The excitement of renovating your basement can almost make you wish it would happen overnight. However, every good thing requires sufficient time to materialize. But how long should you wait before you start enjoying your renovated dream basement?
All basement renovation experts agree that you need to wait for 4 to 8 weeks before enjoying your dream basement. However, this timeline is for a standard renovation project and doesn’t include delays.
Our post examines the basement renovation timeline in depth. We discuss the factors that determine a standard renovation project’s duration and any possible delays.
Timeline Breakdown
Your budgeted four to eight weeks cover many facets. Below is a breakdown of what to expect from different basement renovation components.
- Framing: 3-5 days
- Electrical and plumbing: 3-5 days
- Rough In Inspection: 1 day
- Drywall installation: 5 days
- Trimming: 2-5 days
- Painting: 2-3 days
- Flooring installation: 2-3 days
- Finish touch ups: 2-3 days
- Final inspection: 1 day
Factors Determining Basement Renovation Timelines
Many factors determine your basement remodeling project’s timeline. This section examines the top seven ones.
1. Basement Size
Your basement’s size directly influences how long it takes to finish its renovation. For instance, you need two to three weeks to renovate a less than 500 square meters basement. Your contractor measures your basement to determine its exact size and prepare you for its remodeling duration.
2. Number and Experience of Workers
The number of workers your renovator has determines how long they will take. If your contractor has more workers, they will take a shorter time and vice versa.
So, hire a contractor with enough and experienced workers. Otherwise, rookies could still delay your project due to many avoidable mistakes they may make and need to fix.
3. DIY or a Professional Contractor
Choosing to renovate the basement yourself or using a professional renovator determines how long the process takes. Remodeling your basement alone or with your teenage children takes a longer time.
Inversely, a professional has sufficient and experienced workers to do things faster. They work with proven subcontractors to hasten finishing processes. So, you have a tight choice between saving money using DIY or getting faster and better professionally done work.
4. Quality of Finishes
The quality of finishes you want your renovated basement to have determines its finishing timeline. For instance, flooring your basement using laminate or a carpet needs a maximum of two days to finish. Conversely, installing engineered hardwood could take up to five days.
5. Type of Changes and Additions
The type of changes and additions you want in your renovated basement determines its completion timeline. Renovating to make simple changes like fresh paint or floor installation takes a shorter time. However, adding an extra bathroom or kitchen definitely extends the finishing time.
Additionally, different additions take varied completion timelines. For instance, closet or bathroom separations require a shorter time than kitchen and bathroom additions. Why? Because bathrooms and kitchens need extra plumbing, tiling, and different flooring.
6. Your Project’s Scope
Your renovation project’s scope determines its completion period. If your project entails minor tweaks, you’ll spend a shorter time renovating it. Conversely, a project requiring a major facelift and demolition takes longer to finish.
7. Your Preferred Materials
Your preferred renovation materials also influence how long your remodeling project takes. The reason is that different renovation materials have varying availability. Readily available materials mean that your project takes a shorter completion period.
Using rare materials that take longer to arrive at your doorstep might delay your project. Additionally, some materials require more time to prepare and install, and vice versa. So, factor in this issue before projecting your project’s finishing timelines.
Common Timeline Extenders
Besides the standard timeline determiners, your project might take longer to complete for other reasons. Here are the top five factors that could delay your renovation job.
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Bar Cabinets
After completing drywall installation, you need a few days to install an average bar cabinet. However, you can’t template countertops before you install your cabinets. Templating countertops is when a countertop fabricator comes in to get your countertop’s exact measurements.
After completing the template, they need two to three weeks to install the countertop. Afterwards, the contractor fixes sinks and hooks up other items. This entire process could delay any backsplash plan you have for your bar.
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Tile Showers
You need additional time to finish your basement if you intend to install tile showers. This delay comes in when the tile work is highly customized.
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Customization Levels
Your renovation project’s customization levels determine how long it takes. The reason is that much customization work requires extra time and labor to finish.
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Delayed Payments
Delayed payments on your side are another issue that could unnecessarily delay your basement renovation’s completion. Most professional renovators require you to make milestone installments. You have to pay them the initial deposit before they start renovating your basement.
Delaying to remit the milestones you agreed upon can make some contractors stop working until you pay. Consequently, your project will stall and delay in equal proportions.
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The Unexpected
Finally, many other unforeseeable factors delay a basement remodel job. This is life, and issues can arise from anywhere and delay the work. You can face an emergency that could force you to halt the remodeling. Your contractor might also face the same challenges.
Besides inconveniences arising from your side and your contractor, other uncontrollable external challenges might arise. For example, the officers supposed to make final inspections could delay you. For various reasons beyond their control, the inspectors may be unavailable when you need them. So, allow extra time for the unexpected and prepare for it accordingly.
Tell Us About Your Basement Renovation Needs
Many variables influence a basement remodeling’s timeline. We examined the top ones to help you budget your time and manage your expectations well.
Do you have a soon-coming basement renovation project? Don’t hesitate to talk to the basement renovation masters. Our doors and communication channels are open 24/7. Go ahead and contact us for a free estimate and consultation.
