A basement remodel is a great way to improve the value and functionality of your home. There are many things you can do with a basement, ranging from expanding the number of rooms in your home to building a play area for your kids. However, ensuring you achieve your basement remodel goals require a lot of work. You will need to deal with unforeseen obstacles along the way. Due to the complexity that is often involved, it is best to avoid a DIY basement remodel and work with a professional contractor.

When many homeowners think about a DIY basement remodel, they focus on the aesthetics. Decorating the basement remodel and making it feel cozy are the fun parts, but a lot has to happen before adding aesthetic value. This includes the installation, repair, replacement and optimization of the following:

• Walls
• Flooring
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Egress
• Lighting

Many of these basics, such as electrical and plumbing, require professional help. Attempting a DIY basement remodel can quickly become dangerous for homeowners and take up more time than you may have anticipated. Also, continually hiring the necessary contractors can make the overall project more expensive.

You may be able to carry out a small DIY basement remodel that does not require much construction or new installation. However, larger remodels are more challenging. There are many reasons to avoid a large-scale DIY basement remodel. The following is a closer look at the five likely obstacles you could face during a DIY project.

One common mistake homeowners make when attempting a DIY remodel is not realizing all the permits they must obtain. The permits and codes vary by district, and learning all of the ones that apply to your project needs and how to follow the necessary codes is challenging. An experienced basement remodeling contractor understands what permits you need and how to obtain them. The codes are in place to protect the homeowner from hazards down the road. For example, all lumber that touches the ground must first be treated to prevent mold and decay. Following these codes and obtaining the proper permits are very important steps for any basement remodel.

Most basement remodels involve the use of contractors, such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC professionals and more. Homeowners should never try electrical or plumbing work that requires a professional. Hiring a professional subcontractor ensures optimal safety, and it will help you to prevent any complex issues. A remodeling contractor knows how to find the best subcontractors to perform complex tasks and can plan for subcontractors in a manner that saves the homeowner money and time.

An egress is an access to outside from your basement. This is required if you have a bedroom in your basement. Homeowners attempting a DIY remodel often try to get around this by calling the bedroom another name, such as a workshop. However, this is not a good idea. A professional basement remodeling contractor understands how to add an egress in a convenient and cost-effective way, ensuring everything is done by the book and in a way that improves the safety of your basement.

As mentioned, many attempt a DIY basement remodel because they feel as if designing the basement the way they desire is a fun project. While this can be true, turning your vision for your basement into reality is incredibly challenging. Instead, it is often better to hire a professional who takes the time to understand your design goal and bring your vision to life for you.

A DIY basement remodel is often dangerous and very challenging for homeowners due to the number of complexities involved. On the other hand, there are notable benefits to hiring a professional contractor to handle the basement remodel. These benefits include:

• Receive years of experience
• Work with someone who is insured
• Complete the job quickly
• Create a unique design
• Ensure optimal project safety

A basement remodeling contractor understands how to conduct a basement remodel with predictable and reliable results while keeping the project within budget and ensuring it is finished in a reasonable timeframe.

Monumental Contractors has years of experience with basement remodels. If you are not satisfied with your basement for any reason, then give us a call to find out how a basement remodel with the professionals at Monumental Contractors can benefit you. We take pride in helping those within our local communities achieve the basement of their dreams while staying within budget and finishing the project in a timely manner.