You know your basement has untapped potential, it’s time to do something about it. Should you tackle this project yourself, act as your own general contractor, or hire a GC who is part of a design-build team? If your New England basement has always been dry and you’re confident in your skills, DIY might feel tempting. Being your own general contractor is another option, but it requires a significant investment of time and a working knowledge of multiple trades and local building codes. For many homeowners, the peace of mind and professional oversight that comes with a seasoned design-build firm outweighs the potential savings of going it alone.
Ultimately, deciding between DIY and professional remodeling comes down to a thoughtful cost-benefit analysis. Here’s what to consider as you weigh your options.
At first glance, remodeling a basement might feel like the perfect DIY opportunity, after all, the walls and ceiling are already there. But in reality, it’s far more involved than a few trips to the hardware store and lumber yard. Like any remodeling project, it requires detailed planning, an understanding of local building codes, and prioritizing your wants and needs to align with your budget.
Some homeowners choose to manage the remodel themselves, hiring and coordinating subcontractors. This means getting all the proper permits from your local New England municipality, and getting estimates and lining up subcontractors for:
On paper, this may sound manageable. In reality, it’s a full-time role that demands attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills. The DIY approach can quickly become overwhelming.
Your other option is to hire a general contractor. Here are the first five questions of twenty-five questions to ask before hiring a contractor that we offer to potential clients as they make this critical decision.
Why is it important to ask the right questions? Not all GCs are alike. Some are inexperienced and do not understand the details of a proper remodel. For instance, if you want to add a bathroom as part of a basement remodel, this means considering the regulations regarding the capacity of a septic system if your home is not connected to a public sewer. Obtaining the necessary permits and adhering to all local building codes is crucial. If a contractor skips this step, it could hurt you down the road. When you go to sell the home, some the home buyer or the building department can and will review Zillow listings, looking for pictures and checking for permits on projects.
Homeowners looking to create a well-built, inviting space in their lower level will want to hire an experienced and reputable general contractor. Ideally, the GC will be part of a design-build firm providing you with seamless, high-level service from the first meeting to the final inspection and occupancy of your newly renovated basement.
Still thinking about doing it yourself? Here are ten critical factors that will shape the success of your basement remodel.
If your unremodeled New England basement stays dry, count yourself as very fortunate. Managing moisture and repairing water damage are often among the first steps in preparing for a basement remodel. Identifying sources of moisture and water infiltration will help mitigate these problems from the outset.
Closely related to managing moisture is the management of air quality and ventilation in renovated below-grade living spaces.
This can include testing air quality and mitigating harmful radon gas, as well as mold and mildew. Installing an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) is helpful, especially in the humid New England climate.
Ceiling heights, especially in older New England basements, can be a significant barrier to creating the ideal lower-level space. Solutions to basement ceiling heights are not just a matter of convenience. The renovated basement space also has code requirements related to ceiling height.
The right lighting design — which includes natural, accent, task, and ambient lighting — is another aspect of making the space livable and enjoyable.
You are not adding square footage, so how complicated could local codes and permitting be? Let’s take a closer look.
There are numerous permitting and code enforcement considerations to consider in a basement remodel. These include fire code, lighting, and sometimes floor area ratio (FAR) calculations to determine how much livable space is allowed on your property. Hire a firm that is familiar with the permitting process in your town, or thoroughly research before you start the project yourself.
Basements are all or mostly below grade – the earth serves as insulation; so, why do you need to consider proper insulation for your lower-level space?
Heat loss from improperly insulated exterior basement walls can be significant, especially at the rim joist. Insulation also helps prevent moisture from infiltrating into the basement. Knowing how and where to install insulation will help keep your renovated space cozy and dry.
In the current setup, basement “finishes” might consist of an old area rug over the concrete floor. Selecting the right flooring is one of the many crucial decisions in a basement remodel.
Before laying down flooring, there will likely be preparatory work, such as leveling the floor and ensuring a vapor barrier is part of the flooring installation process. From there, you have the option to choose between newer materials, such as luxury vinyl tile (LVT), Dricore, or more traditional options like tile or engineered wood.
Isn't basement remodeling essentially deciding where a room will be located, and leaving plenty of "flex" space? There are many ways to maximize enjoyment and functionality by paying attention to and planning the best basement layout for your specific needs.
What space and functionality needs are required from this remodel? What are the limitations you are working with (like ceiling height, overall square footage, and ductwork)? The right design will minimize limitations and maximize use.
Adding a bathroom, touches on many of the aspects we have already covered, such as lighting design, ventilation, and, of course, proper permitting. Along with these issues, a basement bathroom presents unique plumbing challenges since water does not flow uphill. Installing an ejector pump and macerator might be necessary as part of the bathroom design.
A significant reason many homeowners cite when considering a basement remodel is to create more space for entertaining and enjoying family time. The musty couch and warped ping-pong table are no longer cutting it.
What are your dreams for this basement? Maybe a kitchenette or a wet bar. You might want a media room or a home gym. Perhaps a multimedia space with a golf simulator is in order. With the right design-build partner, you can add crucial space for your home where guests and the whole family will feel right at home.
The ideal is to create a living space that resides in the basement, but one that is an integral and enjoyable part of living in the home. By paying attention to the previous nine points, you will create a space that is free of moisture, has ideal lighting, maximizes available space, utilizes the proper materials, and maintains a comfortable temperature year-round.
Whether you're considering a DIY approach or collaborating with a design-build firm, it's never too early to start planning. For those with the skills, time, and patience, managing the remodel yourself may seem like a viable option but it catches many homeowners off guard because the details add up quickly. When you work with an experienced design-build team, you’re not just saving time, you’re gaining a partner who helps uncover the best solutions for your space, aligns the design with your budget, and ensures the process runs smoothly from start to finish.
To learn more about the basement remodeling process, please read our eBook, “The Expert Guide to Luxury Basement Remodeling for Discerning Homeowners” And if you are ready to speak about your project, please schedule a home renovation discovery session.