{"id":228282,"date":"2024-02-12T16:30:08","date_gmt":"2024-02-12T21:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.livabl.com\/articles\/?p=228282"},"modified":"2024-02-15T12:35:49","modified_gmt":"2024-02-15T17:35:49","slug":"should-i-finish-the-basement-in-my-new-build-or-wait","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.livabl.com\/articles\/design\/should-i-finish-the-basement-in-my-new-build-or-wait","title":{"rendered":"Should I finish the basement in my new build or wait?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Light color choices are recommended. Photo credit: \u00a0Alan Goldstein Photography<\/a>\u00a0for Brookfield Residential at Snowden Bridge<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Is it better to finish the basement in a new construction home when it is being built, or is it preferable to wait until later and DIY the job?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deciding factors include what function the basement ultimately will serve for your household, what your budget is and what are your space requirements to live comfortably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If additional space is needed in a finished basement to accommodate extra sleeping or living areas, or if you plan to create a rental suite to generate income, then you would likely want to prioritize finishing at the construction phase. If you are simply finishing the basement to improve your home\u2019s functional space, then you might be inclined to wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weigh the costs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cost of finishing the basement will add to your budget, but it is typically money well invested. A finished basement, particularly with additional bathroom or bedroom space or kitchen (even a wet bar), increase a home\u2019s asset value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, a builder might offer a finished basement as an incentive, or it might be a point for negotiation, allowing you to reduce your overall costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homeowners may find that rolling the cost of the basement in with their new build purchase is easier from a budgeting standpoint too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA benefit of finishing your basement during the construction phase is it allows you to finance it as part of your home loan,\u201d letting the homeowner benefit from lower rates and the convenience of a single payment, says Karen Baugher, marketing manager at\u00a0Brookfield Residential<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s more convenient at the construction phase<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is the convenience of being able to use the basement space immediately at move-in if you have the builder finish it during construction, but there is logistical convenience as well, explains Erica Bell, marketing manager at Miller & Smith<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe builder is doing all the work from permitting, electrical, drywall, as well as all of the required county inspections,\u201d says Bell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As any homeowner that has lived onsite during a renovation knows, life is disrupted, sometimes significantly, while the job is completed. Having the basement completed by the builder before moving day means not having to live in a construction zone down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why might I wait and DIY?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a homeowner is looking to defer costs, waiting and saving up money before starting the project is sometimes preferable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some feel that it is better to wait a year or so before finishing your basement in a newly constructed home, so that the home (more specifically the foundation) has a chance o settle properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While early cracks are possible in your foundation, due to seasonal changes, depending on your builder warranty, the work in the basement might be covered for damage, so homeowners should weigh that when making their decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do decide to wait to finish your basement DIY down the road, it is advisable to have rough-ins for plumbing and electrical done at the construction phase regardless, when it is easier and more cost-effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Design tips to create a luxe lower level<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Create zones with d\u00e9cor and furniture. Photo Credit: Photo credit:\u00a0Alan Goldstein Photography<\/a>\u00a0for Brookfield Residential at The Reserve at Waterford Manor<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The lower level is truly a multi-purpose floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou can design a space that fits your needs and those of your family with endless possibilities beyond the typical recreation room, such as adding a guest suite, kitchen, a media room, exercise room, home office, additional storage, custom built-ins, a second laundry room, and more,\u201d says Baugher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, a basement design may involve an open flex space, to serve multiple uses at the same time. You can enhance the functionality and the style of an open plan by defining zones that communicate purpose for each section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zones can be created with furniture and accents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n