The Cost to Finish a Basement

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Many homes sit with unfinished or partially finished basements. As homeowners, finishing your basement may seem like a daunting (and costly) task.

The inevitable question of cost will almost certainly warrant an “it depends” response. Well, it does depend, on a number of factors, including:

  • The square footage of your basement (measure to be exact)
  • Will you have a bathroom? If so, full or half bath? Any specific features, such as a certain tile? Luxury shower or tub?
  • Do you need an escape hatch or egress window? Is there a way out of the basement besides the stairs leading down to it? If not, you’ll need to invest in this.
  • What type of flooring do you want?

It’s important to keep in mind what goes into remodeling a basement, much like any other addition to your home. There’s flooring, dry wall, trim & doors, framing, and painting. This doesn’t even take into account the bathroom remodel.

You also need to factor in the cost of electrical work and audio installation (for a home theater), which is a must if you want that man cave you’ve always dreamed of.

This breakdown isn’t meant to discourage anyone from a basement remodeling project. In fact, as a home owner you can save money by completing several of the tasks on your own.

If you’d like to learn more about the cost to remodel your basement talk to Greyhound General today. Just fill out the form here or call 800-568-7108.

Basement Remodeling Tips & Ideas

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Does your home have an unfinished basement that you want to remodel? If so, there are many things you’ll want to consider. Expect questions like “Do we have room for this?” and “Will this work for us?” to come up often. That’s why having an experienced San Diego basement remodeling contractor, like Greyhound General, is so important. Greyhound can walk you through each phase of the work, helping you explore all your basement options.

Here are some things to consider before remodeling your basement that Greyhound will discuss with you:

  • Designing your space: No, I don’t mean on graphing paper. I mean digitally on a computer program. Greyhound’s architects can help you map out how to best utilize every square foot of your basement
  • How do I factor in windows, doors, outlets, plumbing into my design?: You need to decide the best locations for the placement of these items, and having a licensed architect will help.
  • Can I re-route my water pipes or ductwork?: Yes, even older homes can have both pipes and ducts re-routed. Precautions nee to be taken, but it is possible.
  • What type of ceiling should I use?: The great debate now with basement remodeling is whether to use drop or drywall ceilings. Both have their advantages, drop ceilings give you more access and drywall ceilings can cover up pipes & wires, so you’ll need an experienced contractor to help you with this decision.
  • Can I add a bedroom?: Of course, but state law requires that in order to be a habitable living space there must be an egress, a way to get out of the basement other than using the stairs. If you have a walk out basement you don’t need to worry, but if not, then you will be required to put in an egress window.

There are so many different things you can do with your finished basement, such as adding a:

  • game or theater room
  • fitness center
  • bar
  • home office
  • bedroom
  • bathroom
  • storage
  • and much more…

If you have any questions or you’re looking for an experienced San Diego basement remodeling contractor then contact Greyhound General today, or call 800-568-7108.

Looking to Build Yourself a “Man Cave”?

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Super Bowl Sunday is only a couple days away, so naturally people are making party plans. If you’re hosting one of these NFL season-ending bashes then you need to prepare. In addition to the food and drinks you’re going to have to think about where to host these guests. In your living room? Den? Chances are the room with the biggest TV will be the area your guests are congregating. Maybe your living room just isn’t cutting it? Or maybe you have formal room or basement that just isn’t being used? Man cave anyone?

Wikipedia defines a “man cave” as “a mantuary, or manspace, a male sanctuary, such as a specially equipped garage, spare bedroom, media room, den, or basement. It is not a cave but rather a metaphor describing a room inside the house, such as the basement or garage or attic or office, or outside the house such as a wood shed or tool room, where “guys can do as they please” without fear of upsetting any female sensibility about house decor or design.” Now that we’re clear on the definition, let’s discuss the essentials of your man cave, so that you can get working on it for next years’ Super Bowl…

1) Pick your space: You’ll need to find a room with enough space for a big screen TV and at least a couch and recliner. More importantly, you’ll need to find a space that isn’t currently being occupied by your significant other (or this could cause a lot of trouble). Consider the living room, family room, or den. However, if these spaces are all occupied then you’ll want to look at step 2…

2) “Fix up” or remodel the space: If you have a space that could be expanded on or a basement that needs finishing, you’ll need to help remodeling these spaces in order to get them ready to become  your man cave.  Consider hardwood floors (to help with beer spills) and sound proof walls. You’ll want to consult with a general contractor to explore all of your options.

3) Pick out a TV: The TV is the centerpiece of any man cave. Some would argue that the location of the TV should be taken into account for steps 1 and 2. A good idea would be to invest in a 50 or 60 in. TV (which you can find for under $1,000 now), and utilize other older models that you might be looking to get rid of, as “extras” in case you want to have multiple games on at once.

4) Pick out your furniture: Popular furniture items  for “man caves” are La-Z-Boy chairs, mini fridges, and recliners are man cave staples. No need to splurge on furniture, just make sure everyone invited over has a seat!

5) Decorate: This is where you hang every piece of sports memorabilia you own. Posters, autographs, and old street signs are just a few cool items that will help you “snaz up” the place.

6) Enjoy: Crack open a beer and enjoy the fruits of your (or your general contractor’s) labor!

Obviously the biggest, and most important, step in you getting you man cave completed is the remodeling phase. For many, your potential room may already be ready for a big screen TV, furniture, and all the other man cave essentials. However, many of the best man caves are specifically remodeled as such. Consider a room addition or basement remodel for your future man cave. Of course, you’re going to need help with the remodeling, and San Diego home remodeling contractor Greyhound General can help. Contact us today for a free man cave estimate, or call us at 800-568-7108.