Upgrading basements throughout central AL is a big part of what we do at Little Cahaba Remodeling. In this post, we’re answering some questions you may have about the basement remodeling process, so you know what it entails. We’ll also discuss a bit about our basement finishing process.
And so you know, what we’re about to discuss comes directly from our team. We didn’t use AI to come up with the answers. In fact, we rarely use AI at all in our posts. Rather, we have a professional copywriter interview our team members and craft each of our blog posts using answers that come from those team members’ experience.
Enjoy.
What’s the difference between finishing and remodeling a basement?
When we finish your basement, we’re making it a livable space. Most basements in central AL are unfinished. The basement has a concrete floor and plumbing hookup, but it isn’t livable (it’s basically a storage area). During this time, we’re installing sheetrock, painting, hooking up plumbing fixtures, and doing anything else we need to do to make it livable.
When we remodel your basement, we’re upgrading an existing livable space. That means everything that’s in there gets an update. This is when we’re converting your basement into the room you want it to be (i.e., a rec room, mother-in-law suite, etc.). And during this time, we’ll be taking out all the finishes and putting new finishes in.
What are basement finishes?
There’s a difference between “finishing a basement” and “basement finishes.” Basement finishes are physical things, including but not limited to:
- Bathroom fittings and fixtures
- The type and color of paint
- The door type
- The trim type
From a high level, what goes into planning a basement remodeling project?
First, we need to meet with you, so we can understand what you want and need.
Then we’ll meet again and really go through the design process with you. During this meeting, we’ll look at your budget and talk with you about what you want to improve. We’ll also discuss any obstacles that may get in the way of what you want and how we might be able to mitigate those.
We should be able to provide you with pricing in the first or second meeting.
Then, to help us come up with a final price, we look at your finishes and assemble a team of subcontractors, as well as architects and engineers if needed.
When we’re all in agreement that it’s achievable and within budget, we’ll start applying for permits.
Finally, once the permits are approved, we start the remodeling process.
How long does a basement remodel usually take?
The remodeling process can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months.
Unfortunately, the time duration varies so widely because it’s going to depend on the size and scope of your project, as well as your availability to meet and the time it takes to get the necessary permits.
Can my basement be remodeled if it has moisture or drainage issues?
Absolutely! And this is where we link up with BDry Alabama. They’ll take care of any moisture issues (this is their bread and butter). And once they’ve done their job, we can start ours.
How much disruption should I expect while my basement is being remodeled?
Expect your basement to be unusable once remodeling work begins. If you have a smaller basement with no moisture issues, there could be minimal disruption, like people coming and going.
But if it’s a bigger project that includes fixing moisture issues, expect more of a disruption. Unfortunately, moisture issues may require breaking up concrete, which is no quiet task.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully this blog post answers some questions you may have about our basement remodeling process. Again, these answers are provided directly from one of our experienced remodelers, so you’re hearing straight from us (not some generic AI bot).
And if you’re thinking about overhauling your basement, let us know by calling or texting us at (205) 894-5621.