Shifting your basement into an apartment can increase your home value, since it’s going to probably involve adding a toilet and enhancing the living area. Additionally, a basement flat can be a good source of additional income if you decide to lease it out to tenants. Allow plenty of time to plan your basement conversion, since there may be zoning legislation, and local building and fire codes which need to be dealt with. Enlist the support of a trusted licensed general contractor to make sure to have taken care of all safety issues and also provided a quality living space for your loved ones or potential tenants.
Evaluate your budget thoroughly to determine how much you are able to cover your basement conversion. Meet with a remodeling adviser to discuss your projected budget and determine any additional costs you may need to consider.
Inspect your basement to determine whether you want to employ expert help. If your basement is already completed and has been assembled based on the local building code for living area, you may not need to spend money on professional help. However, if your basement has low ceilings, moisture or mold stains on the walls, cracks in the ground or base, or lacks an emergency exit or windows, you should hire a contractor to construct your basement flat to code.
Obtain referrals for a contractor. Ask friends and reliable family, as well as property agents and consultants. Confirm that all contractors you believe are licensed by visiting the California Contractors State License Board’s online database of licensed contractors.
Visit with your local building department to pick up all the documentation you will need for your building permit. You can also enroll at the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection’s site to obtain a building permit online.
Start the construction phase of your basement conversion. If you are working with a contractor, the first measures will probably be to resolve any structural issues, for example foundation weakness, ventilation and humidity regulation, and also any mould issues. You will also need to ensure that electrical wiring and plumbing systems are in working order, which might also require the support of a professional. Install any exits or windows which are needed for fire codes, and make confident all smoke detectors are in working order. Finish the job. Once you’ve completed the basic structural renovations, you can move to easier jobs, which might not need expert help.
Continue the conversion with easier jobs which can be carried out by yourself, if wanted. Vinyl floors for maximum moisture protection. Vinyl is easy to install and maintain. It’s also very affordable. Paint the walls and perform a thorough cleaning of the room. Use neutral colours if you are renting out the flat to make it attractive to a variety of potential tenants. Replace any faulty light bulbs and perform a thorough review of the distance before you rent it out. You might even try out living inside for a few days to make certain that you haven’t missed some details. If the renovations are complete, add furnishings and decorations as desired.