If you have no experience of basement remodeling, you may be wondering what a typical timeline looks like. How long does it take, on average, from start to finish? What tasks need to be completed before the real work begins? How many steps are there along the way? Here, we explain all about a typical basement remodeling timeline.

1. Fact-finding and ideas

As with any project of this scale, the first step is always to fact find and develop ideas. What do you want your newly remodeled basement to do? Will it be a games room, an extra bedroom, or an underground library? How will this be achieved in your existing space? Is it feasible? These are all very important questions, forming the basis of your entire project. This is also the point at which you will set your budget.

2. Getting help from an expert

While you can form an initial plan yourself, you will likely need help from an experienced contractor to get your project off the ground. They will be able to confirm the feasibility of your ideas, and give a solid plan of action to get things started. When choosing a contractor, always check their credentials and if possible visit an open house event, so you can see their previous basement remodeling work up-close.

3. Preparing for construction

Once you’ve hired a contractor, preparation for construction will begin. This phase is important to minimize the disruption in your home - mapping out where contractors will have access to your basement, confirming working hours, and clearing any existing items from the basement ready for work to begin. If you have any questions, be sure to ask them now!

4. Work begins

During the construction phase, you should have regular meetings and updates from your chosen contractor to confirm the project is running on time and within budget. If pre-agreed, you will need to make regular scheduled payments to finance the basement remodel, as long as you are satisfied with the work. If an unexpected hurdle arises (excess damp, for example), you contractor should make you immediately aware, so you can sign-off any changes.

5. Final inspection

Once your basement remodel is complete, you will need to have a final inspection to confirm you are happy with the work. It is quite common for there to be some small outstanding tasks at this stage; so you should ensure they are all on a punch list, which will be completed before the final installment is paid.

All in all, a typical basement remodeling timeline takes upwards of 16 or more weeks from start to finish - with the longest phase being construction at around 6-10 weeks. Every project does differ however - so be sure to discuss the timeline up-front with your chosen contractor before work begins.