first “how to remodel your basement into an apartment” idea
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Why Convert Your Basement Into an Apartment
Summary Outline:
This could be a good way to provide housing for a family member or friend, or you can rent it out so that you can make a profit from it each month. Of course, your basement is probably going to need a bit of remodeling before you can do this.
If you follow these steps, you should be able to remodel your basement into an apartment that anyone would love to live in:
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2nd:Make Sure Your Basement is Protected From Moisture:
It’s always a good idea to make sure that your basement is protected from moisture, but it’s particularly important if you are going to turn this square footage into an apartment that someone will be living in.
- Then, you can avoid property damage, and you can help ensure that the resident of the apartment isn’t living around potentially dangerous mold.
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- You may want to work with a basement waterproofing company, and you’ll probably want to install a sump pump if you don’t already have one in your basement.
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Also, There Must Be a Fire Escape:
Basements can become a fire trap if the only exit are the stairs the lead up from the basement to the main floor. If the fire breaks on the main floor – or within the basement stairway – there may be no other way the occupant will be able to get out.
Having a second exit will be a code requirement for any rental. That second exit must be clearly marked without any obstruction or difficulty that would hamper use.
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The second exit should be an exit door that leads to the outside via a patio or steps that elevate to the ground level. You will need to install the exit prior to renting the basement.
Another option is the installation of egress windows. This allows the person to open the window and through the egress make their escape. The egress must be large enough for a grown person to easily get through. If the egress is deep, you may consider adding a ladder within the egress for easy escape.
resources: Home Fire SafetyHome Fire Safety illustration – fire safety plan illustration – fire escape ladder illustration – basement escape illustration – basement egress window illustration Home Fires information – home fire preparedness information – make fire escape plan information Every Second Counts youtube – home fire sprinklers youtube – basement flow drafts youtube view post: (new win) Preventing a Home Fire -
And How Will They Come and Go:
Another consideration in your planning is how the occupant will come and go from the apartment. Having a separate entrance and exit to the basement might be ideal – thus allowing the separate entrance/exit to function as the fire escape path.
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What you want to avoid is the occupant coming into your living space at all hours of the day to get into the basement apartment. Having a separate entrance and exit allows the occupant to come and go freely without disturbing the family upstairs.
Basement Apartment Come/Go (google images) entrance ideas egress door ideas - —— next topic ——
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2nd:Come Up With a Good Plan:
Of course, you shouldn’t just start working on your basement remodeling project without having a good plan. You should think about how much you want to spend, how you want the apartment to be set up, what types of amenities you want it to have, and more.
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- A professional can help you draw up a nice floor plan for the basement apartment. Then, your building contractor can use that plan and have a successful project.
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What Might Be Needed:
To get the maximum rental price for your area, you will need to make the basement apartment appealing with the addition of all the amenities of valued living. Incorporate some of the following ideas in your plan:
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Kitchen Area:
You need to supply a kitchen with a cooking area that houses the basic appliances such as a refrigerator, stove/oven, and micro-wave. The kitchen should also have a sink and faucet for cleaning that may or maynot come with a dishwasher.
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Bedroom:
Closed off area for a bedroom and closet. It could be an empty room with the tenant supplying the bedroom furniture. Or you can provide some basic needs such as the bed frame, mattress, and furniture.
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Bathroom:
The bathroom will come with a sink and toilet. A shower stall is sufficient for most tenant needs. The sink should be atop a cabinet for storage use.
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Living Area:
Could be a small area off the kitchen with room for a sofa and media table. In fact, you could make this a large open room area with kitchen, living, and bedroom all together. The only walled-in portion would be the bathroom.
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Spec Planning:
To plan exactly what you might need for the basement apartment, based on a defined budget, will require the use of specs for key areas of your basement. Reviewing and planning the specs will help you formulate the plan with an architect, who will take the specifications and develop a blueprint that a contractor can follow.Note below the key specs needed for your apartment plan:
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Hire a Remodeling Company:
Even though you might be able to handle some of your basement remodeling project yourself, you’re probably going to need some professional help with it.
You’ll probably find it’s best for you to hire a company like Cardinal Remodeling & Design, LLC to help you with your project. Then, you can make sure that the apartment turns out like you want it to.
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It’s not only important to find the right contractor for the job, but also to learn how to negotiate, work-with, and manage the project to make sure all specs are met within budget.
And don’t forget to have the work inspected to make sure everything is up to code and completed as specified.
Find Particular Needs and Contractors - —— next topic ——
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3rd:Make Sure Everything is Done Legally:
Of course, you don’t want to face any type of legal problems when you’re remodeling your basement to turn it into an apartment. Instead, you will want to make sure that everything is done legally.
- This means you should make sure the proper permits are in place before remodeling begins, and you should make sure that the apartment is built up to code.
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- Another consideration is neighborhood bylaws if you live within a community association. Some associations may require permission before you can make any structural changes to the home.
- For example, adding an egress door entrance is structural change that may require approval from the association. It is best to check the bylaws on what is allowed and the procedures needed to get a variance to the property before starting the project.
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Enjoying the Process:
Remodeling can be a fun experience! When you have a guided plan, with professional help, it can be exciting to see a space transform. Allow yourself to dream up décor, furnishings, and how you’ll use the apartment.
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This can help you push through to completion if things get complicated. Turning a basement into a living space is an amazing process to witness—enjoy it!
And if you decide not to rent it, it can be used as a guest house and/or AirBnB. A complete living area in the basement that will add value to the home.
view post: (new win) 12 Inspiring Basement Conversion Design Ideas
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Conclusion
Turning your basement into an apartment can provide several benefits. You can use it as an additional source of income by renting out the space. On the flip side, you can use this apartment to house guests and family members.
- Overall, this space will be so useful to you and others after the renovation is complete. You can be sure that everything will run smoothly and that you’re fully happy with the results if you follow these tips.
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