Base finishing 101

So, you’ve been dreaming of finishing that basement for years. Whenever your family or friends come over, you talk about where your home theater will be, or where the pool table will go, etc.

I now know that owners want to finish their own bases to save money, and more power for you if it can be done.

I just have a few things to say on this topic:

1. Most owner-finished foundations I’ve seen aren’t the best quality.

2. If you plan to sell your house in the future, I just want to say that buyers notice the quality.

3. Real estate appraisers may not give you the best price for a job that wasn’t done right.

4. Today’s homebuyers must hire home inspectors, who will point out problems such as structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.

5. Most general contractors have been working in the industry for years and have developed relationships with vendors/subcontractors. For example, if you tried to hire my plumber, electrician, framer, etc. they will charge you more money to do the same job. The money general contractors make is basically the money you would spend contracting out the work yourself, so in the end you’ll get quality work, pay the same price, and with a lot less headache.

Okay, enough about that, if you still choose to finish your own basement, rather than hire a professional, here is the order of items that will need to be completed. Hire licensed/professional contractors for all work performed.

1. Basic layout and design

2. Permissions

3. Framing

4. Plumbing

5. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

6. Electric

7. Gypsum board/drywall

8. Premium gypsum board

9. Moldings: doors, windows, bases, crown moldings, entertainment centers, etc.

10. Paint: caulk, putty, wood filler, etc.

11. Kitchen cabinets, bars, bathroom vanities, etc.

12. Countertops: Granite, Marble, Laminate, Tile, etc.

13. Floors: Tile, Hardwood, Carpet, Vinyl, Etc.

14. Final plumbing: toilets, sinks, fixtures, etc.

15. Final electricity: switches, receptacles, fans, cans, lighting, etc.

16. Final air conditioning: Start-up of the unit, Installation of grills, etc.

17. Final Adjustment: Install Shoe Trim, Tie Misc. trim etc.

18. Hardware: cabinet handles, door knobs, door stops, mirrors, blinds, bathroom accessories.

19. Final retouching of paint.

20. Cleaning

Thank you for reading