Category Archives: Basement Finishing

Unique System For Basement Finishing

There is this very interesting niche for basement finishing and remodeling projects that Owner Assist Remodeling is filling it in the Denver are.

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In between the do it yourself home owner who wants to do all of the work in a remodel or basement finish and the the Home Owner who wants a contractor to do everything is the person who would like to “help out” in the areas they feel comfortable doing.  Things as simple as being available for inspections with the building department to doing some of the finishing items, like painting can save a home owner significant money.

Owners Assist has developed a unique system that allows the home owner to have a licensed general contractor complete the basement or remodel, while also allowing them to do some of the work, and save the money they would be charged, as well as the mark ups, by a traditional basement finishing company.  It’s the best of both worlds.

Bill Wegner,  the owner of Owner Assist Remodeling says by using this system for your basement finishing, home remodeling, or kitchen remodel,  you can save 5% to 20% depending on the project, and how much you want to do.

You can read more about it on his site at http://www.ownerassistremodeling.com

You can contact them at:

Owner Assist Remodeling LLC
8897 Ute Drive
Golden, CO 80403
(303) 552-1603

Service areas for Owner Assist Remodeling:

Aravda, Westminster, Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge.

 

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Finishing Basements in Older Denver Homes

When you are thinking of finishing a basement in an older home you may want to skip many of the bigger basement finishing firms. They have a tendency to work primarily in the new home communities where about 80% of basement finishing happens in Denver.

So instead of wasting time on the standard Internet searches, there is a company who works on many basements in Denver, and primarily on the older homes.

Go look at the Denver basement finishing on the Blue SkyeBasements and remodeling

Below you will also find a transcript of an interview with the owner about finishing basements in older homes you may find interesting:

 

n an older home there is just more to do when you finish your basement, such as foundation problems, low ceilings, wiring issues that need to be brought up to code, egress windows need to be installed, lead paint and other inspections.
Surprises in the pricing differences between an older home and a newer home. The cost of finishing a basement in an older home will run up to 30% higher than one in a home built in the last 20-30 years.
Does it financially make sense to finish a basement in an older home, or should you consider a home addition to meet your remodeling goals. The cost of finishing a basement runs $50. a square foot, where the cost of a home addition or pop top can be $200.00 a square foot.
Insulation in older basement spaces needs special consideration. These basements where not built to use as living space, so spray in insulation is a better choice.
Common structural issues are discussed, and the fact that most sound more serious than they are.
It’s typical to need to replace most of the plumbing you see in an older basement. Cracked sewer pipes are not unusually, and may need to be replaced .
Electric may need to be upgraded if you are adding a certain amount of load. This is true in older homes as well as new. There are some new building codes that may increase the cost.
Lead and asbestos tests must be completed in all older homes. If the basement hasn’t been finished there is less chance of finding issues. If there has been any painting prior to the 1980’s there is a good chance you will find lead paint.
David’s father was a home builder and David has been in construction from custom home building to his current company. L & D Construction, where he specializes in residential construction, basement finishing in older Denver homes, as well as major remodeling.

Basement Finishing in 5 weeks? Great Marketing!

When it comes to marketing a company you have to start with your message. A great message is going to get your prospects attention and therefore needs to be a key point in why they are looking for your service.

Over the last few years we have been watching ElkStonebasements.com  do an amazing job of capturing the attention of prospective basement finishing clients through their very unique 5 week finishing process. Home owners thinking about building out a basement in Denver always want to know how long it will take, and for a typical basement (say 1000 square feet, with a living area, bathroom, Bedroom and one other room)  contractors will quote any where from 8 weeks (fast)  to 14 weeks(Slow, need we say).

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So when ElkStone developed system to build out a complete basement in 5 weeks, they became a very popular basement finishing choice. Add some great references and you have the start of a dominating campaign.

They promote iit on their site, and then use a very aggressive Pay per Click campaign on Google. It’s hard to search for Basement Finishing in the Denver metro area with out seeing ElkStone in the top results. They also combine a string Internet Visibility package to round out the marketing strategy.

I can not tell you how many basements they build, but as a subscriber to the construction Monitor, which shows all of the Denver area construction permits, they are one of the top if not top basement finishing companies. . So how can you duplicate this success for your business?

Ask your self what are the top three questions and concerns a prospect has about your type service.  Take one of those that you can absolutely dazzle them in, and own that topic.  It can have to do with speed of completion (we live in a I want it now society)  It can have to do with communication, or payments and pricing.

What ever marketing message you develop, it will need to be built into your product delivery.  Taking what you do now, and making it sound better, is not much of a tactic.

Basement Finishing Cost

Interesting information from A local basement finishing firm on the costs.

 

You have probably heard a few rules of thumb describing basement-finishing costs as a function of square footage “your basement should cost between X and X dollars per square foot” …but how would they know?

A professional estimator will be able to give you a range based on the initial interview by asking more detailed questions on how you want to finish your new space.

For starters, there are basically 2 elements to the construction: rough and finish. There may be a few items that change the cost before construction can even begin.

 

Learn about what is offered in our rough in services.

There are also 3 levels of finishing based on your budget and needs.

Rough In Cost Considerations
  • Plumbing Rough-in location. Will it be moved? Does it exist?
  • Mechanical System
  • Electrical Service. Is it adequate for your design or will it need to be expanded?
  • Floor Type. Wood sub floor or cement?
  • Egress Window(s). Will you need to expand windows?
  • Framing is 16″ on Center
  • Exterior Work.

 

 

Level 1 Basement Finish- Basic Professional Finish

  • Typical Drywall Finish, Including Ceiling
  • Paint Grade Base Trim and Casing
  • Economy Carpet and Vinyl Flooring
  • Simple Lighting and Plumbing Package
  • Stock Base Cabinets in Bath
  • Stock Laminate or Solid Countertops
  • Standard Shower / Tub Kits
  • Free Design Service

 

Level 2 Basement Finish (higher cost)

  • Typical Drywall Finish, Tray Ceilings, Feature Like Arc Niches, Arches
  • Paint Grade Base Trim and Casing, Basic Wood Molding (Stain Grade)
  • Addition of Crown or Chair Rails
  • Solid Core Doors, Paint and Stain Grade, French Doors
  • Upgrade Carpet and Vinyl Flooring, and Ceramic or Some Stone Tile
  • Upgraded Lighting and Plumbing Package
  • Stock or Semi-custom Base Cabinets in Bath
  • Stock Countertops, and Some Tile and Solid Surface Materials
  • Simple Wet Bar or Fireplace Features
  • Tiled Shower/Tub Surroundings, Acrylic Base or Custom Pan
  • Interior Design Consultation

 

Level 3 Basement Finish (More Cost)

  • Hand Troweled Drywall Finish, Tray Ceilings, Special Features
  • Stain Grade Base Trim & Casting, Stacked Crown & Multiple Moldings, Elaborate Details
  • Solid Core Stain Grade Doors, Hardwoods, French and Arched Doors
  • High End Carpet, and Flooring Materials (ex. Wood, Engineered Wood)
  • Radiant Flooring
  • Specialty Lighting and Plumbing Package
  • Semi Custom Base Cabinets in Bath/Bar
  • Solid Surface or Exotic Materials (Stainless Steel, Concrete, ect.)
  • Built-in or Custom Cabinetry/Woodwork
  • Fireplace Built-in/Mantles/Surrounds
  • Steam Enclosures
  • Interior Design Consultation

 

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