Do you have to wait until spring to finish your basement? Toronto is known to have cold winters, and this often discourages homeowners from doing any basement renovations. However, you may be missing out on a great opportunity! Here we look at the benefits of basement finishing and why winter can be the perfect time for such an upgrade. And in case you haven’t decided what to do with your basement yet, check out our article on the best small basement renovation ideas.
Winter is the Best Time to Remodel Your Basement
Is winter basement remodelling on your to-do list? It’s easy to let a remodelling project sink to the bottom of your priorities. This unfinished basement can be a great addition to your functional living area.
Winter months are the best time to take the time and effort to renovate your basement. Winter basement remodelling transforms unused space into additional bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas for family gatherings. Whether you want to create a man cave or the basement will be used for a fun play space, make sure your design matches the desired use of the basement.
Our team at Capable Group is ready to help you with everything you need to upgrade your home. We offer full-service basement solutions so you can get the dream home you’ve always dreamed of.
Why Remodel Your Basement in Winter?
When you consider the work that goes into winter basement remodelling, you may wonder why this time of year is the best time for the project. Most people don’t think of winter as the optimal time for home projects. Typically, families retire in the winter. People focus on school and work and then pull out a list of chores when spring arrives. While spring and summer offer ideal weather for exterior renovations, there’s no need to wait for the warmer months when you’re working on interior renovations.
When the cold weather arrives, rest easy, knowing that there is no better season for home restoration. Work on your unfinished basement right now, and you can enjoy the benefits of extra living space all year long. Keep reading to find out why winter is optimal for winter basement remodelling.
Even if you have your basement finished, do you avoid going down there in the winter because of the temperature? Cold basements can be uncomfortable, making the room less than optimal this time of year. A few minor repairs can go a long way toward making basements warmer and more functional throughout the year.
Timing is Everything
When it’s cold and windy outside, it’s a good time to look at indoor projects. You can also make sure your home has everything you need to keep your family warm and comfortable. During renovations, our team can look at energy efficiency features such as the efficiency of your HVAC system and insulation improvement options.
Another important consideration is the functionality of your home during the holiday season. When you’re working on an interior renovation, try to avoid projects that might disrupt your family traditions. An unfinished basement is often an unused room in the house, which means you can have contractors work in that space without disturbing your kitchen.
Considerations Before Starting your Winter Basement Finishing Project
While there are many reasons to start working on your basement finishing project this winter, there are some things to consider, including:
Problem
If workers are in and out of the house during the winter, it will get colder in your home. This will be uncomfortable and increase heating costs.
Solution
At Capable Group, we take precautions to protect your home from excessive cold. By hanging tarps separating the basement from the rest of your home and minimizing foot traffic through the house, we will keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Problem
Severe snowstorms can delay work and make it difficult to deliver materials.
Solution
While a heavy snowfall in Toronto can prevent workers from continuing a project, it is relatively rare. The Capable Group team has experience working in inclement weather, and we will try to keep delays to a minimum. In addition, heavy spring rains can also sometimes delay work, so winter weather has about as much opportunity to do the same.
Problem
Cold weather won’t allow you to open windows during construction, which means dust and debris will be in the air.
Solution
Portable and compact ventilation systems allow you to clean the air without opening windows.
Scheduling your Basement Finishing Project
The general schedule for basement finishing begins with an initial consultation and estimate with the contractor. Here’s the general order of events you can expect:
Framing, HVAC, plumbing and electrical rough-in
The first three to ten days of the finishing project include installing basic electrical and plumbing components. This includes installing plumbing lines, recessed fixtures and outlet boxes.
Initial inspection
Before hanging drywall and installing electrical and plumbing lines, your basement must be inspected by a city inspector. The inspector will ensure that everything is up to code and permit to proceed with the project. This will only take one day.
Putting up drywall
Preparing your walls with sheets and drywall is a multi-step process that includes drying time. It will take about five days, but you will really start to see a difference in your basement after that time. The once dark basement will now appear lighter and closer to the living space.
Finishing and painting
Once the drywall work is complete, the carpenters proceed to create the casings for the door frames. Then you can begin painting. This step will take five to eight days.
Flooring
Depending on the type of flooring you choose and the size of your finished basement, you can expect to have a finished floor in about three days.
Finishing and inspection
Almost done! In the last few days of the project, your plumber, electrician, carpenters and other contractors will come in to finish all the final details. Finally, the city inspector will take one last look to ensure the project is complete. Now your basement is ready!
If you decide to start your basement finishing project this winter, Capable Group is here to help. We have a team of experienced professionals ready to take on your project.
We are a full-service basement finishing company serving the Greater Toronto Area. We have over 10 years of experience in the industry, and our team of experts will work with you to create the perfect space for your needs. Contact us today for a free consultation!
