Basements2024-10-02T13:57:32+00:00

Basement Remodeling

Finishing your Basement is the easiest way to add square footage and increase your home value!

  • Entertainment Spaces

  • Family and Game Rooms

  • Full Apartments with Egress

A space to relax

Remodeling Your Basement?

Here are some steps to get you started.

Step 1: Ensuring your Basement is Ready to Remodel

Is my remodel feasible?

Our first step in any project is checking the feasibility based on building codes and budget. There are three main aspects to take into consideration when starting a basement remodel:

  • Ceiling Height must exceed 7 Feet, 6 Inches for habitable rooms or 7 feet for corridors and other spaces.

  • Septic or SewerIf you are thinking about adding bedrooms to your basement and have a septic you will need to have your current system accessed to see if it can handle additional occupants. This may result in having to replace or upgrade your septic. If you have city sewer you may be charged additional fees

  • Egress: Basements used for living or sleeping purposes are required to have at least one emergency escape and rescue opening. The minimum net clear opening area of the window should be at least 5.7 square feet. 

A spacious, unfinished basement with concrete floors, exposed beams, and insulation on the ceiling and walls, perfect for your next basement renovation CT project.

Step 2: Designing Your Basement

A proper design can make or break your remodel.

Some important things to keep in mind are:

  • Direct access to utilities from the exterior. This makes it easier to access HVAC and utilities without having to walk through your finished space.

  • Ensuring Design plans match structural features of your space. (Checking load bearing walls and structural supports)

  • Ensure your design has proper lighting with finishes and ventilation that open your space, to avoid feeling like a basement.

Step 3: Starting Your Renovation

Once your design is complete, your remodel begins.

Key elements of basement remodels to consider:

  • Moisture Mitigation: Including waterproofing, air circulation, and dehumidifiers

  • Plumbing: Pump-up systems and drain trenching can complicate Basement bathroom installations.

  • Access panels: Ensure your contractor has access to electrical boxes, drain cleanouts, and other utilities.

Types of Basement Renovations

Basement In-Law Suites

Adding an in-law apartment or accessory suite to your basement is a great use of the space. Coupled with a walkout floorplan, CAPS standards, and ADA adherence, basement suites are a great option for those with limited mobility.

What Drives Costs?

Costs are driven by the need for separate utilities, accessibility features, and custom finishes. Structural changes like new entrances or soundproofing also add to the budget.

A modern living room with a large flat-screen TV, comfortable seating area, a sound system, and a window letting in natural light could be the highlight of your home. Considering the basement remodel cost in Connecticut can help you transform an underused space into this stylish retreat.
Basement Kitchens

Who doesn’t want an additional kitchen when hosting? Adding a simple wet bar or full prep kitchen to your basement adds functionality and value, while also creating more usable living space.

What Drives Costs?

The main cost factors include plumbing and ventilation needs, premium appliances, and moisture-resistant materials. Custom cabinetry and structural modifications further increase expenses.

Spacious finished basement with recessed lighting, gray carpet, dark wood cabinets, and a small sink area—perfect for your next basement renovation CT project.
Basement Bathrooms

If you’re adding additional living space, we always recommend adding a bathroom. Depending on where your waste water exits the home, basement bathrooms may require a “pump-up” system to return wastewater to ground level. While previously cost-prohibitive, these systems are cheaper, quieter, and more convenient than ever.

What Drives Costs?

Costs are influenced by new plumbing, advanced waterproofing, and high-end fixtures. Heating and ventilation systems also add to the overall budget.

Modern bathroom with white tiles, a walk-in shower featuring dark hexagonal floor tiles, a toilet, and a wooden sink vanity—perfect for your next basement renovation in CT.
Basement Home Theaters

One of the most popular basement remodel requests, home theaters require specific attention to sound management and acoustics.

What Drives Costs?

High-quality audio-visual equipment, soundproofing, and custom seating are the biggest cost drivers. Specialized lighting and any structural modifications further impact the price.

Modern home theater with gray recliner seats, a large projection screen, and ambient colored lighting along the walls and ceiling—perfect for your next basement renovation in CT.
Basement Bars and Game Rooms

Adding a bar or game room to your basement is a great way to add additional living space, while cutting out the costs associated with adding a bedroom, bathroom, or apartment.

What Drives Costs?

Costs are driven by custom bar designs, high-end lighting, and entertainment systems. Game room furnishings and additional electrical work also add to the budget.

A spacious game room, showcasing our finest basement renovation CT work, features a pool table, air hockey table, brown recliners, large windows, and a wooden staircase.
Basement Offices

With the increasing availability of work-from-home arrangements, home offices are more popular than ever. Adding an office in your basement can save costs commuting, create privacy you lack at work, and depending on income can sometimes come with a tax deduction for working from home.

What Drives Costs?

Ergonomic furniture, technology integration, and custom storage solutions drive costs. Soundproofing and specialized lighting also contribute to the overall expense.

A recent basement renovation CT features a home office nook with a built-in desk and stool, perfectly situated under the staircase amidst beige carpet and gray walls.

How Much Should My Basement Remodel Cost?

When it comes to adding living space to your home, finishing your basement has one of the highest returns on investment of any home project.

A basement renovation in Connecticut typically costs between $120 and $200 a square foot.

What drives cost for a Basement Remodel?

  • Selection of finishes.

  • Installation of plumbing into foundation. (Trenching)

  • Electrical upgrades, especially meter upgrades when necessary.

FAQ:

Can I convert my unfinished basement into a livable space?2023-05-30T19:23:37+00:00

Absolutely! Basement remodels are a fantastic way to transform unused space into functional living areas. With proper planning and design, you can create a cozy and comfortable room for various purposes.

Do I need permits for a basement remodel in Connecticut?2023-05-30T19:23:15+00:00

Yes, permits are typically required for basement remodels in Connecticut. It’s essential to check with your local building department to ensure compliance with all necessary regulations and obtain the required permits before starting the project.

How long does a basement remodel usually take?2023-05-30T19:22:59+00:00

The duration of a basement remodel depends on various factors, including the size of the space, complexity of the project, and any unforeseen issues. On average, a basement remodel can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Common factors that increase the time required include delays waiting for permits, time spent waiting for materials to arrive, and delays while homeowners select fixtures and finishes.

Does including a bathroom significantly increase the cost of a basement remodel?2023-05-30T17:23:39+00:00

Yes, adding a bathroom to your basement renovation project can have a significant impact on the overall cost. The addition of a bathroom involves additional plumbing work, fixtures, and finishing, which can increase the expenses. On average, including a bathroom in your basement remodel can add approximately $15,000 to $25,000 to the total cost, depending on the complexity of the installation and the chosen fixtures.

What is the average cost of a basement remodel in Connecticut?2023-05-30T17:23:26+00:00

The average cost of a basement remodel in Connecticut can vary based on various factors such as the size of the basement, the complexity of the project, and the quality of materials used. On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $50,000 and $80,000 for a basement renovation in Connecticut. It’s important to obtain multiple quotes from contractors to get a more accurate estimate based on your specific requirements.

Our Process

1

Phone Consultation

  • Discuss Budget
  • Your Project Ideas and Goals

  • Confirm if Project Fits in Fine Home Contracting Model

2

Design Retainer

  • Estimate Hours

  • On-board to Online Dashboard
  • Site Visit Inspection
  • Selection Allowances
  • Typical Retainer: $5000

3

Build

  • Finalize Designs

  • Finalize Selections

  • Build Schedule

  • Place Special Orders

  • Begin Remodeling

Two workers in high-visibility clothing operate a concrete cutting saw near the foundation of a house in a muddy excavation site, preparing for a basement renovation CT.

Egress Window Installation

Basement bedrooms require an egress window to make them legal and safe. Creating a window well and cutting concrete can take up a large portion of a renovation budget, but also adds significant value to your home.

Creating larger windows with wells also lets more natural light into your space and removes that “Basementy” feeling.

When creating window wells we need to tie into the current footing drains that are around your foundation. Older houses may not have these drains and other methods may need to be used to keep water from pooling in the wells.

Interested in Financing?

Four red utility vehicles are parked in front of a brick building with a garage and an exterior staircase.

Basement Remodel

Whether you’re looking to add a living space to an unfinished basement, or breathe new life into a little-used space, Fine Home’s dedicated teams of interior designers, project managers, and tradesmen have the tools and knowledge needed to carry your project from start to finish.

Using industry leading project management software, our process puts you at the forefront of your remodel: Whether you’d like to keep track of each detail or sit back and relax, we provide a level of oversight and transparency that sets us apart.

Our one-stop-shop approach aims to cut out subcontractors and keep our labor in-house wherever possible, giving you direct access to your interior designer, project manager, and individual craftsmen.

Basement Remodeling Tips

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Still Have Questions?

Give us a call! We’re happy to offer advice and look over your project free of cost to see if we’re a good match.