More homeowners than ever are looking to finish their basements, particularly as they require additional living space, to make the most out of their home. A finished basement can be used as an entertainment area, a fitness room, a play room or an office. The options are endless; now all you need to do is get started.
Follow these five steps to finish your basement:
Step 1: Clear Out Your Basement
Before you can bring new life into your basement, you are going to have to clear out the old. The first step that you need to take is to clean your basement thoroughly, purge any unneeded or unwanted items and find efficient storage for everything that is left. When your basement is empty, you are ready to take the next step.
Step 2: Come Up with a Plan and Hire a Contractor
Next you will need to decide how you want to finish your basement. A few choices that you will need to make include:
- Will you add carpet or wood flooring?
- Will you finish the ceiling?
- Will you drywall the walls?
- Does your lighting or electrical have to be updated?
- Are you going to be installing a bathroom?
Come up with a few goals and ideas for your new basement, then hire a contractor who can help you bring your dreams to life.
Step 3: Apply for Permits
You should work with your contractor and your municipality to determine if you need any permits for the work you are about to start.
Step 4: Purchase the Materials
Now you are ready to purchase your materials. This is often the most fun part of the project, because you get to select the flooring that you want, the paint that you want for the walls and other decorative accents that will complete your basement.
Step 5: Watch the Transformation Take Place
With all of the permits acquired and the materials purchased, the real work can begin. You can watch step-by-step as your basement is transformed into the space that you want and need.
It can take a lot of time and effort to finish your basement, but the result will be well worth it. Not only will your finished basement allow you to love your home even more, but it will also add significant value to your property.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
