Modern basement with bar and couch

Great Ideas for Basement Finishing in Rochester, NY

If your Rochester basement is unfinished, bringing in experienced contractors to finish it could truly be one of the best investments you can make in your home.

Basement finishing in Rochester, NY, can significantly improve life in your home.  After all, your basement probably stretches the length of your house.  That’s a lot of space, and if you’re only using it for storage, it’s going under-used.  There are numerous ways you could upgrade the basement with features you want or need.  It’s almost like adding a new floor to the house!

On top of that, basement renovations hold their value extremely well when the house is up for sale.  They typically bring back at least 70% of the upgrade cost, which is one of the best returns you can get from Rochester home renovation.  Better yet, a great finished basement can be a real selling point, reducing the time it takes to find a buyer.

So, let’s take a look at some of your options in basement remodeling, and how you can turn your basement into your new favorite room.

I. What Can You Do With A Finished Basement?

There are so many options here, depending on your desires and the amount of space you have to work with.  You might even be able to combine more than one room ‘type’ if there’s enough space down there.

For example:

1 – A finished apartment

A basement can go beyond being a spare bedroom – it’s relatively easy (easier than the upper floors, anyway) to add more pipes and wiring to turn the basement into a full apartment.  This could include a bathroom, kitchen, bed, and more.

This could be a way to make space for more children, give relatives a place to stay during holidays, or potentially even be rented out.

2 – A gym

Do you want a space to work out that’s all your own?  The basement is absolutely perfect for that.  The solid concrete floor will be able to hold up the heavy equipment better, and it’ll be reasonably sound-proofed, so the rest of the house doesn’t have to hear all the clanking.

3 – A rec room / game room / “man cave”

Your basement could become your new entertainment center.  There’s plenty of room for whatever games, televisions, and recreational accessories you’d want to add.  As with a gym, you don’t have to worry about people above hearing you.  You might even add a bar if you aren’t worried about kids getting into it.

4 – A home office

Work-from-home is here to stay – do you have a good setup for it?  The basement is a great option since it keeps you away from the hustle and bustle in the rest of the house.  You’d have plenty of room for whatever supplies you need, and it’ll keep cool since it’s underground.

II. Tips For Great Basement Finishing In Rochester

How can you ensure the renovation goes well and doesn’t break your budget?  Here are a few tips.

1 – Have a plan!

Whether you’re hiring a Rochester home renovation contractor or trying to DIY the project, don’t start work until you have a clear plan for the space.  This should include its purpose as well as a specific layout that you want to create.

Note: if you’re going to be messing with pipes or wiring, you really want to hire a contractor.  DIY plumbing and electrical work rarely goes well, it’s dangerous, and it has to pass city inspection afterward.  Just hire a pro to avoid problems.

2 – Account for fixed items

Your basement likely has your furnace, air conditioner, water heater, and other large bulky appliances which can’t be relocated.  Be sure to factor these into your plans and create the layout so that they remain accessible no matter how the basement is being used otherwise.

Also, keep in mind, that hot appliances can be a fire hazard.  Be careful about putting flammable items too close to them.

3 – Have exact measurements for your basement door and other entryways

One of the most difficult parts of basement renovation can be getting the stuff you want down there.  Don’t buy any large pieces until you’ve measured the door(s) and know what will fit, otherwise you could be in for a pricey disappointment.  Likewise, measure clearance on the stairs, particularly if they turn in the middle.

4 – Check up on your local renovation laws

Even if you aren’t changing the plumbing or wiring, local laws may still interfere with your renovation plans.  Contact your local authority for guidance or hire a good contractor who’s familiar with the zoning regulations in the area.

Get A Quote on Basement Finishing in Rochester, NY

Spartacus Construction has over 20 years of experience in Rochester, NY, home renovation and basement finishing.  If you have a vision for a great basement, we can make it a reality!  Contact us for an estimate and consultation.