Northern Colorado Basement Remodeling Guide

Many homeowners would like to remodel their basements, but the prospect can seem so daunting and expensive that they will put it off for far too long. If this is you, there’s no reason to be intimidated—basement remodels are indeed large-scale projects, but with the right information and the right contractor, you can transform that cobweb-infested concrete hole into a sleek, functional subterranean space.

In our years as basement remodeling contractors, the Jacques Family Construction team has seen it all. We rounded up some of the most useful tips to help you in planning out your basement remodel.

Initial Steps to Take Before Construction

Before you dive into your basement remodel project, you want to make sure you have a solid foundation — literally.

Inspect Your Foundation

One of the first things you’ll want to do is assess the state of your foundation. You’ll want to keep an eye out for any cracks, bulging walls, windows that won’t open, doors that won’t close correctly, or slanted floors. If you encounter any of these issues, you’ll need to repair the problem to ensure you have a solid base to build upon. This is not something we recommend doing yourself; professional foundation repair companies can provide insightful inspections that let you know exactly what you need to do.

Check Radon Levels

Another important thing to check is the radon levels in your basement. Radon is a carcinogenic, odorless gas that’s released as uranium particles decay in the ground. Colorado has higher levels of radon in the soil than other states, and testing for it is a standard procedure before doing basement construction. High radon levels put your family’s health at risk, so be sure to test thoroughly and install the proper mitigation systems. There are many professional contractors who can help with this; contact JFC for recommendations.

Guard Against Moisture

Finally, closely examine your basement walls, ceiling, and floor for any signs of water intrusion. A leaky pipe or water seeping in from your lawn will be much more expensive to fix once you have insulation and drywall installed. Water intrusion is a basement’s worst enemy and number-one threat, so you need to make sure everything is sealed tight and dry before beginning your remodel. If you have serious foundation cracking, settling, or high moisture levels, it’s worth reaching out to a professional foundation contractor to remedy these things before beginning construction.

Design & Building Elements to Consider

Now, you’re getting closer to the fun stuff: installation. One of the most important and underrated aspects of a basement remodel is choosing the proper insulation. While you may be tempted to go with a cheaper option, higher-quality insulation can drastically impact your heating and cooling bill each year. For example, while fiberglass insulation is more common and generally cheaper to install, spray foam insulation is more energy efficient. If you’re having trouble deciding which insulation type to use, consult a professional basement remodeler like Jacques Family Construction to help you make the best choice.

What Do I Do If I Have Low Ceilings?

The low ceilings in many basements leave them cramped; while adding a drop ceiling is a common solution, it does also lower the ceiling even more. Check out this blog for low basement ceiling ideas, and don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss the specific options available for your basement.

How to Make the Most of Your Basement’s Space

There are certain things you may need to work around when designing your basement, such as utility rooms and any support beams or walls. However, there are plenty of ways to get creative to make sure you get the most out of your additional space.

Think about the main purpose you envision for your newly finished basement. Do you want to add another bedroom, a bathroom, or a kitchenette? Do you want to convert the entire floor into a separate dwelling to rent out? Or do you want to make the room multi-functional, such as an office space/entertainment combination? Whatever you can imagine for your space, the experienced basement contractors at JFC can help you plan and build it.

Jacques Family Construction: Northern Colorado’s Preferred Basement Contractors

If you’re unsure of where to start on your basement remodel and need more guidance, contact Jacques Family Construction. Our experienced team of contractors will be able to steer you in the right direction for how to tackle a safe, efficient basement remodel in Northern Colorado.