Extra space in the home never hurts anyone! In fact, everyone wishes to have some more space in their home, so perhaps they can set up an entertainment room or accommodate their guests. Or how about a home gym? And this is where a basement comes handy.
If you have a basement, you can invest some of your efforts into designing the basement without spending money on home addition projects. So how can you maximize your space using a basement and how much time do you require for total basement finishing? This blog can help. Read on!
How long does it take to finish a basement?
It can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks for a basement to be completed. However, the exact time depends upon the project time. You don’t have to rush. Instead, you should give as much time as required to the project. After all, it’s a big investment.
A simple renovation of a small basement might take even 3 to 4 days if it involves finishing the walls and installing a drop ceiling. However, if you want to convert your basement into a functional space, such as with a kitchen and a bathroom, the project can take almost a month to complete.
For instance, wall framing can take about 2 to 3 days for completion while mudding and sanding may require additional 6 day. On the other hand, if you are changing the floors, you might need to invest 4 days in the project.
Here’s a rough outline to give you a better idea of how much time a proper basement finishing system can take:
- Framing: 4 to 5 days
- Electrical work, as well as plumbing: 1 to 2 days
- Rough in Inspection: 1 day
- Insulation: 1 day
- Drywall addition: 6 to 7 days
- Installing Trim: 2 to 3 days
- Painting: 3 to 4 days
- Floor installation: 1 to 2 days
- Final touch ups: 1 to 2 days
- Final inspection: 1 day
Obviously, the larger the basement is, the more time it will take. Customization can also extend the total time frame. Plus, there’s a lot of preparatory work also involved before the project can be started.
Basement Finishing Checklist: What’s involved in Basement Finishing Projects?
- Framing
Just like the name suggests, the basement finishing project starts with framing of the walls, so the room can take up shape. Bulkheads are installed in the basement, such as gas lines, HVAC runs, and water lines.
- Electrical work and Plumbing
When the framing is completed, the electricians and plumbers will step in to take the project to the next phase. Electrical work usually involves:
- Adding outlet boxes, as well as switches
- Installing lightning around the basement
- Running the electrical wire safely to the box locations
On the other hand, plumbing may involve:
- Running water lines to the vanity, bathroom toilet, and shower
- Breaking up the concertre as required for the shower and toilet drain lines
- Running water lines to the wet bar as required
- Rough In Inspection
Rough in inspection requires the inspector evaluating the work done up till now, ensuring it meets the local code, and giving a green light to the team to continue working. This is an important phase of work because all home renovation and remodeling projects need to be permitted by local authorities and should meet the regulations as set up in the area.
- Drywall Installation
The first step involved in installing drywall is to hang the sheetrock. The drywall is then installed on the ceiling and then the walls. Typically, only one day is required to complete the installation.
When the drywall is hung, the team can start the mudding and taping process. This involves applying 3 coats of mud to all the seams in the wall. Each coat needs a day before it can dry and be sanded. Once all the coats are up, the texturing process can begin.
Texturing involves applying the final finish to the wall. Most homeowners prefer their basement walls to look like the rest of the walls in their home. But you can obviously jazz up the basement by going for a different look.
- Trim Out
Once the drywall has been installed, the team can start to trim out the basement. This involves installing door casings and cabinetry in the wall.
- Painting
Once the basement has been shaped, it can be painted to give it a pop of color. During painting, painters may also fill the nail holes and caulk the trim as required.
- Floor Installation
With the paint job completed, the basement is on the final stretches. Painting is followed by floor installation where the team will install carpets, tile, LVP, and other flooring material as selected by the homeowner.
- Final Touchpoints
The final stages of a basement finishing involves inspecting the entire basement and completing any remaining work. For instance, the electrician might install all the switch plates and outlets if they have not been installed. The plumber may install toilet, faucets, and shower fixtures. The plumber will deal with all the shower fixtures, faucets, and the toilet. The trim carpenters, on the other hand, may fix all the remaining ends of the wall.
- Final Inspection
Once the work is completed, the inspector will come back to have a final look of the basement. The entire project will be evaluated to ensure it meets the area regulations. Once approved, your basement will be finally ready to enjoy!
Additions that Can Potentially Increase Project Timeline
There are some common additions that can increase the project timeline, such as:
- Bar and Bar Countertop: Bar cabinets can be installed in 2 – 3 days easily but the work can only be started once the drywall is installed. Moreover, countertop might require additional days to be completed.
- Tile Showers: Although tile showers can be installed while other work is being completed, some homeowners might require customization and hence the project may extend by a couple of days.
What Costs the Most When Finishing a Basement?
There are numerous factors that need to be considered when calculating the total cost of finishing a basement, such as the type of flooring and lightning you have chosen, as well as the total area in the basement. And depending upon the particularities of the project, such as customization, the total estimates can go up.
Conclusion
A basement can be one of the most functional spaces of any home, especially if it is designed properly. Luckily, there are many basement finishing ideas that you can execute and bring your dream home to reality without spending a lot. But it all comes down to the contractor you work with. So if you are looking for a contractor to work with, visit Elite Contractor Services, hire the right contractor and discuss your project today.