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Which Renovations Add The Most Value?

Whether you bought a fixer upper, looking to start flipping homes, or are just interested in updating your home, then this article will help you navigate which projects will give you the best return on your investment. Ever since COVID hit, more and more homeowners have been taking on projects left and right. Home Depot and Lowes have been busting at the seams, even though we have a would crisis on our hands. But before you run out and start taking down walls or remodeling bathrooms, here are the top 6 home renovations that add the most value according to Bankrate.com

Manufactured stone veneer

Stone Veneer will cost you between $8-$10,000, but return you 96% of the costs. This increases the value of your home by 2-3% depending on where you’re located. Replacing vinyl siding with stone veneer on part of your home, such as an entryway or the whole front of your house, is a big curb-appeal upgrade. The average cost estimate is based on factors such as installing 36 linear feet of sills, 40 linear feet of corners and one address block, and materials including two separate layers of a water-resistant barrier and corrosion-resistant lath and fasteners. This cosmetic improvement and accent design element is likely to catch the eye of a potential buyer

Garage Door Replacement

Replacing your garage door or doors will cost you anywhere from $3,500-$7,000 with an average return of %95. A good-looking garage door is high on the list when it comes to getting cash back on your investment. The estimate for this job is based on the cost of removing and disposing of an existing 16-by-seven-foot garage door(s) and replacing it with a new four-section garage door with heavy-duty galvanized steel tracks, and assumes you’re reusing the motorized garage door opener. When people drive up the block and see your stone veneer and new garage doors, you can bet it will draw massive attention.

Kitchen Remodel

Remodeling your kitchen is one of the most common remodels, creating a ton of value, and I don’t just mean monetary. Yes, you will spend on average $20-$25,000 to accomplish this, however, almost 80% of that will be returned to your pockets and sometimes more. It can boost your enjoyment of everyday activities like cooking, entertaining friends and sharing meals with your family.
Potential buyers also see the intrinsic value of this kind of upgrade. In a remodeling project of this kind, you might replace appliances with new, more energy-efficient models; reface cabinets with new shaker-style wood panels; install new countertops and a new sink and faucet; replace hardware; add new flooring and repaint the walls.

Siding replacement (fiber-cement/Vinyl)

Complementary to adding stone veneer, replacing old, dilapidated siding with fiber-cement or vinyl, can make the rest of your house pop. Your average cost will run you $17,000 for fiber-cement, and $14,500 for vinyl, and return you 75-78%. Most of all, your house won’t be the eyesore of the block going further. This cost is based on 1250sqft of home exterior.

Window replacement (vinyl)

While old wood windows give you nostalgia, they are not efficient this day in age. Window replacement is a job a homeowner can do with a few tools and some time on the weekend. If you’re hiring a contractor you’re looking to spend between $16,000 and $18,000 for an average size house. You could recoup around 72 percent of the cost to replace your current windows if you install low-E, simulated-divided-light vinyl windows that feature a custom-color exterior finish. (Low-E means low emissivity, an energy saver.) You’ll want to ensure that the trim exterior matches existing ones, and the interior trim is left untouched.

Outdoor Structures

Outdoor structures such as: decks, fire pits, and pools can bring a lot of extra enjoyment and usable entertaining space to your home. Depending on how much upkeep these projects will cost you will determine the return on your investment. New home buyers are always looking for outdoor activities when buying a home.

Fences: A new fence will add more privacy and keep kids and pets safe. It will increase your curb appeal and provide stability.

Deck: Decks are not cheap investments, but will eventually pay off. It will make a home buyer feel like they have more usable space, especially if they have a big family. Depending on the material, size, and scope of the project, you can see upwards of an 80% of the price of the deck reflected in the new value of the home.

Fire Pit: Fire pits are a nice, cozy way to increase the usability of your yard in the cooler months. It allows friends and family a place to tell stories and share memories as well as create new ones. This will add real value for potential buyers.

Swimming Pool: While pools are great for enjoying the weather and hosting parties, you won’t see a monetary return on your pool investment once you factor in all the extra costs to maintain it. If you’re thinking of adding a pool for a return on investment, then think again. Install the pool if you’re planning on putting down roots in the home. This will last for years and provide a backyard osais.
Bathroom remodel

Like kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations are one of the most popular home improvement projects by homeowners today. You can expect to recover 75% of your investment in exchange for $2,500-$10,000 depending on full or half baths. Replacing an outdated vanity, old plumbing, lighting fixtures, a new tile floor, and some paint or wallpaper, will guarantee a lot of bang for your buck and give your bath an updated, modern look.
If you are considering a full bathroom remodel, you will be looking at changing the flooring, the vanity, shower, tub and toilet. Make energy efficient updates, as they will be good for your home’s resale value.
Using KERDI-BOARD is brilliant because it creates a continuous line of moisture resistance, helping prevent mould issues. Adding a high quality, uncoupling and waterproof system below your tiles is also an absolute must if you want your renovation to last. If you want to go above and beyond, adding a heated floor is an especially nice selling point.

There are a lot more renovations that can add value, however, these are the top 8 of 2021 according to Bankrate and DIY network. In our experience at Temprano Construction, these are the projects that most homeowners want to complete. If you’re flipping a home, I would focus on bathrooms, kitchens, painting, and flooring. You can also check out my article on house flipping for more details.

framing

What Projects Require a Permit?

Whenever a remodel for a kitchen, bathroom, basement, addition, or any other home project is undertaken in New Jersey, or any other state for that matter, permits usually must be filed with the local municipality or town hall. Permits fall under 3 main categories, Building, Electrical and Plumbing.

Before any work begins, an application for each trade must be submitted to the building department by a licensed contractor or the home owner if your DIY. Most building departments require plans indicating the work that is to be done. Each municipality charges a fee depending on the scope of work you’re looking to have done. A bathroom, for example, usually ranges from about $200 to $400, and $300 to $500 for a kitchen. Your local building department may take up to 4 weeks to issue permits, and perhaps longer due to our current situation with COVID. Please keep this in mind when planning out a project with your contractor.

Once the permits are issued work may commence.

There are two inspections with every project, a Rough Inspection and a Final Inspection. During the Rough Inspection, the inspectors from each trade will come to your house to examine the structural, electrical and plumbing work that has been completed within the open walls. They confirm that the work performed is safe and code compliant. If for some reason the rough work is not up to code, this will pro-long project as the trades must come back and fix the issue. Once things are resolved, and approved, the walls can be enclosed. The Rough Inspection is a critical step.

Final Inspection

This is called for when the work is complete. Each inspector will come again to do a “walk through” and examine the finished remodel. Once this is complete, your obligation to the municipality is complete.

At Temprano Construction, we take care of the entire permit process. Your only responsibility is the cost of the permits. This assures you that your project is done legally, is code compliant and performed by a licensed contractor.

 

 

Which projects don’t require a permit?

Not all projects need a permit. As stated above things like structural or moving of plumbing and electrical will need a permit. Here is a list of non-permit/cosmetic projects
1. Changing of a vanity, cabinets or countertops
2. Painting, spackling, staining, or pressure washing
3. Replacing an existing window or door
4. Changing a sink, faucet or toilet
5. Changing and outlet, switch or light fixtures
6. Ripping up carpet, changing a floor or tiling

Obtaining permits can be a tedious task, and a lot of people tend to ignore this step. If your about to take on a project and your unsure if you need a permit, call your local building department. Explain the project and they will advise you moving forward. The last thing you want is a project that was never permitted.

blog3

Rehabilitation, Renovation, Rehab, which is right for me?


When beginning a project in your home, one of the first questions you may ask yourself is what am I trying achieve? What design, or color scheme am I going for? Do I like modern, contemporary, rustic, traditional, or a combination? The good news is, you probably already have a style in mind. However, did you know there is a big difference between a rehab, renovation, and a remodel? Most people use these terms incorrectly, so I decided write this article to explain the differences.

Rehabilitation

When I hear the word rehabilitation I think of the Rehab Addict on TV. Nicole Curtis is a great contractor and she really does a beautiful job in preserving the original features of the home. Rehabilitation is making an old house compatible for modern use (through repair and updates) while staying sympathetic to the features that show the historical, cultural, or architectural values.
In other words, the house looks “old” but has modern functionality.

Examples of rehabilitation include:
Updating the bathroom’s plumbing to today’s standard code but leaving the clawfoot tub
Installing period-appropriate kitchen cabinets that reflect the home’s Victorian style, plus a new appliances
Sanding down old plank floors and staining to preserve the natural wood
If you own an old house and are making alterations to make it more functional and livable for your modern lifestyle, but are sensitive to the historic features that define the character and history of the house, then you are rehabbing your old house.

 


Renovation

When I think of renovation, I think of ripping out the old and replacing with new updated features. Renovation literally means “to make new or improve”. Renovation is renewing a building by fixing what already exists and often adding new pieces. It’s when a homeowner repairs or improves a portion of a house but doesn’t change the use of the room.
This term has focus on removing outdated building components and replacing with new elements. From a simple perspective, it’s the opposite of restoration. Renovation is moving forward and modernizing, while restoration is going back in time.

Examples of renovation include:
Updating an out-of-date kitchen with new cabinets and fixtures
Replacing old windows with new
Replacing an old bathroom with new tile, vanity, and shower doors
If you are looking to make updates and transform your old house into a more modern style, then you are undergoing a renovation. Preservationists and old house purists are not huge fans of this type of work, since renovation usually entails removing the original charm and character of the old house.

Remodel

When I hear someone wants to remodel their home, this usually means they want to change they layout of the existing home. This could mean a several things. Remodeling means to convert the structure or form of a building. If you remodel a room or part of your home, you are changing its use.
Remember that the last term “renovate” does not include changing the use of the room, while “remodel” does. Renovate also tends to suggest repair, remodeling doesn’t have that same focus. Remodeling is gutting the old and reconfiguring to make way for the new.
Examples of remodeling include:
Finishing a basement for a family room or converting the attic into a bedroom
Expanding the square footage of a building
Gutting, removing, or adding walls (example, removing walls and combining a kitchen and living room for an open plan)
Raising ceilings
Adding central air conditioning
Choosing the right path for your project can be confusing. After reading this article, my hopes are you have a better understanding of the common remodeling terms, and how you want to design your home. This will also give you contractor a better understating of your style. Whether you decide to remodel, renovate, or rehab, Temprano Construction can help with your needs.

painting-contractor

Painting, Can it really Increase the Value of my Home

Spring is here, and most homeowners begin to start those projects they could not complete in the winter. Some homeowners decide to renovate a part of their house. The reason this season is so popular amongst contractors and do it yourselfers is tax season. Most homeowners will receive a tax return and will decide to put that money to good use by remodeling and increasing the value of the home.

Most homeowners will decide on remodeling a bathroom or a kitchen, or maybe even finishing a basement to add a play room, or man cave. But if your one of those frugal shoppers and don’t want to break the bank on an expensive remodel, painting your home may be the next best thing.
According to opendoor.com, “painting the exterior of your home will result in a 55% ROI while painting the interior will result in a 107% ROI.” Painting your home can be done by a professional or you can take the project on yourself saving you money while still increasing the value.

 


Size Matters

Depending on the size of your home and the color you want to paint it, the cost will roughly be $.50-$3.50/square foot to pain the exterior of your home. Color comes into play if you have a white or light color house and want to cover with a dark color. This will require priming and 2 coats of paint to allow for complete coverage.
The interior of your home will depend on how many rooms you have. Painters usually charge $350-$850 per room, depending on the size. For example, at Temprano Construction, a 12X12 room will cost about $550. This includes painting the ceiling, walls, trim, closet, and patching any small holes from picture frames. This also includes the cost of the paint, brushes, paint sticks, and rollers.
Painting your home prior to selling is a great way to add value. You want to choose light and neutral colors. Some of the best colors are: gray, white, off white, beige, cream or tan. Remember, your just giving the home a fresh look. Whether you’re selling your home, just purchase your home, or looking for that fresh color, give Temprano Construction a call. We can make it right.

kitchen cabinet remodeling

How to choose the best floor for your rental property

As a contractor, I often get asked from clients, what floor is the most durable?

My response to them varies just like property types vary. For instance, is your property an A, B, C, or D class? What type of renter are you trying to attract from an income standpoint? These questions matter because people are different and they will treat your property differently from you or another tenant. Even as a residential property I would advise clients in the same way. Do you have dogs, kids, or a large family?

The goal of your investment property is to make money, while minimizing expenses. Replacing a floor everytime a tenant leaves will add up quickly and eat into your profits. The cost of new flooring has to be justified. You will want to find flooring that meets a handful of criteria and brings your property some return on investment. Here are the factors you should consider as you choose new flooring for your rental property.

Affordable Flooring

The cost of flooring depends on three factors: the cost of material, the cost of installation labor, and the cost of routine maintenance.
Like most products, there are high-end versions of each type of flooring and their more affordable counterparts. The flooring I suggest below is usually the most affordable flooring on the market
Tile- porcelain or ceramic
Carpet- thin knap, nothing plush
Cork
Floating wood tiles
Vinyl sheets
Vinyl tiles
Laminate
Linoleum
Low-Maintenance Flooring

Low-maintenance flooring allows you to avoid regular maintenance, like waxing, oiling, or buffing. This is conducive for a rental property since tenants likely won’t be conducting regular maintenance on the floors.
Maintenance on floors usually requires all furniture be removed from the area. It is highly unlikely you would be doing any flooring maintenance while tenants are occupying the unit. Ideally, you want floors that are low-maintenance to eliminate the expense and headache of maintenance itself. For this reason, I suggest the following floors:
Carpet
Engineered hardwood
Cork
Floating wood tiles
Vinyl sheets
Vinyl tiles
Laminate
Linoleum
Flooring That’s Easy to Fix

Floors that are easy to fix without having to replace the whole thing saves time and money. Lets face it, tenants are not always aware of their surroundings and don’t have the same pride as owning their own home. Being able to replace a panel or two makes life easier.
Maintainability is also based on how easy it is to clean the floors. Being able to easily remove stains and marks from flooring is essential for a rental property, particularly if you rent to families with younger children or college students. Here are flooring options that are the easiest to maintain:
Floating wood tiles
Vinyl sheets
Vinyl tiles
Laminate
Linoleum
Durable Flooring

Durable flooring lasts longer under high traffic circumstances. It has the ability to withstand frequent moves with furniture coming and going. Floors that are not durable are not a good option for rental properties, which is why we recommend the following durable flooring options:
Vinyl sheets
Vinyl tiles
Laminate
Linoleum
Flooring That’s Aesthetically Pleasing

You want attractive flooring to draw in certain tenants and more easily rent your unit. I recommend having continuous flooring throughout your unit, with the exception of bathrooms. For bathrooms I recommend tile and cement board subfloor for protection against water and moisture. Uniform flooring throughout helps your unit look bigger and more modern.
Keep in mind that tenants will pay a higher rent price to live in a nice, modern unit. After updating your floors, you should increase rent to reflect the updated value of your units.
We recommend the following aesthetic flooring options:
Vinyl tiles
Laminate
Linoleum
Hardwood
Flooring With Easy Installation

Floors that easily install are dependent on two factors: how easy the installation process is and how easy it is to find a supplier. The less time it takes to install, the lower chance of vacancy. And the less time you spend finding a supplier, the more time you have for other important landlord tasks.
Keep in mind that while stone, tile, and hardwood floors are visually appealing, they are also usually the most difficult to install and most time consuming to install.

Our Recommendations for Rental Property Flooring

Each landlord should choose the flooring that makes the most sense for their rental property.
Here are some additional factors to consider:
The value of your property: Higher-end rentals attract tenants who expect nice flooring. You’ll likely need hardwood or other luxurious, durable floors.
Location of the property: For areas that are hot and humid year-round, tile is better than hardwood floors or carpet. Tile keeps the unit cooler and is low-maintenance.
Pet-friendly rentals: Floors like Vinyl, laminate, or tile are the best flooring options for pets
Current Market: What is the income range in the area of the rental
Class of the Property: A,B,C, or D
Your decision will also be based on whether you want to put in a larger initial investment or would prefer to update your flooring in the short-term. Durability and affordability often contradict, meaning if you want your floors to last a long time, you’ll likely need to pay more up front. If this is a value add property, I would install floors that will attract the type of tenants you desire as well as the class of property you are shooting for.
Based on our recommendations above, the following floors make the most sense in a rental property:

Vinyl Tiles

Vinyl tiles can look like tile, wood, or stone. They’re highly water and scratch resistant so you don’t have to worry about spills or minor damage. In the event of a major problem, vinyl tiles are easily replaceable. Because they snap together and “float”, the piece that is damaged can be replaced with ease. They are flexible and can cover most surfaces with little or no prep, which makes installation a breeze. Vinyl tiles are also low-maintenance and affordable.

Laminate

Laminate is another affordable option, and it’s easy and quick to install. We recommend having a tough finishing layer for your laminate flooring to protect the floor from fading, stains, and wear-and-tear. With the tough layer, the floor will be durable and easier to maintain, even in units with pets and young families. Laminate floors are a great hardwood alternative for budget-conscious landlords who want the appeal of wood floors.

Linoleum

Linoleum is affordable, easy to maintain, and can last up to 40 years. Linoleum comes in many patterns and can look like hardwoods or tile.

Hardwood

Hardwood floors are a more luxurious form of flooring. Hardwood also requires more maintenance to stay in good condition, and for this reason, hardwood only makes sense in higher-end rentals. Hardwood is a larger initial investment, but the durability and high-end appeal of hardwood makes it a great option for some rental properties.

When choosing a flooring for your rental, you will have many things to consider. Always plan for the type of tenants you have or will have. If cost is a factor, plan on a decent amount of maintenance. If your main objective is maintenance free, then be prepared to spend the money. For more information or any questions you may have, feel free to reach out to us at Temprano Construction. We have many articles you find interesting.

kitchen remodel with black and blue island

How Much Does It Cost To Remodel A Kitchen

I can’t tell you how many times I get asked the question, “how much does it cost to remodel a kitchen?”

Kitchen remodels are one of the most common upgrades a homeowner can make. Not only have cooking shows on the food network, and blogs like Pinterest inspire more people to cook, but the current pandemic has left parents’ at home to experiment with that new cookbook, or that new recipe. As I look around, more and more clients are asking for kitchen upgrades ranging from granite countertops to Viking stoves, and warming drawers.
Kitchen remodel costs depend heavily on upgrades, size, and depth of renovation. Something that starts out as a small project can easily turn into a much larger project. Here are some statistics from Homeadvisor.

Average kitchen remodel cost: $13,113 – $37,157
Average cost per square foot: $75 – $250
Low and high end remodel range: $4,000 – $60,000
Methodology: HomeAdvisor collected survey responses from 8,106 members who recently completed a kitchen remodel.

Replacing your cabinets and countertops is going to be your biggest expense. Stock cabinets can range from 4,000-5,000 and up, 8,000-10,000 for semi-custom, and 16,000-20,000 for custom cabinets. The price will continue to go up as you customize your cabinets with colors, hardware and style. Kitchens are so expensive due to the finish materials, plumbing, electrical, and large open floor plan that’s involved in the renovation.

Is remodeling my kitchen really worth it?

An average kitchen remodel will pay off more than a high-end renovation. According to remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, a major kitchen remodel costs $68,490 and homeowners recoup $40,127, which is 58.6 percent. Kitchen remodels are a great selling or buying point when purchasing a home as they increase equity, appearance, and the sale price.

 



How can I save on a kitchen remodel?

Some tips for saving on a kitchen remodel include: re-facing or painting existing cabinets, staying with the current layout, using affordable materials for the floor and back splash, doing some of the demolition work yourself, adding new hardware, bundling affordable appliances, and shopping around for cabinets.

Is a Kitchen remodel right for me?

If you’re contemplating remodeling your kitchen, and are unsure if it’s the right move, here are some questions to ask yourself.

1. Is your kitchen 20 years or older?
2. Are you selling your home?
3. Are you buying a home with an outdated kitchen?
4. Is your kitchen functional?
5. Are you satisfied with the size of your kitchen?
6. Are you cabinets outdated and falling apart?
7. Is your family growing and in need of more space?

Kitchen remodeling can be a expensive daunting task, and should not be taken lightly. Your home will be upside down for a few weeks and your will have to figure out how your going to feed yourself and your family. Talk with a few contractors to see if this is the right move. Sometimes, just changing some appliances and painting cabinets can make a world of a difference.

grey and black basement remodel

How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Bathroom

Bathroom remodels may look small an inexpensive, however, the price tag can increase quickly. Most clients I have come across have bathrooms that are 10-30 years old and everything in between. When bathrooms are this outdated, it makes the most sense to completely gut the bathroom and bring everything up to code, otherwise problems can occur.
Your average standard full bathroom remodel can run between $13,000 – $18,000 and $3,000-$5,000 for a half bathroom, depending on size, plumbing fixtures, tile and accessories. This is not including any extras which could include: soaking tubs, heated floors, sauna and more. Below is a breakdown of what exactly goes into remodeling a bathroom with a complete gut.

This average cost includes the following basic items:
Securing permits for building, electrical and plumbing trades
Providing a dumpster for demolition (you would be surprised how much debris is generated from a full demo)
Removing all plumbing and electrical fixtures
Demolishing all walls, floor and sometimes the ceiling
Updating the electrical and plumbing to code
Installing new insulation & walls (Hardiback in the the tub/shower area and Greenboard on the walls)
Installing shower pan and doors
Tiling floor and walls
Installing new plumbing & lighting fixtures, vanity
Installing new accessories (toilet paper holder, towel racks/hooks, etc)
As you can see there are 3 separate trades involved in a complete bathroom remodel/upgrade. Obviously, this is assuming that you are looking to do the work legally with permits and inspections from your town and municipality.

 

 

In today’s economy many people are feeling the financial pressure and are looking to save money wherever they can, and as well they should. A word of advice – if the quote you receive sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Unfortunately, there are many contractors that aren’t honest. You will be presented a low ball price only to find out afterword’s that a change order is needed when the contractor knew of it from the beginning. Keep in mind that change orders are part of the process and sometimes there will be an unforeseen issue.
At Temprano Construction, we build in a 5-10% reserve budget for these unforeseen issues. If all goes smoothly, these funds can be returned to the client or used for high end upgrades.

Some clients try to save money by purchasing the items themselves.
This can be a benefit if you are construction savvy, but also keep in mind that you will spend many hours procuring materials, trying to understand specifications and you will be responsible for any defects and delays.
You should only deal with a contractor who is licensed and insured. Ask for references and testimonials, or better yet, see if the contractor will offer to take you to see his work (of course only after some sort of commitment). Temprano Construction can provide you with a worry free bathroom, or basement remodel, at a fair price and with excellent results.

basement framing

Basements; Creating Functional Freedom

Basement finishing has become quite popular over the past 10-15 years. Families are growing, young adults are staying home longer to afford college debt, and as the baby boomers retire and move into 55+ communities, there is a surplus of unfinished basements. In my previous article, Basement Remodeling 101, I laid out the steps to determine if your basement can be finished. In this article I am going to talk about how to finish a basement and some ideas for your new basement.

According to remodeling magazine, 89% of millennial home owners are more likely to remodel a basement. This is due to younger adults being able to utilize the basement as a living space in lei of buying a larger home. Millennials are not able to afford the price tag of newer built homes and are opting for the “fixer upper” left behind by the baby boomers. Basements can be a great addition to the home if done properly.


The first steps in finishing a basement or any other project is your design. I highly recommend hiring a contractor to complete the job. Depending on your floor plan, basements are usually the same size as the first floor. However, there are a few differences. For instance, you will most likely not have an existing bathroom in your basement. You will also not have a kitchen or any rooms sectioned off. If you do, and it’s out dated, you will want to consider demolition of these areas. Some other things to consider are sectioning off your boiler and water heater, creating an access panel to your electrical panel, adding a full or half bathroom and creating a small enclosed area for you laundry.

Insulation, Do I Need it?

Next, you should consider insulating your basement. Basements are known to be dark, damp, cold areas of the home. If you’re going to finish the basement I recommend insulating all of your walls that come in contact with your foundation walls. This will create a warm dry environment. You will also want to consider insulating your ceiling to silence noise from mechanical equipment and other nuances. To keep your basement dry, consider a dehumidification system. Basements love moister and this can be detrimental to a finished basement. Keeping this space dry will be a key element in the planning process.

What to do With my Basement

The ideas for what your basement can become are endless. Parents may want a play areas for their children and pets. It creates a separate space from the house and can confine the mess at the same time. Maybe you and your significant other are entertainers like myself and my wife. Having a basement with a bar and media room will be a great addition for parties and gatherings. Maybe you have parents or in-laws that need a place to live. You can create a whole apartment for them with an efficiency kitchen so they are separate from your personal space. Another popular option, especially now with COVID and people working from home is a home office space. Imagine a separate office space from your wife or husband and children where you can quietly get work done. The options are endless with the right creativity.

Finally, you will want to consider finishing’s such as flooring, ceiling, and lighting. For your floor I recommend a floating vinyl floor. This will hold up against any dents, scratches and will resist water. It’s affordable and easy to install. The best part, if one piece of flooring gets damaged you can easily replace it. Ceilings, in my opinion, should be a grid/drop ceiling. It looks great when finished, easy to install, and will give anyone access to important things like HVAC ducting, pipes and electrical. Finally, I recommend LED recessed lighting. This is a great look and will provide plenty of light, but save on the pocket.

Finishing your basement is a great option for additional space. There are tons of options out there, and plenty of resources to complete these projects. As I have stated above, I recommend hiring a contractor. You will need a permit for this project and some of these tasks require experts. At Temprano Construction, we specialize in basement finishing and would be delighted to schedule a basement evaluation. Remember, it’s a blank canvas, so think hard about what your goals for this uncharted space will be.

basement office renovation

Basement Remodeling 101

Refinishing a basement can be a costly but profitable expense. According to cost versus value surveys conducted annually by Remodeling magazine, “the average return on investment for a basement project nationally is currently around 75 cents on the dollar.” (Remodelingmagazine.com) The average cost to finish a basement in NJ can be anywhere from $30-$100 per square foot. This depends on the size, finish, and amenities; Bathroom, mudroom, or second Kitchen. For kitchens and bathrooms, check out these articles:


While finishing a basement can be profitable, the question remains, can I finish my basement?

The quickest way to determine if a basement can be finished is the height of the ceiling. Depending on when you home was built, you will either have 7ft, 8ft, or even 9ft ceilings. The International Residential Code (IRC) says a basement living space must have a clear, floor-to-ceiling height of at least 7 feet (6 feet for bathrooms). Local codes for basement finishing may vary, and exceptions are made for the presence of exposed structural beams, girders, or mechanical system components along the ceiling, but only if they’re spaced at least 4 feet apart and extend no more than 6 inches from the ceiling.

In a basement, you have water lines, HVAC duct work, electrical and other nuances that get in the way of your finished ceiling height. Some of these items can be moved, others will require a soffit. For the items that can’t be moved, dropping the ceiling down with a grid system can hide these items and still make them accessible in an emergency. Usually this is about a 2-3 inch drop and sometime more. Having a ceiling height of 7 feet allows ample head room. Having a lower ceiling height does not mean you cannot finish your basement. You may just need to be a little creative to create a design that works best for your specific space

Newer homes are usually built with 9ft ceilings all around giving you a great basement space to work with. 8ft and 7ft ceilings are still a fantastic height to finish a basement. You will be able to finish your ceiling with sheetrock or a drop ceiling and have plenty of head room.

 

Once you have determined you can finish your basement based on the height, you will want to focus your attention on any signs of water or moister. Basements are known to be cold dark damp places. They were not meant to be finished and used as a play room or a man cave. Check the walls for signs of water marks or rust. If you have lived in the home for a few years, think back and try to remember if you ever got water seepage during a big rain storm. If this is the case, you will want to solve this problem before finishing your basement. Talk with a contractor, and have them test for moister levels and cracks in the foundation. One solution may be to fix your down spouts to direct water away from the foundation. Another solution, which is more expensive, an excavator may need to be called in and your exterior foundation may need to be sealed in certain places.

Waterproofing Your Basement

Another option is a French Drain or sump pump. A French drain (also called a weeping tile, drain tile, perimeter drain or sub-surface drain) is a common basement waterproofing solution. It’s a trench that’s cut out of the entire perimeter of the basement slab. This trench is then filled with rocks and a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from the foundation. I always recommend a French Drain even in dry basements. The reason being it takes one storm and a few cracks in the foundation and your floor or carpet is ruined, not to mention the possibility of mold.

Next, you will want to inspect the structure of you basement. I recommended bringing in a contractor and an engineer. Some main points to focus on are the floor joists, the main carrying beam, and any posts that hold up the carrying beam.

Floor joists should be straight, have proper blocking, and should not be compromised; several large holes cut in the joist or sections removed for duct work, plumbing or electrical. Any of these items can cause a loss of integrity of the joists. This is true of the main carrying beam as well. Look for signs of rot, and any sagging. If sagging is present you will want to look at your posts. 9 times out 10 someone either removed a post and didn’t properly support the girder or the post is rotted and compromised causing slow sagging of the girder. Remember, that girder literally holds up your home. If you see any of these signs you will want to contact an engineer and contractor such as TempranoConstruction, and have this problem fixed immediately. Once these problems are fixed, you can move on to discussing finishing your basement.

Finally, you will want to inspect your windows. Now, some basements may not have windows. This is a direct sign this basement was not meant to be lived in or used as a living space. If you have the height, it is possible to put windows in your basement. This will require checking with your building department, doing some excavating and properly installing egress windows. If you have existing windows, they may need to be upgraded to what’s called an egress window.
Egress windows are large openings that offer a secondary exit in case of an emergency. They can also add more natural light and make your basement feel more inviting. Basement bedrooms and living spaces are required to have egress windows. This is code and should not be taken lightly.
Finishing a basement can be a fun and rewarding experience if done correctly. Making sure your basement can be finished before wasting time and money on estimates and materials should be number one on your list. At Temprano Construction, we can give you the proper consultation for your basement. Having the proper permits in place is also a must. Remember, anything done without a permit is considered illegal and you will most likely have a problem when selling the home upon inspection.

rustic basement remodel

10 Things to Expect When You Remodel a Basement

Finished basements can be a great use of wasted space in a home. Most people use their basements for storage or as a place where old toys and tools go to die. A basement remodel can transform this under-utilized space into an additional living area, home theater, craft room, home office, playroom for dogs and children, game room, or your own spa. Finishing your basement allows you to maximize your home’s space and bring a once dark and cold room to life. Besides expanding your home’s functional space, finishing a basement can give the property’s value a major boost. Here are 10 things to expect when finishing your basement.
Expect Cash on Cash Return

Finishing a basement can be a valuable investment both monetary and nonmonetary. According to cost versus value surveys conducted annually by Remodeling magazine, “the average return on investment for a basement project nationally is currently around 75 cents on the dollar.” Even though you can expect to spend $30-$100sq ft depending on size and finishings, a 75% return is extremely valuable.

You Can DIY

More often than not, plumbing and wiring are best left to professionals. However, some basement remodel projects (such as framing walls, installing insulation, and hanging drywall) are within the capabilities of experienced DIYers. Remember to line up proper building permits first; failure to do so could result in delays, fines, and issues when it’s time to sell your home.
Bring in New Light

Basements are dark cold places, so where possible, plan for windows and doors that can let natural light into your basement. Make sure openings are cut before other work begins, and seal off the rest of the house from the resulting masonry dust. Before creating any new windows or doors, have a building professional make sure the surrounding walls can take on the increased structural load.

Don’t forget your stairwells

If your basement is unfinished, most likely, you have an outdated staircase and handrails that are not safe. Properly ensuring the staircase and handrails will keep everyone around you safe. This will also go a long way with your building inspector.

Evaporate the Moisture

Basements are known moisture holders due to being below grade. If you think installing a dehumidifier is going to solve your basement moisture problems, think again. To prevent moisture in a finished basement, ensure good drainage off your roof and away from your foundation. Providing good ventilation of bathrooms and kitchens to the outside, will help keep the air fresh and delightful. If you already have HVAC in the home, have a professional come in and install ductwork in the basement as well. Along with breathable insulation, a vapor retardant should be installed between interior stud walls and floors and between foundation walls and floor slabs.
Flooring is Key

When it comes to flooring, there are certain floors you should not install in the basement. Solid wood is one example; even small fluctuations in moisture levels can cause buckling and splitting. Your best bet is a vinyl plank floating floor or ceramic tile, or even engineered wood flooring that can be used below grade and still achieve the look you want. Another great option for newer homes is an epoxy floor or finishing the cement floor for an industrial look.

Ceilings are Important

Drop ceiling tiles as opposed to drywalling, work well in basements because they can be individually moved to access plumbing pipes or electrical hookups if a problem should arise. In the event of a drywalled ceiling, this would have to be torn down and replaced which can become expensive. Regardless of the style of ceiling tile you select, remember that the highest level of your basement ceiling is the same height as the lowest hanging pipe, duct, or wire.
What is your heating situation

Your home’s heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems may have been installed based on upper-level requirements. Make sure an HVAC contractor validates that you have the right equipment to serve the basement as well. Otherwise, you could reduce the equipment’s life span.
Check for Radon

When planning to finish a basement, it is essential to test for radon. Radon is an odorless radioactive gas that seeps into basements from surrounding soils. Uncontrolled, it can expose you and your family to the equivalent of 200 chest x-rays annually. Test for it with charcoal-base collectors, or hire a licensed radon contractor. Local utility companies may offer radon testing. Mitigating radon may involve sealing cracks and surfaces or installing ventilators.
Egress Windows

You should plan ahead for emergencies when finishing a basement. Local building codes may demand egress windows in order for a basement room to be considered a bedroom, and an enclosed closet may also be required. Egress windows must be large enough for a firefighter in full gear to get into a burning house and for occupants to safely escape if stairways are blocked by fire. Another egress option is to add hinged outside access doors.

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