The Basement Finishing Process

What makes us an excellent choice is our step by step, detailed process, developed over years of experience finishing basements.

Setting an appointment for a consultation is the first step. Once you’ve done that, here is what you can expect :

• Preparing for the initial consultation:
• Our motto is “Concept to Completion”.
• Discuss with everyone in the home what they would like the new space to contain.
• Everyone will have an idea of what the finished project will be.
• Any sketches, magazine pictures, pictures of friends basements, are all important items to have for our first meeting. We’ll be asking for lots of input, after all, this will be YOUR new space.

First Meeting:

• Initial Consultation
• Discuss your families thoughts on use of space.
• Make suggestions based on input.
• Determine a direction for design
• Measure space
• Review any pictures of our past projects for additional design ideas.
• Obtain answers for specific checklist questions sent before first meeting
• Answer any questions from homeowners
• Discuss and/or develop rough budget
• Floor Plan Take customer input on space usage and checklist answers, Consider requirements, Develop a plan to maximize enjoyment of space based on everyones input.
• Prepare a written proposal based upon floor plan

Second Meeting:

• Present and evaluate floor plan to determine if we have solved all issues and developed a plan the owners are happy with. Review the proposal to determine all the necessary details have been addressed.
• Review cost breakdown sheet and discuss budgeted allowances.
• If satisfied with all of above, enter into an agreement and move to the permitting and actual construction stage. If not satisfied, we will re-evaluate the budget and design to assist in developing a viable project.

Construction:

• Drawings are finalized and permits are applied for.
• Permit approvals are obtained and a start date is determined.
• Confirmation that work space is cleaned and ready for construction to begin.
• Walk through space with owners again.

Framing:

• All materials for framing are delivered. If entering through the main level of home, flooring protection is installed.
• Basement is squared to .25 inches using a laser and all wall locations are snapped off a common baseline.
• Fireblocking is installed and walls and any soffits are framed and plumbing using a laser.
• Walkthrough with electrical contractor to finalize light and switch placement.
• HVAC, plumbins and electrical contractors are all scheduled and will complete work required for rough-in inspections.
• Once inspections are completed, any low voltage (cable, satellite, alarm) wiring and insulation and/or soundproofing are then installed.
• Drywall installation is next. This is a very exciting time. Seemingly overnight, rooms take shape.
• Now on to taping and painting. Progress at this point seems to lag because everything looks the same during taping. While drywall and taping are being completed, work is also progressing in our cabinet shop on any built ins or cabinetry. Once painting is complete, the basement will begin to take shape.
• Once everything is prepped after painting, any hard surface flooring, such as ceramic tile or vinyl sheetgoods are installed, and protected with cardboard until completion.
• Any built ins, such as a bar, bookcases, wine cellar cabinetry, etc., are installed at this time.
• Final electric, plumbing and HVAC are scheduled next.
• Door installation and trim work are completed. and finish flooring is installed.
• Final cleanup and detail. We’ll have your new space in move in condition.

After final inspections are complete and an occupancy permit is issued, once we are assured we’ve met or exceeded your expectations, it’s time to begin to decorate and enjoy your new space. Now, its time to understand why permits are so important to your basement finishing project. Read more….