Are you ready to begin finishing your basement? Here are five things to know! Let’s dive in!

The time has come and you are ready to embark on the basement remodeling process in Nebraska. There are many factors to consider when finishing your basement and Hawthorne is here to be your guide. From concept to design, to budget and project timeline, to weather and Nebraska climate; there are many pieces to the puzzle that go into basement remodeling in Nebraska.

#1 Functionality

Before anything can be set in stone, you must determine the functionality and purpose of your finished basement. Basement Remodeling in Nebraska should take into account the seasons, lifestyles, and hobbies of you and your family. Options to consider include a fireplace, kitchen, and island for parties and gatherings, a workout room or home gym, a wine cellar or room, guest quarters, and storage space.

#2 Return on Investment

We know that budget constraints and concerns are often top of mind for our clients and we don’t take that lightly. We will work diligently to stay within the financial parameters, but we encourage clients to not cut corners when it comes to cost and amenities. Finishing a basement is no small project and is something that is typically only done once, especially if you do it right the first time. This is why it’s crucial to be intentional with your wants and needs and make sure those top priorities are achieved.

You aren’t just creating a usable living space for you and your family, but you are adding major value to your home and property. According to cost versus value surveys conducted annually by Remodeling magazine, nationally, the average return on investment for a basement project is around 75 cents on the dollar. It’s important to think long-term when considering basement remodeling in Nebraska.

#3 Climate Conditions

If you live in or have visited Nebraska during the summer months, then you know we have some serious humidity here. And that is a major point to consider when basement remodeling in Nebraska. To prevent moisture in a finished basement, you will want to ensure proper drainage is installed off your roof and away from your foundation, along with excellent ventilation of bathrooms and kitchens to the outside.

On the flip side of that, we also experience extremely cold temperatures in the winter. If you are finishing your basement post-construction, then you will want to assess your HVAC system. Your home’s heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems may have been installed depending on upper-level requirements. We work with an expert and trusted HVAC contractors that will verify that you have the right equipment to serve your new finished basement.

#4 Lighting and Windows

To avoid a dark and cold finished basement space, you’ll want to think thoroughly about lighting and windows when basement remodeling in Nebraska. Walkout basements automatically provide bountiful natural light with sliding doors and tend to have bigger windows than a non-walkout. But regardless of blueprint layouts, installing as many windows as possible, especially if you plan to design out guest rooms or quarters, is a key component to creating an inviting and warm basement remodeling.

#5 Finishes are Important

Finishings are the fun part but should not be overlooked or an afterthought. You’ll want your basement to be a place where everyone wants to spend time, so opting for stylish and modern, yet cozy finishes will be important. Consider plush carpet, warm neutral paint colors, light shades of furniture in the living and kitchen/bar areas, as well as a plethora of lighting from lamps, overhead fixtures, and LED cabinet illumination. You’ve hit the home stretch of your basement remodeling in Nebraska, so reach the finish line with the finest of fixtures.

If you are you researching basement remodeling in Nebraska? We hope these five things you need to know now are helpful in your process. And don’t forget, we’re here to make your finished basement dreams come true at Hawthorne!