What Is Considered a Finished Basement?
Basements are an important part of many American homes. People who finish their basements can recoup approximately 75 percent of the cost on average according to Remodeling Magazine. Does this Spark an idea?
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Definition
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Most states require an external exit from the basement in order to be considered a finished basement. The exit can be either an egress or a full size door. Some states also require at least a half bath.
Benefits
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Finishing a basement can be done for a variety of reasons such as increasing the amount of livable space for your family, increasing the sale value of the house or just making a storage area more workable.
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Considerations
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Regardless of the reason for finishing the basement, it is important to check for ventilation concerns, mold damage, foundation cracks and other structural issues before beginning.
Time Frame and Costs
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Basement remodels can take from three to six months depending on the complexity and averaged around $59,000 in 2007 according to Remodeling Magazine.
Laws
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Regardless of whether you do it yourself or have it done professionally, be sure to know the permits required and the building codes for your area as they can vary county to county. Contact your Housing Board for information.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons
