Basement renovation (with structural component): Where to start?

[Anonymous]

We would like to renovate our finished basement but not sure exactly where to start. We would need to remove one load bearing wall to open up two rooms to each other to create a large open space. The rest of the renovation would include: replacing carpet with hardwood, adding a wet bar, changing the furniture, renovating the bathrooms, turning a bedroom into a home gym and renovating a small kitchen/ laundry room.

How to I kick start this process? Do I contact an architect first because of the wall removal component? then he gets a contractor, then a separate interior designer? Do I go with a design and build firm? Do I get a contractor who gets an architect? What would be the most cost effective way to do this?

I am a novice at home renovations so any advice would be helpful.

[Anonymous]

Load bearing walls are unusual in basements. I would start with an architect.

A good rule with any professional is tell them what you want but not how to do it, their job is to figure out how to do it. They'll know how to figure out how to get you what you want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We would like to renovate our finished basement but not sure exactly where to start. We would need to remove one load bearing wall to open up two rooms to each other to create a large open space. The rest of the renovation would include: replacing carpet with hardwood, adding a wet bar, changing the furniture, renovating the bathrooms, turning a bedroom into a home gym and renovating a small kitchen/ laundry room.

How to I kick start this process? Do I contact an architect first because of the wall removal component? then he gets a contractor, then a separate interior designer? Do I go with a design and build firm? Do I get a contractor who gets an architect? What would be the most cost effective way to do this?

I am a novice at home renovations so any advice would be helpful.

You might have to have columns then.

[Anonymous]

Structural engineering. I would not remove load bearing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We would like to renovate our finished basement but not sure exactly where to start. We would need to remove one load bearing wall to open up two rooms to each other to create a large open space. The rest of the renovation would include: replacing carpet with hardwood, adding a wet bar, changing the furniture, renovating the bathrooms, turning a bedroom into a home gym and renovating a small kitchen/ laundry room.

How to I kick start this process? Do I contact an architect first because of the wall removal component? then he gets a contractor, then a separate interior designer? Do I go with a design and build firm? Do I get a contractor who gets an architect? What would be the most cost effective way to do this?

I am a novice at home renovations so any advice would be helpful.

You might have to have columns then.

For sure but, depending on the materials used like a steal beam, or LVL, it can be a minimal amount of columns.

[Anonymous]

get a GC who is reputable. They'll have ideas. They'll get an engineer to design any structural changes (likely the load bearing "wall" may be studs under a beam that has column supports--studs can go but columns need to stay, but only a qualified engineer can determine that (or maybe a good GC, but you won't know if they're good unless you can judge it for yourself!))

[Anonymous]

GC and structural engineer

[Anonymous]

Basements have load bearing components that I don't recommend you modify.
Those load bearing components are: columns, beams, foundations walls, foundations and slab.
Only if you need more ceiling height, i advise you demo the slab, underpin and pour a new slab.
Otherwise, work with an architect to incorporate the load bearing elements into the design. It's much cheaper (and reasonable) that try to replace existing columns and beams in a basement.
Check how how I've done it (many many times!)
www.ileanaschinder.com

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Basements have load bearing components that I don't recommend you modify.
Those load bearing components are: columns, beams, foundations walls, foundations and slab.
Only if you need more ceiling height, i advise you demo the slab, underpin and pour a new slab.
Otherwise, work with an architect to incorporate the load bearing elements into the design. It's much cheaper (and reasonable) that try to replace existing columns and beams in a basement.
Check how how I've done it (many many times!)
www.ileanaschinder.com

DP. I assume you have to replace the columns if you are underpinning and lowering the slab (ie even if the new columns are in the same place they will need lower footers)

[Anonymous]

If in DC most of this can be done with a structural engineer. You don't necessarily need the architect. SE + GC. Architect can be a bonus.

[Anonymous]

Design/build is the most expensive route.

If you know exactly what you want, I would talk to contractors. If not, start with an architect that knows the regulations where you are located.

Avoiding structural will save you a lot.

[Anonymous]

Architect here. When you underpin a basement... that is, lowering the slab, you will replace and refill all the load bearing capacity of the foundations at the party walls AND the columns.
Underpinning columns is "fairly" easy compared to underpinning party walls. You do not need to replace the columns or the beams they support. In fact, a good design of the basement space would reduce the amount of structural alterations you need to do. I highly recommend you start with a good design (architect) and then consult with a GC and/or structural engineer.
Feel free to reach out if you need help with the design and construction process,
ile
www.ileanaschinder.com

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Basements have load bearing components that I don't recommend you modify.
Those load bearing components are: columns, beams, foundations walls, foundations and slab.
Only if you need more ceiling height, i advise you demo the slab, underpin and pour a new slab.
Otherwise, work with an architect to incorporate the load bearing elements into the design. It's much cheaper (and reasonable) that try to replace existing columns and beams in a basement.
Check how how I've done it (many many times!)
www.ileanaschinder.com

DP. I assume you have to replace the columns if you are underpinning and lowering the slab (ie even if the new columns are in the same place they will need lower footers)

[Anonymous]

We just started our remodeling project and want to give a shout out to Aquaguard Waterproofing. We had some small leakage in our unfinished basement and had a few waterproofing companies out and most showed us lots of brochures or ipad cartoons. Aquaguard's Technician came out with real facts and solutions and customer referrals dating back to the 1990's. We began the process of drying out our basement before the remodeling project. So glad we did because our remodeling contractor is starting now and is very impressed with the system that Aquaguard Waterproofing provided us. He commented that he has used them for years. Make sure you correct water issues in your basement before you remodel - it will save you tons of $$$