So you want a finished basement?

Basement remodeling can be a great way to add more living space to your home, whether you're looking to create a home theater, guest room, or simply a space for your family to relax and unwind. But before you get started on your basement remodeling project, there are a few things you'll want to consider to ensure a successful outcome.

First, think about what you want to use the space for. This will help you determine the type of layout and finishes you'll need, as well as the amount of square footage you'll need to allocate for each area. For example, if you're planning to create a home theater, you'll need to consider the size and placement of your TV and seating, as well as the acoustics of the space. If you're planning to create a guest room, you'll need to think about the size and placement of the bed, as well as any storage or closet space you'll need.

Next, consider the layout of the space. Do you want an open floor plan, or would you prefer to create separate rooms or areas within the basement? This will depend on your personal preferences, as well as the size and shape of the space.

Once you have a clear idea of what you want to do with the space, it's time to think about the finishes and materials you'll use. When choosing flooring, consider materials that are durable and easy to clean, such as tile or vinyl. For walls, you may want to consider drywall or painted concrete, depending on the look you're going for. And don't forget to add some lighting and electrical outlets to help make the space more functional and welcoming.

Finally, consider any special features you may want to include in your basement remodel, such as a wet bar, fireplace, or even a sauna. These features can add value to your home and make the space more enjoyable, but they will also require additional planning and budgeting.

Overall, basement remodeling can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to add more living space to your home. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a functional and stylish space that your whole family can enjoy.

Kitchen Remodeling Step By Step

Kitchens are the heart of the home. With three teenage boys in our house our kitchen gets abused on a daily basis. If you are thinking of doing any remodeling in your home this is the first place you should look. While this can be a difficult project, especially if you are living in the home, knowing what to expect can make the process much more bearable.

We start all of our projects with a phone consultation. During this conversation we will go over style, design, budget, and general timelines. Once this step is completed we find it helpful if the customer can send us any inspiration photos, pintrest pins, and anything they think may be helpful in the design process.

Site Visit- once the phone consultation is complete we will schedule a site visit. The main goal of this visit is to get rough measurements of the space and narrow down the design, function, and layout of the kitchen.

Do I need a designer or architect? This is a question we get a lot and the answer is most often yes. However the type of design needed varies depending on budget and scope of work. Once we have the room measurements completed we can move on to the design. Most often this will involve one of our kitchen designers they specialize in deigning kitchen cabinet layouts. When meeting with the kitchen designer he or she will go over all of the details that you will want and need in your new kitchen. Once the design and layout is complete the cabinets can be ordered.

Dust Protection- before demolition begins we take our time to set up any dust walls, plastic, floor protection and fans. This process is a crucial step in making the project run smoothly without disrupting the rest of the home. Most of the time our customers are living in the home during the remodel and we take every step possible to keep project as clean as possible.

Demolition- The fun begins, this step is exciting. Our team methodically removes all the old cabinets, floors, walls, whatever needs to go. This step may seem simple but mistakes here can be costly. A supervisor will be on site to ensure all electrical, and plumbing have been properly disconnected. The area should be left clean and ready for the following trades.

Rough Plumbing / Electrical- It is time to start putting your new kitchen together. The plumbers and electricians will have plans clearly marked and a clear scope of work. During this phase of construction all of the pipes will be run and wires will be pulled according to the plans. You should by this time have all of your lights, faucets, and fixtures selected.

Drywall / Plaster- this is when you will really see your kitchen come together. This step cn produce a large amount of dust. We take every step possible to keep the dust down and clean as needed.

Cabinets- this is my favorite part of the project. Your new cabinets will be installed by a qualified cabinet installer. This step takes a lot of attention to detail. Using the latest tools and techniques you cabinets will be installed properly ensuring you have a kitchen that will last for years.

Countertops- once the cabinet installation is complete we are ready for countertops. The first step is the template, this requires a specialized tradesperson. Once this is complete they can fabricate the countertops and install them. This process typically takes 1-2 weeks.

Finishes- Now its all coming together. Its time for the electricians to install their fixtures, plumbers to install faucets, dishwasher, ect. Your new kitchen will be buzzing with activity during this phase. Any finish carpentry will also be completed at this time along with flooring and paint.

I hope this simplified outline of a kitchen remodel helps. A project like a kitchen remodel can seem overwhelming, understanding this we try to make it as smooth as possible the entire way. Putting an emphasis on cleanliness and communication with customers has helped CJO Builders be one of the top choices for kitchen remodels in Massachusetts.