Basement Renovation | Sweeten

Expert Guide to Basement Remodeling in Chicago

Sweeten — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 14:54:05 +0000

The level below is ripe with possibilities. Here is a roadmap—from materials and costs to the contractor’s role.

Basement remodeling can be a great way to add extra living space to your home, especially in a city like Chicago where space is at a premium. Whether you want to turn your basement into a family room, home office, or even a rental unit, there are plenty of options to choose from. However, a basement upgrade can also be a complex and challenging project. We’ll lay out how to do your research and plan carefully before getting started.

Safety comes first in plumbing, electrical, and structural

First, you’ll need to consider the layout of your basement and how you want to use the space. Do you want to create a single large open space, or divide the basement into smaller rooms or areas? Will you need to add or relocate electrical outlets, plumbing, or other utilities? Consult with your contractor, architect, or engineer to ensure that any changes you make to the layout are safe and structurally sound.

The best time to install new kitchen or bathroom plumbing and electrical wiring is during a remodel of an existing space. Doing DIY work around the house is a great way to save money. However, installing plumbing and electrical wiring can be tricky. The risks are much higher if you don’t have the required skills or all of the proper tools. The same goes for plumbing. Pipe connections should be airtight, properly insulated, and clearly identified. A thorough test prior to use should be completed to avoid potentially hazardous situations. So it’s best to leave these trades to the professionals for safety reasons.

Permits and codes for basement remodeling in Chicago

One important aspect of updating subterranean levels is planning out the space to meet all relevant building codes and regulations. This includes the space having proper ventilation, fire sprinklers, and egress windows in case of emergencies. Obtain the necessary permits from the city before starting any work, and make sure to follow all code requirements to avoid any problems down the line. Your Sweeten contractor should know all of the up-to-date requirements.

Materials for a basement upgrade

Next, think about the finishes and materials you want to use in your basement remodel. If your basement is prone to dampness or flooding, choose water-resistant materials such as waterproof drywall, sealed concrete flooring, and moisture-resistant paint or wallpaper. Pay attention to the lighting on this lower level. It may be darker and require additional lighting fixtures or windows to bring in natural light.

Finding a general contractor in Chicago

Finally, understand the cost of your basement remodel. This will depend on the size and complexity of the project, as well as the materials and finishes you choose. Be sure to get multiple estimates from contractors before making a decision. We suggest setting aside a contingency fund in case any unexpected issues arise during the renovation process.

Your contractor should be licensed and up-to-date on local code requirements. We can put you in touch with Sweeten general contractors in Chicago, who service your neighborhood, by posting your renovation project with us.

Costs in basement remodeling in Chicago

The most significant factors that affect the budget include:

Labor: The cost of labor will depend on the complexity of the project and the hourly rate of the contractors or workers involved.
Materials: The cost of materials for a basement remodel will depend on the type and quality of materials you choose. For example, using high-end materials like granite countertops or custom cabinetry will likely be more expensive than using standard materials.
Permits: Depending on the scope, you may need to obtain various permits from the city of Chicago. The cost of these permits can vary widely depending on the nature of the work being done.
Finishing: If you are finishing your basement to make it a livable space, you may need to install electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. These can add to the overall cost of the project.
Special features: Adding special features like a home theater or a wet bar can also increase the budget.

It is difficult to give a precise estimate for the cost without knowing more about the specific project. But it is not uncommon for the costs to range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more. Schedule site visits with a few Sweeten contractors and request bids from those you’d like to hear more from.

New functions for extra square footage

When you’re ready to get started on your basement upgrade, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors in Chicago. The right professional renovation team will guide you toward a rewarding and cost-effective way to add extra living space to your home.

Updated on May 12, 2023

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

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My Sweeten Story: Siblings Renovate an Arlington Basement Bathroom

Carole Braden — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 13:54:44 +0000

When a sister moves in, a never-used basement bathroom lands on the remodel to-do list

Homeowners: Sisters, Nicole and Missy posted their basement bathroom remodel on Sweeten
Where: Arlington Ridge, Virginia
Primary renovation: Updating an old bathroom on the lower level to feel more modern and open
Sweeten general contractor
Homeowner’s quote: “I scored with a respectful and professional contracting group that made my rip-and-replace renovation run smoothly, even as I worked from home.”
Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovators with vetted general contractors, offering input, support, and secure payments—for free.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Nicole. “After” photos by Nova Soul Imagery for Sweeten. Styling by Simon Staging.

Remodel a basement bathroom for a welcome upgrade

I love my Arlington Ridge neighborhood with its hilly streets and access to the metro, my favorite Mexican restaurant, and grocery store. When I found the 2,000-square-foot 1950s Virginia ranch home, I fell for the windows, cathedral kitchen, glass porch, and spacious yard. My older sister, Missy, deciding to move from San Francisco back to the East Coast, was a perfect excuse to renovate. She asked to use my downstairs as her temporary home.

Before we renovated this (almost) windowless basement bathroom, it was creepy and unwelcoming. The shower had a horrible wall partitioning it off from the rest of the room. The door opened to a full view of the toilet. We never used it. I wanted an open-plan bathroom with plenty of light—a room that guests wouldn’t be scared to use when they visited me in Arlington.

I went into this as a first-time renovator. My biggest question was: Will it be a huge interruption in my workday? I work in business development, so I am on Zoom a lot. We posted our project on Sweeten and we could not have been happier with the woman-owned general contractor we selected.

Behind the not-so-pleasing wall

When the contractor removed the wall, she discovered a very vintage pipe system that needed replacement. We looked for a plumbing specialist, and that search set us back a couple of days. Meanwhile, our contractor took the room down to the studs so the plumber could install new piping. The job involved breaking the foundation concrete, but even on days when the jackhammers were out or the water had to be turned off, we had advanced warning.

Expanding the design palette

My Sweeten contractor made the job seamless and easy, even though what I initially envisioned changed dramatically. I thought I wanted the bathroom all white and clean but decided instead to let this room give the downstairs character. When she proposed the sliding glass barn door as a shower enclosure, I was sold.

The vanity is another fantastic piece, not only for its look but for the storage it brought to the room. I never would have guessed I would pick the gray shower floor, but it all came together and it works.

“My contractor was really helpful…providing the right resources and materials. I understood what to expect throughout the process…”

A beautiful result, and a satisfying experience

I wanted a modern bathroom to match the rest of the house—and my future renovation plans—and I really lucked out. My contractor was really helpful, connecting with my sister and me and providing the right resources and materials. I understood what to expect throughout the process, and we are both so happy with how the bathroom turned out. Missy, a former tech executive, now works as a startup advisor. She is really enjoying the new digs.

Throughout the process, my contractor’s crew was amazing. My one-year-old beagle, Callie, would shake with excitement when they arrived, play for ten minutes, and then allow them to work. She returned throughout the day to check progress and get head scratches.

My Sweeten general contractor answered my questions, updated me on changes, and discussed any challenges. The team was respectful of my space, too. They covered the downstairs areas to keep them as clean as possible and left the workspace tidy. I scored with a respectful and professional contracting group that made my rip-and-replace renovation run smoothly, even as I worked from home. I always knew what to expect the next day.

After a remodel, a basement bathroom has real appeal

Missy’s gorgeous bathroom is now my favorite thing to show off in the house. It inspired her, too. She recently sold her house and is thinking about where she—and her Aussiedoodle, Ellie—should buy next. New, modern, and clean…what an upgrade.

Thank you, Nicole and Missy, for sharing your dream bathroom remodel with us!

Renovation Materials:

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Adessi Florentina gray ceramic 16” x 16” floor tile; Villa Artisan Mist ceramic 3” x 12” shower wall tile; Festival matte gray porcelain Penny Mosaic shower floor tile; Zipcode Design’s New Milford metal bathroom/vanity mirror; and Varenne sink faucet: Wayfair. Fontaine by Italia’s Hotel de Ville single-handle square 1-spray-setting shower faucet in matte black: Italia Faucets . Frameless sliding shower door: Glass Warehouse. Woodbrook 37-inch vanity in white-washed oak with cultured-marble vanity and white sink; Power Flush two-piece 1.28 GPF single-flush elongated toilet: Glacier Bay. Three-light dimmable vanity fixture: Joss & Main.

Looking for contractors near Arlington, Virginia? Work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors.

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A Philly Basement Designed for Fun

Kelley Rowland — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 14:20:39 +0000

A long-awaited transformation from storage room to bonus room

Project: Refinish a basement in Ardmore, Philadelphia

Before: When David and Wendy bought their 2,700-square-foot home in a Philadelphia suburb, one thing was for sure: the smelly, dated basement had to go. David completely demoed it with every intention of refinishing it after they moved in. Two years later and the basement had become a storage room instead of the recreational space for “serious TV watching,” an exercise area, and a bar that he’d hoped to create. “I never got around to it, though, and finally hired someone through Sweeten,” David said.

After: Ready to take on the unfinished basement once and for all, David posted the project on Sweeten and chose this Sweeten general contractor. Since he’d already completed the demolition, they hit the ground running and kept his main goal of having a “dedicated space for TV-watching where [he] didn’t have to worry about large speakers ruining the decor.”

First, they had to determine how to best lay out the basement to meet his multi-purpose needs. A cousin who owns the interior design firm LK Design helped David figure out where to position the bar, fitness equipment, and the entertainment seating. Coming down the stairs from the main floor, the exercise area was set up directly to the right and away from the main living space. The bar and mini kitchen open conveniently to the seating area for easy access. Low ductwork presented a great spot to place the cabinetry and sink, and to maximize headspace as much as possible, they placed the bar directly under an exposed steel beam.

As for finishing touches, they outfitted the theater with plush carpeting for optimal comfort. For the remainder of the flooring, David decided on more durable (plus pet- and kid-friendly!) vinyl plank. The kitchen and bar got a luxe touch with granite countertops, gray cabinets, and chrome hardware.

Overall the biggest challenge (aside from determining the layout) was getting the bar sink installed below the sewer line. Fortunately, a plumber found a solution and installed a pump. Their Sweeten general contractor also provided invaluable assistance getting a full-size refrigerator down the narrow staircase, not to mention handling a few issues with vendors and navigating delays. “We had gas lines in the way of the ceiling, and he had a plumber who was able to reroute the lines in a very cost-effective way. Previous plumbers I had found only suggested much more expensive solutions,” David said.

Thinking ahead, they also prepared for possible wiring needs down the line and “future-proofed” throughout the basement.

So how does the family feel about their new hangout space? “Comfortable and relaxed,” David said.

Bonus: David and the contractor installed built-in cabinets in the corners of the entertaining area to hide the gas meters.

Style finds: Carpeting: Mohawk. Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring: Home Depot. Cabinets, cabinet fronts, faucet: Ikea.

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Cristiana and her husband took advantage of valuable square footage and turned their basement into a multi-purpose space complete with a family room, wine storage, and laundry area.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, and scope, helping until project completion. Follow the blog for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.

The post A Philly Basement Designed for Fun appeared first on Sweeten.