Are you considering adding a bedroom to your finished basement? Renovista Construction is here to guide you through the process and help you avoid a costly $40,000 mistake. We will share three essential tips that you need to know before starting your basement bedroom project. These tips will not only save you money but also ensure your new bedroom meets necessary code requirements and is safe for occupancy.
Tip 1: Ensure Proper Egress for the Bedroom
The first tip to consider when adding a bedroom to your basement is ensuring that the room has a proper form of exit or egress. This is especially important in case of emergencies like fires. If you have a walkout basement, the cost of adding a new window that meets egress requirements could range from $500 to $2,200. However, if you have a below-grade basement, the cost may go up to $8,000 or $14,000, as you will need to cut a hole in the concrete and create a window well with a ladder for easy escape.
Tip 2: Update Smoke Alarms in the House
Adding a basement bedroom requires you to update the smoke alarms in your entire house as per the code. The alarms should be hardwired and interconnected to ensure that everyone in the house is alerted in case of a fire, regardless of where it starts. The cost of updating the smoke alarms could range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the size of your home and the number of alarms required.
Tip 3: Verify Septic System Capacity (for homes with private septic systems)
If your home uses a private septic system, it’s crucial to verify that it can handle the additional load from the new bedroom. Check with your local town or city if they have records of your septic system’s capacity or any receipt from a previous homeowner. Before filing a permit, make sure your septic system can handle the extra bedroom; otherwise, you may end up with a failed septic system and have only two years to fix it. This could cost you between $35,000 and $45,000.
Adding a bedroom to your finished basement can be a rewarding project if done correctly. By following these three tips and working with a reputable contractor like Renovista Construction, you can ensure that your new basement bedroom is up to code, safe, and adds value to your home. If you have any questions or need assistance with your project, feel free to contact Josh from Renovista Construction at https://renovistaconstruction.com/contact-us/.
