Denver Basement Remodeling

For as long as we can remember, the old mantra "kitchens and baths sell houses" has always been true. For most of that time there hasn't even been a close runner up when it comes to remodeling projects that add value to your home. In the Mile High City, and elsewhere across the Mountain West, there's been a change in the winds, however. While kitchen and baths are still neck and neck at the top of the list, Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report 2006 reveals that the dynamic duo has now become a happy threesome with basement remodeling in Denver joining the ranks as one of the smartest remodeling investments a Denverite can make.

Why Are Denver Basement Remodels So Popular?
There isn't a lot of specific research available that answers exactly why Denver basement remodeling has become so popular of late, though it doesn't take a person too long to piece things together when you sit down and think about it. More than anything else, the climate on the Front Range is perfectly suited for basement remodeling projects. With an average annual precipitation rate of less than 16 inches per year, basements in the Denver metro area rarely have any moisture problems. That means homeowners don't have to worry about basement waterproofing prior to construction, and that frees up more funds to spend on other aspects of the remodel such as design, materials, and luxuries. Compare that to many coastal and southern cities that get 40 or 50 inches of rain a year, and where basement remodeling is out of the question without in-floor drainage systems, sump pumps, and wall and floor waterproofing, and it quickly becomes clear why basement remodeling in Denver has made such a stunning impact on the local remodeling industry.

Denver Basement Remodeling Costs
ServiceMagic isn't content simply connecting homeowners to contractors. We also follow up on every job done by our contractors. It's a way to ensure that every one of our customers receives the quality services we expect of our contractors, and it also allows us to collect data on different projects, ranging from final costs to how long different projects took to complete. That data tells us that the average Denver basement remodeling project runs about $24,000, with a high of $50,000 and a low of $10,000. Furthermore, we know that the average Denver basement renovation takes about a month and a half to complete, though they can get done in as little as two weeks for very small jobs, and take as long as four months if your remodel is a major one.

Denver Basement Remodeling Tip: Expect the Unexpected
Regardless of those numbers or how large or small your basement remodel is, Denverites should always be prepared for some unexpected costs and challenges to arise with any basement remodel. In fact, basement remodeling is a little like rooting for the Rockies year in and year out: you can never be quite sure what you're going to get. The unusual space, light, and dimensional concerns of many basements have a lot to do with that, as does the fact that basement remodeling often requires you to move or install plumbing, ductwork, and electrical wiring. Furthermore, because a remodel has to be done up to present day code, homeowners with older homes should expect that their contractor will have to update things like plumbing and electrical work in order to meet any new building codes that have been put into the books since the home was last worked on. All good contractors try to foresee these types of problems and inform you of them ahead of time. Still, it's in your best interest to remember that even the best contractors run into unwelcome surprises from time to time, and that basements seem to have more surprises in store than just about any other Denver home remodeling project.

Denver Homeowner Advice on Basement Remodeling in Denver
There's no better place to leave off with than sharing the advice of other Denver homeowners regarding basement remodels in the Mile High City. Some homeowners wisely counseled that you get several bids before deciding on a contractor, others emphasized good communication through daily or weekly chats with your contractors (noting that it helps keep them on track and you both on the same page), and finally, many stressed the importance of planning ahead so you that you're better able to communicate what you want and how you want things done.

Almost to a person, however, the comments we've gathered from homeowners about basement remodeling express the relief they felt in hiring a quality contractor who did good work for them. It can't be said better than this homeowner from Aurora.

He writes, "I know before I had this project started I had thought of doing it ourselves with help from others who knew the different stages involved. But I know it would have taken longer (my brother's took 5 years), and the quality of work would not have been as good as what I received in the time it took. I recommend a professional with a job this big. And the resale of my home will be much higher than if I had done it myself . . .with MUCH less frustration and stress."

If you're into making positive/negative lists to help you make decision, that pretty much ought to settle it for you. For basement remodeling in Denver, you're best off hiring an experienced contractor who can help you turn your ho-hum basement into something special to enjoy for years to come.