- mini apartments with built-in kitchenettes to support aging family members or adult children
Will A Finished Basement Increase The Value Of My Home?
ABSOLUTELY! According to some studies, a finished basement can return as much as 70% of the value of the remodel in home value, value which will increase along with the total value of your property over time.
Finished space can also make your home look bigger on paper (a bigger “total interior livable area”) and remove a potential pain point that may discourage bidders when your home goes on the market.
And, in the meantime, you and your family get to enjoy this finished space and all the hobby space, home movies, playtime, game nights, sleepovers, and extra hosting that can come with it.
How Long Does Finishing Or Remodeling A Basement Take?
The duration of your project will also depend on certain factors, including the scope and design of your project, material delivery, our availability, and how smoothly the inspection and approval process goes.
Typically, a basement remodel will take between two to six weeks. But you should get in touch with us for a better timetable tailored to your specific situation.
Will I Need A Permit For My Basement Remodel?
In most cases, yes. A permit is usually required for any structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work that involves altering or adding to your existing basement. This ensures that your project meets the local building codes and safety standards, and that it is inspected and approved by a qualified professional.
As part of our services, Amber Valley Construction will obtain all the necessary permits for your basement remodel and make sure that the entire project is handled properly from start to finish.
What About Moisture Or Flooding?
If you’ve had issues with your unfinished basement getting wet in the past, there are steps we can take to help protect it as a finished space. But this will depend on your specific location and situation, so contact us and we’ll take a look.
How Do I Get Started?
If you’d like to explore the possibility of remodeling your basement, increasing your living space, adding value to your home, and making a more comfortable lair to escape the July heat, all you have to do is contact us today using the red button at the top right of the screen and let us know what you’re considering.
At Amber Valley Construction we thrive on helping our friends and neighbors in Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Ada, Cascade, Caledonia, Grandville, Kentwood, Byron Center, Hudsonville, Wayland, and all the other the surrounding areas of West Michigan turn their homes (and their Michigan basements) into spaces you can truly love.
Whether this means executing your perfect remodeling plan or helping you work through the process from concept and design all the way to a clean and completed project, we’d love to hear from you today.