Basement Finishing

Finishing your own basement in Kansas City

2011-09-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

As a Remodeling contractor in Kansas City, KCHC has put together a detailed Remodeling Directory that may assist with homeowners and contractors looking to remodel their home. In many cases we find that homeowners choose to take on certain projects without the help of a general contractor. One common project is finishing your basement. If you choose to take on this projects by yourself it is important to get licensed subs to help with some of the more important phases of the project.

One of the most important areas to get help is from a plumbing contractor. I simple mistake such as forgetting a stud guard can cost you thousands of dollars, months down the road. A licensed plumber may not be needed for some of the finish items such as installing your fixtures but they can really help out during the rough in portion of any plumbing project.

Another area in which professional help can really pay off is on all of your electrical work. In most cases an electrician will be willing to come in a work for an hourly rate. In my experience, most electrical contractors are surprisingly reasonable with their pricing.

The drywall is another area that it really pays to have an expert. If you have not done drywall professionally, you will not be able to achieve the same type of results that a drywall contractor will produce. This will be the first thing that stands out to your wife, friends, and anybody else you show your basement off to.

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Proper Drainage in Key to a healthy basement

2011-06-30T06:25:00.000-07:00

Deciding to finish a basement should be carefully considered before making a major investment. One of the things we steer clear from is older homes. Waterproofing techniques have been improved over the last 25 years. A proper seal on the outside of your foundation wall is essential in keeping your basement dry. Another reason we like to work in newer homes, is because most homes with full basements have sump pumps installed. You can add a sump pump to an older home, but it's much more involved than cutting in a well and hooking up a pump. You need a drain tile that runs around the entire inside perimeter of the foundation wall. Another important factor than cannot be overlooked when finishing your basement is the exterior drainage. If you do not have a noticable slope away from your house, you may need to consider some type of drainage system. It is not uncommon for gutters to feed into 4" drain pipe until it is a safe distance from the house. If the grade is really bad, a french drain or some other type of drainage system may need to be installed.

Even if you are not planning to finish you basement, proper drainage will keep your foundation in tack. Water that cannot get away from the house will cause hydrostatic pressure and eventually lead to foundation failure. Check out more of this at our basement waterproofing website.

2011-03-06T16:16:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce that KC Basement Finishing is now licensed as a Master Plumber. With the ability to keep all plumbing is house, we are 100% accountable for one of the most important parts of any basement finish. Without having to hire a Kansas City Plumber, we are able to tighten our deadlines. Please contact us for any basement plumbing needs.

Planning for a Home Theater

2011-02-21T20:40:00.000-08:00

This is a basement finishing project that we completed in Overland Park, Ks. The basement remodel features a home theater that boast a 100" projector screen. Not all basements can handle such a large screen. Low ceiling height and odd shape rooms make some basements a bad fit for such a large screen. This screen need every inch of ceiling height to make room for the cabinets that sit below the projector screen. Check out our method to gain ceiling height when framing a basement.

A built in surround sound system is a great way to enhance your newly finished basement. This basement features a 7.1 Surround sound system. The mid and rear speakers are flush mounted in ceiling speakers that were painted the same color as the ceiling and look nice against knock down texture ceiling. This specific room of the basement has four different lighting zones. All zones are controlled by dimmer switches. The fireplace that we used on this Overland Park basement remodeling project is a ventless unit that makes for an easy installation.

Basement Finishing Shawnee Ks

2011-01-04T19:40:00.002-08:00

With all the new homes in western shawnee there are many unfinished basements. We have finished several basements in this area. Lots of these basements include egress windows our walk out basements. This is required in a basement that includes a bedroom for any project for basement finishing in shawnee ks.

Basement Finishing 66218

This is a picture of some custom trim work in Shawnee Ks.

KC Basement Finishing

http://www.kcbasementfinishing.com

Smart Design for your Basements Floorplan

2010-11-04T18:28:00.000-07:00

The most important piece of advice I could give to anybody planning to design a basement, is to forget about any plumbing that has been previously stubbed out. I referrer to these stacks as suggested locations. 9 times out of 10 we will decide to move the lines by breaking up the floor with the jackhammer. Sure, this is a lot of work and can be quite costly. One tip is to hire a general contractor instead of a plumber. No sense in paying a plumber $110 per hour to move concrete. Many residential building contractors hold master plumbing licenses and would be able to help with the entire project.

KC Basement Finishing 913.432.4340

Overland Park Basement Finishing

2010-07-25T15:26:00.001-07:00

We have recently began doing our own bullnose on our Tile Installations. This has given us much more flexability as seen in the picture below on a Overland Park Bathroom Remodel. The main advantage from this project was on the curb which is shown in the picture. The curb is the part of the shower that the glass door sits on. Typical Bathroom Remodels or Tile installations will have a joint in the middle of the curb. Custom on site bullnose will allow you to eliminate the joint, leaving a much cleaner look.

Overland Park Basement Finish

2010-07-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

Basement Finishing Overland Park

We recently finished a basement in Overland Park. It featured a Radius Maple wet bar with granite counter tops. The bathroom was finished out to be a full walk in enclosure, featuring duel shower heads.

2010-05-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

Basement Wet Bars

2010-03-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

A basement kitchen can be a highly functional part of your home. This is especially true if you have visiting family members, a live in relative, or a kid who just won't leave. By adding both a kitchen and full bathroom to your basement, you are creating an additional living unit that can provide additional income. One of the first steps in designing your kitchen or wet bar is choosing the right appliances. In most cases, people go fot the bigger fridge in order to serve as an overflow for the main unit. There are also smaller units that will fit under a base cabinet. A wine cooler is also a popular feature to add under you base cabinets.

Granite counter tops have become a standard in Johnson County remodeling for both kitchens and wet bars. When properly maintained, granite counter tops should outlast everything else in the kitchen. With today's competitive market, granite prices are as low as $35 per sq ft installed.

Kansas City Basement Finishing Contractor
http://www.kcbasementfinishing.com

Basement Wet Bar

2010-02-25T18:07:00.000-08:00

With so many types of cabinet materials and finishes to choose from, it can be difficult to make the best decision, without seeing a sample before the finished product. This is why many kitchen remodeling company's have showroom's set up for the public to see. A complete showroom will include multiple cabinet materials including cherry, maple, oak, mdf, and particle board. They will also offer an assortment of cabinet hardware as well as a variety granite. Having all these items in one place will allow you to put everything together to invision your new bar area. Many cabinet company's also include 3-D designs that illustrate every detail of your new cabinets.

If you plan on choosing a cabinet company that offers a showroom and 3-D designs, you should expect to spend between $5,000-$20,000 for a completed bar area. As a basement finishing contractor in Kansas City, I have noticed that most residents in Johnson County are not looking to spend that much money on the basement wet bar. An alternative to have KC Basement Finishing design and build custom cabinets specifically designed to fit your basement layout and personal lifestyle. We have built many bars in Kansas City ranging from $2,500-$8,000 which includes your finish and counter tops. For more information contact KC Basement Finishing.

http://www.kcbasementfinishing.com

Why Home Improvement Estimates Vary

2010-01-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

As sure as growth in the family and changes in lifestyle are bound to happen, so is the need for home improvement. Home improvement projects are essential in maintaining comfortable and functional everyday living. Improvements ranging from minor repairs to room additions and remodeling pave your way to increased home value. In order to maximize the return on your investment, do it right the first time. Craftsmanship is key- making the role of your hired contractor crucial.

It is important to allow ample time and effort while locating the right contractor. This will ensure that you find a contractor who will handle your home improvement project in the most time-conscious, quality-oriented and budget-friendly way for you. When looking for the best Kansas City contractor to match with your remodeling or repair needs, one of the most important factors to help in the comparison are the estimates. It pays to know why estimates differ to get the best value for your money.

The most obvious thing that should cause you to become wary about an estimate is either it is impossibly low or unreasonably high. Either way, both cases show unethical practice of profession where the contractor is trying to take advantage of you. If you will be paying too low, then do not expect to have high-grade materials and supplies to be integrated into the project as well as excellent service. And why would you pay for an overpriced service when there are many honest contractors who do a quality job for a fair price?

To understand pricing better, you have to know what contractors use as checklist to establish the overall costs. Here are factors that causes home improvement estimates to differ:

1. Quality Craftsmanship

Why do contractors with more experience, have specializations and hold multi-skills charge higher? The service fee that they charge is partly for the assurance that homeowners will get the quality that they expect and deserve for hiring a reputed contractor like them. Their reputation stems from the long fruitful professional years of hardwork and the lot of satisfied customers to back up their worth. With these, homeowners will gain confidence that their project is in good hands and will successfully be completed.

2. Scope and Size of the Project

Home improvement estimates also vary depending on the details of the project specification that the homeowners provide. Some of these include the size and type of room, design concept, plumbing and electrical needs, the general layout, flooring requirements, and others. The elements will change based on the type of improvement to be undertaken, how huge the project is, how long to get it finished and what it requires from the contractor.

3. Materials to be Utilized to Complete Home Improvement

Home improvement estimates will also differ on the brand, model, make, quality and efficiency of the materials to be used. You have to keep an eye on the quality of the materials and supplies as these greatly contributes to the overall durability and longevity of the finish.

Hopefully this helps you begin your journey to understanding how to pick the right contractor to complete your home improvement project. For more information please visit our site at: http://www.kcbasementfinishing.com/

Remodeling in Kansas City

2010-01-10T19:21:00.000-08:00

A quality remodeling project will look good for years to come. It is important to establish your long term expectations for your home improvement project.

View remodeling blog at http://blog.kcremodeling.com

Built in Bookshelf

2009-12-24T06:27:00.000-08:00

Here is a custom built in bookshelf that was recently created by KC Basement Finishing. The bookshelf is actually covering up and allowing access to the water main shut-off. This turned out to be a great fit for this Olathe basement finish. This bookshelf features adjustable shelving and custom doors made by Olympic Cabinet. The total cost of this built in is around $1200. It was built using 3/4 Birch Plywood for the main framework and 1x6 Popular for the face. The dimensions are 11' in length and 8' in height. The final step was an oil-based finish. To see more work from KC Basement Finishing visit us online.

Wiring for Technology

2009-12-13T09:21:00.000-08:00

One of the most important things to do when you are finishing your basement is thorough planning. A good contractor can help you with all of this when finishing a basement in Kansas City.

If you plan to incorporate technology in a home office or media room including the following items now will save you from added expenses down the road.

Power Outlets- Most rooms are not designed to sustain the number of devices people use today, so adding a few extra outlets in the right location can make a big difference.
Cable- Determining the location of your TV is one of the first and most important steps when designing a basement. This can be difficult so it may be best to add a cable hook up in more than one location.
Surround Sound- Including surround sound when finishing your basement is a great opportunity to add some features to your basement.
Internet-Usually a good idea to include at least 1 internet connection. Even if your current internet provider allows for wireless use, you may change providers or your provider may change their service.

For more information of Basement Finishing check out out our site http://www.kcbasementfinishing.com

Basement Finish Design

2009-12-04T18:51:00.000-08:00

When finishing your basement the first and most important step is coming out with a good layout for your basement. If you are planning on doing this yourself you will have to be able to visualize your ideas. This is difficult for anyone to do, especially if you do not have experience. Today, many high end basement finishes begin with a 3-D design. This will help you as the homeowner see exactly what your new space will look like when it is finished. Putting a 3-D design together forces the designer to put extra time and thought in creating a unique space. A professionally designed basement will almost always come out better than a hand drawn design. However, it will take more time which will cost more money. In most cases it is worth the added expense and will pay for itself with an increase to your home's value.

http://www.kcbasementfinishing.com

Stadium-Style Seating

2009-11-24T06:54:00.000-08:00

Want your finished basement to be the envy of all your friends? The place where everyone wants to be on gameday. Consider upgrading your media room by using a stadium style seating. This type of seating won't work in every basement. If the ceiling is too low you will not have a comfortable amount of head room. The basement ceiling should be at least 9' tall to make this design idea work.

If you have the ceiling height you're halfway there. A box constructed out of 2x4, 4x4, and 1/2" plywood can be built for as little as $500, and that includes your material.

In many cases it is not possible to bring a large couch down the steps into the basement. With individual seating you will be able to provide seating for a larger group, using a smaller amount of space.

http://www.kcbasementfinishing.com

Estimates and Contracts

2009-11-18T20:31:00.000-08:00

When getting your bids ask for the estimate to be itemized by the trade. This will help you compare the estimates evenly. If one company is higher for a specific area, ask them why.
Also make sure to ask how long the project will take. If a project is executed quickly it may be worth paying a little extra. Here are a few things to look for in a contract.

Certificate of Insurance
Calender Date
Timeline
Payment Schedule
Warranty or Guarantee

If you follow these steps it will make your basement finish a better experience. There are other things you should consider when preparing a budget. Almost all remodeling projects go over the original estimate. This is due to changes or additions that are typically requested by the homeowner. Find exactly what you want your project to end up looking like. This can reduce changes that are often made at the last minute. Click here to view images of finished basements.

Please visit our main site http://www.kcbasementfinishing.com

Basement Finish Length

2009-11-11T05:12:00.000-08:00

One of the most popular questions I receive is "How long does it take to finish my basement"? There are many different responses to this question. I have done a simple basement finish in 700 sq ft basement without paint in 2 weeks. This is working with a two man crew around the days, nights, and weekends. You really have to fly to get it done this quickly. An average basement with a few more rooms, trim upgrades, and paint usually takes about a month. If you get into a high end basement finish with tile, bathroom, shower, wet bar, media center, built in bookshelf, stairway, and stain work. Expect to spend at least 6 weeks.

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Basement Bathrooms

2009-11-06T16:04:00.000-08:00

Adding a bathroom to your basement can be done, but you must tie into an existing drain line. If locate your drain line, try to keep your new bathroom close. This will require less concrete to be broken up, saving you money. You can expect to pay anywhere from $800-$1500 to have a contractor install new drain lines. If you do not want to spend the money, you can elevate your new bathroom. This may not be an option if your basement ceiling is not high enough. Another option is to put in an up-flush toilet. These are inexpensive and easy to install.

Basement Ceiling ideas and design

2009-11-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

Your basement ceiling will require creative thinking due to the duct work that runs through most basements. Other elements such as gas lines, water lines, cables, and wire can typically be moved. For these areas a soffit is created. It is important to leave as much head height as possible; without compromising the integrity of the structure.

A low cost way to finish a basement ceiling is to install a drop or suspended ceiling. A drop ceiling is not considered to be a modern way of finishing a basement ceiling. However, many people like the fact that it leaves the ceiling access able. A drywall ceiling in a basement can often be textured to leave a knock down effect. This is preferred over a popcorn texture. A smooth ceiling is possible, but does not finish well due to the amount of seams in a basement. The knock-down texture is the most common for the kansas city area.

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Design for Storage

2009-10-31T00:42:00.000-07:00

If you are like most people it is hard to find the space to put everything you would like to hold on to. The basement is usually the home to all the unused items that need to be stored. It is easy to forget about these items until you decide you would like to finish your basement. If you plan your basement finish wisely you can create additional living space while creating storage space for all your extra items. Here are a few ideas of how to create extra space in you basement.

There will always be a part of your basement that will be left unfinished. Use this space wisely, by creating as much shelving as possible. In other areas of the basement that are to be finished you should consider built in shelving. This will allow you to customize your own basement to suit your specific needs. Talk to your local contractor to see what options are available for your basement.

KC Basement Finishing Can help with all of your needs please visit us on the web at www.kcbasementfinishing.com

Basement Flooring

2009-10-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

Most basements in Kansas City are going to be made of concrete, unless a wood subfloor has been constructed. Here is an overview of the different options you have when finishing off a basement.

As long as you are sure you don't have any moisture problems, carpet is a good choice. This is the most popular in the johnson county area. Even if you don't have any moisture issues it is a good idea to take a few steps to help fight moisture. Installing a rubber mat instead of foam, is a good idea when finishing your basement floor. You can also coat the concrete with urethane concrete sealer or concrete paint.

If moisture is a concern, Tile may be a better option. The only drawback to tile in a basement is a cold floor for the winter. Tile in a basement makes a great runner leading into the family room. If you are installing tile in another area at the same time, it is usually an inexpensive way to upgrade your basement.

Basement Finishing

2009-10-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

If you are planning to finish your basement in the near future, consider the addition of an egress window. It can add value to your home by creating more light and a safer finished basement. The cost of an egress window can vary, in the kansas city area you can expect to pay around $4000 for an egress. If you are planning to finish your basement you should try to include this in your budget. As a contractor I have noticed that the main reason people decide to have an egress window installed is due to local code that is required when finishing your basement. Once the window is installed, people are suprised how much light is let in through the basement. This is especially noticable when the window is close to or above grade.