Question 1

What is considered a finished basement?

Accepted Answer

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A finished basement must have a heat and electrical supply with an entrance that meets building code requirements, such as a stairwell to the home's main living space. It often must include finished walls, ceilings, and floors. If the finished basement includes a bedroom, it should have a heat source, an egress window, and a closet.

Remodeling, as opposed to finishing, means altering an already finished basement by adding a bathroom, bedroom, or living area.

Question 2

How much basement wall bowing is acceptable?

Accepted Answer

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Generally, a wall can bow up to 30% of its thickness, or around 2.5 inches for an 8-inch-thick structure, before it becomes an urgent situation. If your basement wall bows more than 1 inch, it's time to have a basement inspection to determine if a repair is necessary, depending on the soil conditions and structural specifics. Walls nearing 4 inches of bowing will require significant repairs. More than 6 inches of bowing usually means the wall will need replacing.

Question 3

What room is the most expensive to renovate?

Accepted Answer

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It may not come as a surprise that the kitchen is the most expensive room in the house to renovate. This is due to the expensive appliances like the range, hood, and fridge, but also because the bones of the room—like electrical and plumbing—are expensive to move or replace. While there are ways to renovate a kitchen on a budget, it will always carry a hefty price tag, even if you cut some corners.

Question 4

Can barndominiums have basements?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, barndominiums can have basements. Barndominiums are typically built over concrete slabs, so barndo basements are not very common. However, it is possible to include a basement in a barndominium blueprint as long as you’re building completely from scratch. Barndos can have the same types of basements as traditional homes, including full or walk-out basements.

Question 5

Do general contractors require a down payment for projects?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, most general contractors require a down payment for project completion. A reasonable down payment for a contractor is 10% to 25% of the total project cost, though that will vary based on project size and location. The down payment helps cover the upfront costs of materials and permits and helps ensure payment for the project at hand.