Basement finishing is an attractive and cost-effective option for transforming any unfinished basement into a functional living space. Whether you're looking to turn your basement into an extra bedroom, home office, playroom, or entertainment room, there are plenty of great ideas for finishing basements that will fit whatever purpose you have in mind. 

Preparation

Before beginning any renovations, it's important to determine if the existing foundation of your home needs repair work. If so, doing this corrective work before starting the renovation can save time and money in the long run and prevent future issues from arising down the road. 

First and foremost, ensure that the basement is structurally sound and free of any water leakage or seepage issues. It is also essential to check for proper insulation, ventilation, and any plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems. 

Once these foundational items have been addressed, it is time to consider the design elements such as walls, floors, lighting fixtures, and ceiling height. Finally, if you plan on installing furniture or appliances in the basement, make sure they fit within the space's dimensions and that all applicable codes and regulations have been followed. 

By following these steps before finishing your basement, you will be able to create a safe and comfortable living space. After you've determined that your basement is in good condition and ready to be finished, there are several things to consider when planning out what type of space you want. 

Planning

When it comes to ideas for finishing basements, there are a plethora of options available to choose from. You could install an attractive home theater system or build a cozy hangout area with comfortable seating and some fun lighting fixtures. If you have the space, a full kitchen setup is also possible in many cases. No matter what your vision is, there are plenty of options when it comes to basement finishing ideas. 

Finishing your basement can be rewarding, but it's also important to ensure you take the proper steps to provide the best outcome. Before starting any work on your basement, it is recommended that you consult a professional who can assess the space and offer advice on how to best use the area. This expert opinion can help you avoid costly mistakes or design errors in the future. 

In addition to consulting an expert, there are other key steps necessary for planning out your finished basement: 

  1. Define Your Goals - Before beginning any project, take time to define what kind of space you want and need. Consider potential uses for the room (such as extra living space, playroom/game room, home office, etc.) and the specific features you will need to bring your vision to life. 
  2. Establish Your Budget - Once you clearly know what kind of space you want to create, it's time to decide on your budget. Make sure to factor in both materials and labor costs when establishing a budget for the project. 
  3. Get Permits & Inspections - Before moving forward with any major construction work, make sure that you obtain all necessary permits and inspections from local authorities or organizations. This is especially important if your plans involve electrical or plumbing upgrades, as these require special approval in most areas.  
  4. Select Materials & Finishes - Now comes the fun part! With the help of your chosen contractor or interior designer, select the materials and finishes needed to complete your basement project. Keep in mind that sometimes you may want to purchase unique items such as flooring, wall treatments, and trim from a local supplier. 
  5. Schedule Work Time - Once all planning is finished, it's time to arrange a start date for the work. Make sure to communicate any changes or delays with your contractor so that they can accommodate them and ensure the project stays on track. 

To ensure that your basement renovation is successful, it's important to plan out each step of the process carefully. Research all materials and labor costs upfront so you know exactly what you'll be paying for each aspect of the project. 

Make sure to pay attention to details such as ventilation and moisture control. Issues with these systems can cause significant problems down the line if not taken care of properly. Finally, don't forget about adding extra storage space—this will be essential for making sure that your newly finished basement remains organized and clutter-free for years to come. 

Cost

In order to determine the cost of renovating your basement, you will need to factor in both the material and labor costs associated with each aspect of the project. Labor can be expensive, so it's important to make sure that any contractor you hire is experienced and reliable. 

As far as materials go, there are a variety of items you will need to purchase in order to complete the project. These include drywall, flooring, electrical wiring and fixtures, insulation, trim and moldings, painting supplies, and more. 

Basement finishing can be a cost-effective way to transform any unfinished basement into a functional living space. With proper planning, it can be completed without breaking the bank. By researching materials and labor costs and considering all of your design options beforehand, you'll be able to turn your vision into reality in no time. 

Creative Construction Solutions

At CCS, we understand that successful and efficient project completion is essential. That's why for the past 12 years, we have developed comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure a smooth process from start to finish. 

With Blake leading our team, the experienced contractors at CCS are highly skilled in their fields and strive to provide an exceptional customer experience with each project. They are supported by our dedicated crew members who share the same commitment to quality workmanship. 

We always put our clients' needs first - providing peace of mind every step of the way and superior results when all is said and done. That's what makes us one of the most reputable contracting companies in the industry. If you want to learn more about CCS and our services, please don't hesitate to get in touch today!

A Few Things to Keep in Mind When Getting Your Basement Finished

Thinking about some of the things below will help ensure your basement looks and feels more like an extension of your house and less like a dark dingy cellar.

Basement Dust Control

Dust Control

Try to have a few extra clean furnace filters on hand. Finishing your basement is dusty and your furnace needs to breath. Changing out your furnace filter periodically will help mitigate dust upstairs and help your furnace function the way it should. I'd recommend changing the furnace filter out 3-4 times during the basement finishing process. The most important times to change the filter are:

  • After the 4-way inspection. Most of the framing and cutting of wood should be done at this point. Change your filter to get rid of all the sawdust build-up.
  • After the drywall is textured and sanded. Drywall dust is incredibly fine. It gets into the furnace filter and clogs it up quickly. This is the most crucial time to change your filter.
  • After the baseboards/doors/trim work is installed.

After your basement has been finished here are some Tips for Making Your Basement Allergy-Free.

 

Basement Electrical

Electrical

Before your contractor starts construction on your basement, walk the basement with lighting in mind. Think about where you want ceiling lights placed. Once your contractor is on-site, you can walk the project together before the lights get installed. If you have a good idea of where you want lighting etc., it'll help this conversation go a lot quicker. And you'll feel more comfortable knowing you're getting lighting exactly where you want.

Recessed Lighting Tips

  • We've finished 100's of basements. Over the years, I've come up with a general rule of thumb for recessed lighting spacing and it goes as follows. Take the height of your basement walls (normally 8' - 9' tall) and divide that number by two. Then, use that number to space out your recessed lighting in the ceiling. Ex. So, let's say you have 8' ceilings. Divide that number by two and you'll get 4'. Then, measure in from your exterior wall in 4' and set your first row of recessed lights. Set each additional row about every 4'. I've found that this formula provides ample lighting without going overboard.
  • For your bathroom, I suggest a water-resistant recessed light over the bathtub/shower and a vanity light above your sink/vanity.

 

Basement Water

Framing or "furring" around your HVAC trunk lines.

(If your home has trusses rather than I-joists, you can skip this paragraph.) 

Most basements have HVAC trunk lines, electrical and plumbing lines run somewhere on the ceiling in the basement. They can be unsightly, but you can't just get rid of them. However, if you're strategic in how you frame around them, they'll be a lot less noticeable than if you just "wing it". Also keep in mind light fixture placement, well-placed lighting is critical when adding lights near areas like fur-downs.

Have you ever walked into a basement, glanced at the ceiling and you could immediately see exactly where each HVAC line is going? Or the ceiling has a bunch of weird/small areas that are framed down/lower or framed up/higher than the rest of the ceiling and it just looks odd? Or even a recessed light placed too close to a framed down section and it's casting a funky shadow? That’s likely because whoever framed around the ceiling obstacles (HVAC trunk, plumbing lines etc.) didn't put much thought into how the ceiling would look as a finished product. Things to keep in mind.

Avoid framing EXACTLY to the obstacles. It can look odd if your framing starts exactly where a trunk line starts, turns exactly when a trunk line turns and stops exactly where the trunk line stops. If you do that, sometimes you can be left with an eye-catching (not in a good way) design in your ceiling.

Sometimes it makes sense to frame past where a trunk line ends. Or start the fur down before the trunk line starts. 

Think about where you're going to place lights in the ceiling. Will the current placement of the fur down create an odd shadow effect? If so, can you relocate the fur down or re-place the light?

You can always go bold and leave your HVAC exposed!

 

If you're thinking about finishing your basement, start your free estimate today and we can help walk you through these tips.

Is having a kitchen in the basement a good idea? What exactly are the benefits that come with a basement kitchenette? In this article, we will explore why basement kitchens are all the rage right now and why you should have one. 

Building a kitchen in your basement has become the main focus in many top home remodeling magazines and TV shows. There are plenty of homeowners that are wondering why basement kitchenettes are such a hot commodity. If you are amidst a home renovation or remodel, consider adding some pizazz to your basement by installing a kitchen. 

Here are ten reasons why people have basement kitchens: 

  1. Additional Living Space – A basement kitchen can provide extra living space for a growing family or entertaining guests.
  2. Increased Property Value – A basement kitchen can add value to a home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
  3. Separation of Living Areas – A basement kitchen can provide a separate area for cooking and eating, keeping the main living areas free from cooking odors and noise.
  4. Multi-Functional – A basement kitchen can include other functions such as a home office, lounge area, or workout space.
  5. In-Law or Guest Suite – A basement kitchen can create an in-law or guest suite for visiting family or friends.
  6. Independent Living Space – A basement kitchen can create a separate living space for older children or elderly family members.
  7. Cost-Effective – Building a kitchen in the basement can be more cost-effective than building an addition to the main living space.
  8. Privacy – A basement kitchen can provide privacy to cook and eat without disturbing the rest of the household.
  9. Natural Light – A kitchen can be designed to make the space more inviting and open if the basement has a natural light source.
  10. Renting the Space – If you intend to rent your basement or use it as an Airbnb, a kitchen is a wise investment. 

But that's not all. A basement kitchen is your chance to showcase your originality: 

If you are starting from scratch, the design possibilities are endless. You can tinker with the design, which may not have been possible when your main kitchen was constructed. This is your chance to pick your favorite colors and design styles that complement the surrounding rooms — this is your chance to let your personality shine. 

You may be more interested in keeping up with the current design trends found in many home design magazines. For example, some of the existing basement kitchen trends include: 

Installing a kitchen in your basement is like any other home renovation project; you can make mistakes. However, if you are aware of them, you can avoid them. 

Some of the most common mistakes made include:   

Not considering the plumbing and electrical work – Basements often have unique plumbing and electrical challenges, so it's important to work with a professional to ensure that all necessary work is done correctly.

Not using moisture-resistant materials – Basements are prone to moisture, so it's crucial to use moisture-resistant materials such as tile or laminate flooring and sealed cabinetry.

Ignoring the need for proper ventilation – Without adequate ventilation, moisture and odors can build up in the kitchen, causing damage and making it uncomfortable to use.

Skimping on lighting – Basements often have limited natural light, so it's important to incorporate plenty of artificial light to make the space feel bright and inviting.

Not considering the overall design – It's important to consider how the kitchen will flow with the rest of the basement and how you will use it to design the space functionally and cohesively.

Not following building codes – Building codes for basement kitchens are different than for above-ground kitchens, so it's important to check with your local building department and ensure that your design complies with all codes and regulations.

Not considering the potential resale value – While you may love your basement kitchen, it is important to consider the potential resale value of your home and the basement kitchen design and functionality to ensure that it will appeal to potential buyers in the future.

Now, for the most important thing you can do before you begin the process of adding a kitchen to your basement – hire a professional, and here's why: 

Call the Professionals at CCS of Utah 

The only thing you have left to do to start your project is to contact CCS of Utah and get a free quote today. Our highly trained staff is ready to get your kitchen basement show on the road. 

Are you looking for some suggestions and game room ideas for basement remodeling? Well, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will show you how to get started and how to construct a plan. We’ll also take a quick look at other things you can do with remodeling your basement or starting from scratch with an unfinished basement

A basement game room is a perfect solution for those who love to spend time with their friends and family but are known to be homebodies. If you want to avoid going to the party, bring the party to you. Then, you can enjoy the company of your friends and family in the comfort of your home. 

Building a game room can be tricky, so we recommend leaving it to the professionals. But if you want to attempt to tackle the project on your own, here are some basement game room ideas and steps you can take to get started:

Remember to follow all necessary safety precautions when working on a home improvement project, and consider hiring a professional if you're not comfortable doing the work yourself.

What are some of the main benefits of putting a game room in your basement? 

If you have an unfinished basement, the world is your oyster. There are many creative ways to transform your basement into a place you'll love spending time in. Besides a game room, other ideas include: 

Now that you have decided to have a basement game room, it is time to look for the right help to get the job done. Look no further. Creative Construction Solutions (CCS of Utah) is fully staffed with trained professionals that will have your game room up and running in no time. Contact us, and let us help you get started today.

No one enjoys experiencing allergies and their symptoms, and there are some cases where certain areas of your home or property tend to trigger allergies more often than others. One common such location in certain situations is the basement -- but there are also some very simple ways to ensure that your basement does not become a harbor for allergens or other contaminants that you don't want around.

At Creative Construction Solutions, we're happy to provide numerous basement remodeling and basement finishing services to clients in Saratoga Springs and other parts of Utah, and we'll cover every possible need you may have here -- including anyone in the home with allergies who needs to be certain the basement space is allergen-free. Let's look at some of the signs that your basement could be harboring allergens, plus some simple ways to identify them and get rid of them for good.

Possible Signs of Allergens in Your Basement

Firstly, how can you tell that your basement is harboring allergens and triggering allergy symptoms? Here are some signs:

Dangerous Allergens -- Mold and Asbestos

While no allergen in your basement is desirable, certain specific types of allergens to be on the lookout for are mold and asbestos.

If you believe either of these allergens could be present in your basement, it's important to work with a professional who will help you remove these potentially harmful contaminants.

Other General Allergy Prevention Tips for the Basement

Now, while mold and asbestos are certainly some of the most dangerous allergens you may find in the basement, they are far from the only ones. Others like dust, pet dander, pollen and more can also be problematic. To help prevent these allergens from affecting your health, here are some general tips to follow:

For more on how to prevent allergies from becoming an issue in your basement, or to learn about any of our basement contractor services in Saratoga Springs or nearby areas, speak to our team at Creative Construction Solutions today.

When it comes to the quality of your basement, one key theme that needs to be considered is keeping moisture out. Water naturally flows to the lowest available point, and because the basement serves as this point in every home that has one, issues of water and water damage are of slightly higher risk in this area.

At Creative Construction Solutions, we're happy to assist you with this and many other themes during any of our basement remodeling, basement finishing or other basement services. One common question we get from clients in this area: Does a basement need to be waterproofed fully before it can be finished? Let's look at some of the simple and more detailed answers to that question, including situations where waterproofing should indeed be something you closely consider before finishing a basement.

Is Waterproofing Necessary Before Finishing?

While we wish we could just give you a single, simple answer here and leave it at that, the reality is that the answer to this question is: It depends. There are definitely some situations where waterproofing should be a top priority before you start finishing your basement, while in other cases it may not be as crucial (or even necessary at all).

One important note here: When we talk about waterproofing, we're talking about both the exterior and interior of your basement. Water can enter through cracks or holes in the foundation from the outside, or it can come from pipes, leaks or condensation on the inside.

Exterior waterproofing is usually a bigger concern for new construction, while interior waterproofing may be more of an issue in older homes. If you're unsure whether your home needs exterior waterproofing or not, we recommend checking with a professional to get their opinion.

When Waterproofing Is a Must

There are certain situations where, at least for the vast majority of clients, carrying out some level of waterproofing ahead of any basement finishing will be prudent. These include:

When Waterproofing May Not Be Necessary

In other cases, there may not be much of a requirement for waterproofing before you finish your basement. While no one is saying you can't waterproof the area in these situations -- and as we noted above, some people choose to do so even if it's not strictly necessary -- it may not be as crucial in these cases. These include:

In the end, there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to waterproofing your basement before finishing. The best course of action is to assess the specific risks in your situation and make a decision based on that. If you're still not sure, it's always a good idea to consult with a professional to get their expert opinion.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our other services, speak to the experts at Creative Construction Solutions today.

Doing your research ahead of any major home project you're considering is very important, and the world of basement remodeling or basement finishing is no exception. You'll want to evaluate your basement contractor options ahead of any such job to determine the ideal partner, and you're looking for several specific qualities in the professionals you hire.

At Creative Construction Solutions, we're proud to offer the best basement contractor services in Herriman and nearby areas, including both basement remodeling and basement finishing solutions that cover all your possible needs. We have a fantastic reputation in the area, backed by years of quality services provided to clients. What are some of the top qualities that any great basement contractor should possess? Here are several.

Full Licensure and Insurance

Just like any other contractor who will be working in your home, your basement contractor needs to be fully licensed and insured. This protects you in case of any accidents that might happen on the job, and it's a legal requirement in most states. You can ask to see proof of both licensure and insurance before you hire any contractor, and if they can't provide it, move on to your next choice.

These basic forms of protection are important, but they're not the only ones your contractor should have. Every great basement contractor will also carry worker's compensation insurance. This protects both you and their workers in case anyone is injured on the job, and it's another legal requirement in many states.

Creative Construction Solutions meets or exceeds all of these requirements, giving you the peace of mind that you need to feel confident about our work.

A Great Reputation

When you're looking at different basement contractors, one important thing to consider is the reputation each one has. There are several ways of going about this research.

One is simply to ask around. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors to see if they've had any experience with basement contractors in the area and whether they would recommend them.

You can also check out online review sites to see what past clients have had to say about their experiences. Google Reviews and other such platforms can give you a good sense of what it's like to work with a given contractor.

Finally, don't forget to ask the contractors themselves for references. A great basement contractor will have no problem putting you in touch with past clients who can attest to the quality of their work. Creative Construction Solutions has an excellent reputation in the Herriman area, and we're always happy to provide references upon request.

Experience with Your Specific Needs

The best basement contractor for your job is one who has experience relevant to your specific needs. If you're looking for a simple basement finishing job, for example, look first for a contractor who specializes in that rather than one who focuses primarily on basement remodeling.

It's also important to consider the size and scope of your project. If you're planning a major basement finishing job that will include adding several rooms, you'll want to look for a contractor with experience handling similar projects.

Strong Vendor Relationships

Many basement projects involve a need for significant materials or equipment, such as waterproofing products or specialized ventilation. A great basement contractor will have strong relationships with vendors in these areas, which can lead to important benefits for you.

For one thing, it's a good indication of the quality of workmanship your contractor offers, as most vendors are willing to stand behind their products by selling them only to experienced and reputable contractors. In addition, strong vendor relationships can lead to significant cost savings. A great basement contractor will be able to get the materials and equipment you need at a lower cost than you could on your own, and they'll pass those savings on to you.

Use of Software

In today’s modern world, including within the construction realm, technology is playing a bigger and bigger role. At Creative Construction, for example, we utilize Jobtread, a construction-specific software that allows our clients to download the app and remain connected to their project at all times.

Within Jobtread, you can track your project’s progress, keep in touch with our team, view reports and pictures, and more. If these kinds of things matter to you, you should be prioritizing this sort of approach.

Privacy and Simplicity

Most clients of basement services will be remaining in their homes during any such project, and privacy is important in these cases. For instance, at Creative Construction, we only enter homes via window wells or walkout basements – we haul our materials via these routes, as well. This means we’re never upstairs in your home cluttering things up, and you never have to let us in or out as part of the job. This convenience is very valuable to many clients!

Support and Maintenance

The actual work involved in finishing or remodeling your basement is only part of the job. Once the work is done, you'll also want to be sure that your contractor will be there to support and maintain their work over the long term.

This is especially important in the case of waterproofing, as any issues with leaks or moisture damage can lead to significant problems down the road. A great basement contractor will offer a warranty on their work and be available to address any issues that may arise after the job is done.

At Creative Construction, we handle the entire project on behalf of our clients, no matter the job. We cover everything from pulling city permits to final cleanup of your job, with numerous processes and programs in place to make things as simple and easy as possible for you.

Competitive Pricing

And finally, the realm of pricing is naturally an important one -- and it's vital to look at both sides of the coin here. You want a low price for your project, yes, but you also want to be sure that you're not sacrificing quality in the process.

A great basement contractor will offer competitive pricing without cutting corners on quality. In addition, they'll be upfront and transparent about their pricing, providing you with a detailed estimate before any work is done.

For more on the qualities of a great basement contractor you should be considering, or to learn about any of our basement remodeling or finishing services in Herriman or nearby areas, speak to our team at Creative Construction Solutions today.

Schedule An Estimate

Ready for the remodel of your dreams?
Contact us today to schedule your estimate.
Creative Construction Solutions: Basement Finishing Contractors
Contact Us Today

Instagram Feed

© 2024 Creative Construction Solutions
chevron-down