When it comes to upgrading your basement, preparation is key. If you do things right, you can expect around a 70% return on investment (ROI)—not to mention a new space unlocked for entertaining, exercising, or working (just to name a few).
Trust us, it costs more time and money to go back and fix mistakes than it does to do things right the first time.
So, where do you start? The Shack Built team has outlined the ultimate guide for planning a basement remodel in Overland Park; no need to learn from first-hand mistakes.
Nail Down Your Goals
First things first, you need to decide what you want out of the space.
Are you simply looking to polish unfinished rooms and add square footage before selling? Do you want a separate sound-insulated home office for yourself and a playroom and movie room for your kids?
→ Explore More Finished Basement Ideas in Overland Park
Once you determine what your vision for your basement remodel is, you can start thinking about how to bring it to life. Here are some key planning decisions that will influence the look, feel, efficiency, and cost of your project.
Balancing Entertainment & Storage Space
When you start mapping out the blueprints for your new basement, it’s easy to get carried away. We’re all for maximizing every square foot you have, but remember that, beyond leaving space to walk and not overwhelm the space, you still need storage.
As a general rule of thumb, you should reserve about 10% of your home for storage. That means that if you have a 1,000-square-foot basement, you should leave around 100 square feet to cache your belongings.
However, everyone is different. If you have 5 kids who are heavily involved in their own extracurriculars, you may opt for more storage space than someone who lives alone.
While you absolutely can leave this section of your basement “unfinished,” you can also opt for aesthetically pleasing built-in storage. For example, opting for secret step storage or cabinet refacing is a stylish—and functional—way to tuck things away.
Remember, you can use these small spaces for cozy lounging spots, too! For example, you can create a “hidey hole” beneath the stairs, whether it be a reading nook for your kids or a private spot for your pets to lounge.
Creating Secure Spaces
When planning for your basement remodel in Overland Park, consider adding a secure area to maximize your safety. From hidden storage rooms for safes to secret doors for “safe rooms,” these spots can give you peace of mind and boost your home’s value.
Adding a Bathroom
Incorporating a new bathroom into your basement project can also increase your home’s value, as realtors say that homes with more bathrooms bring more buyers to the door. If you’re turning your basement into a “mini apartment” for a family member or Airbnb renters, you should consider adding a full bath.
Otherwise, if you plan on using the space for work or entertainment, you can opt for a half bath (lowering the overall cost of your bathroom remodel). Thinking about how often someone—guests or yourself—will use this bathroom can inform your decision.
Building a Bar or Kitchenette
Building a bar or kitchenette in your basement makes preparing a snack or drink convenient, especially if you plan on hosting regularly or creating a home theater or playroom for your kids.
If you’re planning a basement remodel in Overland Park to accommodate your parents, grandparents, or adult children, consider incorporating a kitchen remodel into your project. Giving family members their own private spaces is key to making the most of a multi-generational home.
You’re in control when it comes to how “complete” of a kitchen you want. If you just want some counter space and a sink for your bar, a kitchenette is perfect! If you have a big family and need some extra cooking room, you can install a fridge—or wine fridge or cellar—oven, microwave, and whatever else you may need.
The Technical Details
When you invest in a basement finish in Overland Park, you get what you pay for. Remember, you’re not just paying for materials and the cost of labor, but also for the years it took someone to master their craft.
Working with an experienced contractor is key to making sure your space functions well and looks great.
Seeing the Bigger Picture
When you sit down with a designer, don’t feel limited to your basement’s current layout. An expert can find ways to rework a floor plan without compromising the structural integrity.
Aesthetically, it’s important to decide if you want your new basement to match the rest of your home’s style or if you want it to look and feel unique. For example, you may opt for brighter overhead lights and carpeted floors for a playroom and dimmable chandeliers and dark wood for a beer cave.
Don’t overlook natural light, either. Upgrading your windows can provide a safe escape route if someone will live in the basement. That being said, they need to be installed correctly to avoid water leaks and other damage in the long run.
Evaluating the Foundation
Before getting started on your basement remodel in Overland Park, it’s important to set realistic expectations. We recognize that these projects are investments, and sticking to your budget matters. That’s why choosing the right team and materials is key to keeping things beautiful and functional for years to come.
For starters, is your basement actually in a good enough condition to finish? If it leaks or is constantly damp or humid, you may need to have your contractor prioritize moisture management and start by sealing cracks in the foundation or installing water wells. If your soil shifts, you’ll need to invest in stabilization solutions before making things pretty.
Getting Comfortable
Remember, most HVAC systems are designed to handle a certain amount of finished square footage. That means that you may need to upgrade your system if you’re adding more space, as well as install vents in each room and think through dehumidification with your contractor.
Whether you’re building a home theater or a home office, properly insulating your walls is important for keeping noises at a minimum—so you can truly enjoy your new space. This might include insulating the basement from the living space above it with a solid core door.
Finding the Right Contractors for Your Basement Remodel
In Overland Park, there are a lot of contractors out there, and they aren’t all equal. The team you choose to work with doesn’t just determine how good your new space looks, but also how well it functions—not to mention how positive or negative of an experience the process is.
Remember, these people will be in your home and around your family, so honesty and respect are just as important as their skill set.
→ Our Guide to Finding Certified Contractors in Overland Park
What does “design-build” mean?
When a contracting company offers design-build services, it means that they have a team of designers and contractors. When these team members work under the same roof, you don’t have to hire an outside specialist or worry about being the middleman, saving you from unnecessary stress and miscommunication.
What is building science?
When it comes to a basement remodel in Overland Park, working with experts in building science is crucial. Every element of your home—even unrelated systems—determines its overall energy efficiency and comfort.
Changing any piece of this system can change your home’s efficiency for better or worse. If your contractor hasn’t mastered the science behind this delicate balancing act, it can raise your energy bills and lead to bigger problems in the future.
Let’s Get Started
Ready to revamp your basement? You’ve come to the right place!
Shack Built does things the way it should be—honest, collaborative, and right.
We didn’t become one of the most well-known renovation companies overnight—it took years of hard work. Our team isn’t just dedicated to building beautiful homes, but also to building lasting relationships with our clients.
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Schedule a Consultation
Whether it be for a kitchen remodel, a room addition, or a basement remodel in Overland Park, your journey always starts with a consultation. Here, we’ll take the time to get to know you and your family’s goals, needs, and vision, so we can provide a general cost estimate and start hammering out the details.
As part of our commitment to transparency, detailed estimates are only provided after the design and pre-construction phase.
Our Promise to You
When we say we’re just as invested in your project’s success as you are, we mean it. That’s why we offer every client a year-long warranty. We’ll come out and make any adjustments for free during this period to ensure your satisfaction.
We take pride in what we do.
Don’t just take our word for our commitment to excellence—here’s what our clients have to say about their experience with us.
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