"Shepherd Contracting goes above and beyond- Thomas and his team were polite, efficient, and did outstanding work on a home remodel for a design client. My client and I were thrilled with the quality and attention to detail. An added bonus-they finished on time and within the budget!"
"Amanda was really very good! At first I was very skeptical, thinking why did I pay money to just speak with someone on the phone about my kitchen remodel project... but after just a few minutes of her addressing some of the issues/questions I emailed to her earlier, I knew it was worth it. It was very clear that she knew her business and she gave me several ideas that I had not even thought about. I told her that I would definitely recommend her to friends and I will very likely use her again myself for my next home project!
Roughing in and connecting utilities are the hardest parts of finishing a basement, and they’re the parts we typically don’t recommend doing as a DIY project. Unfortunately, your finishing timeline can be extended by weeks while you wait for contractors and inspectors to install electrical wiring, plumbing lines, and heating/cooling equipment and carry out inspections.
Envision the type of bar experience you'd like to create for your guests. For example:
Does your basement have enough finished space for bar stools or seating?
What type of additional lighting would set the tone for the room?
Are there basement windows or an HVAC system?
Do you need new plumbing in your basement for a proper wet bar?
Could you be happy with a built-in wall cabinet bar rather than a full-scale wet bar?
Finishing a basement can provide a great return on investment, by increasing the market price of your home when you want to sell. Beyond that, there are many reasons to finish your basement. Doing so expands the usable square footage of your home, so you can enjoy it more, even as your family grows. Renovating your basement costs less in terms of time, energy, and money than having to search for and buy a new home.
If you have the woodworking experience to build a bar from scratch and you have the time, DIYing the work is a no-brainer and can save a few thousand dollars. However, if you’re looking to include a sink, additional lighting fixtures, or high-end bar tops and cabinets, it’s usually a better idea to call in a pro. It will cost more, but the finished product will likely be worth it.
Although it’s not required, air ventilation in a finished basement can help improve the air quality, prevent moisture and mold issues, keep musty odors away, and also maintain the air quality throughout the rest of your home. Proper ventilation will help maintain the value of your investment in finishing your basement. Try basement ventilation methods like installing vents or a dehumidifier for best results.
The Ganado, AZ homeowners’ guide to basement remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Hiring a bad basement remodeler can wreak havoc on the look and longevity of your unfinished space. Here are red flags to look for as you vet basement contractors.