Basement remodeling is a great way to add value to your home, as they are often underutilized spaces that can be transformed into functional and stylish living areas.
Los Angeles zoning laws state that a basement area is not included in the overall property square footage. This is beneficial to most homeowners as many parts of Los Angeles CA have strict zoning laws when it comes to building a house.
As the land value and construction costs continue to rise in the Los Angeles area, taking advantage of the basement area has become a more appealing option to homeowners. More space is always needed, and new construction does not always give you the best return for your investment.
There are many options on how to construct or remodel a basement to fit your specific needs, as you will have the advantage of designing the layout of a whole new floor in your house.
What Do You Need A Basement Remodel For?
What do we want to have in our basement? This is a common question for those contemplating a basement remodel, and the possibilities are endless.
Basements can be turned into family rooms, home offices, game rooms, or even extra bedrooms. The goal is to make your basement fully integrated into the main living space.
Imagine living with a piece of the basement solely dedicated as your personal space. You could have an office or study, or create more storage for all those items that keep cluttering up other areas in the home.
Turning your basement into a completely separate housing unit can be great for housing family members who need care or adult children who can’t afford their first starter home.
Converting the space beneath your home into a basement ADU will come with its own requirements, such as kitchen and bath accommodations, but they can be a great investment when turned into a rental property.
Is It Worth It To Remodel A Basement?
Is the basement really worth completing? According to remodeling magazines report in 2017, Californians are likely to receive the largest ROI on basement remodels when compared to other US states. A standard return on a basement remodel is about 86.4 percent.
Benefits of a basement remodel:
- Adding Square Footage To Your Home with fewer restrictions
- Functional living space
- Increasing Property Value
- A way to gain rental income
- Generally more cost-efficient than new construction
What Does A Finished Basement Mean?
A finished basement involves turning the dark and cold concrete box, typically full of random storage objects, into the same functional standards as the rest of your house. The homely appeal and aesthetics of the upstairs living quarters should match the basement.
A finished basement includes:
- Flooring (wood, tile, carpet)
- Walls and Ceiling (Drywall and insulating)
- Electrical and Heating System
- Stairs or Entryway into the main house
Utilizing this generally wasted space into a fully functioning room will allow you to integrate and extend the comfort and feel of the rest of your home.
Basement Expansion In Los Angeles
A basement expansion is an enlargement of a basement that extends beyond the footprint of the original structure. This type of expansion is often used to add extra living space, such as an extra bedroom or bathroom.
Basement expansions can be a costly and time-consuming project, but they can also add significant value to your home.
What many homeowners don’t know is that a basement can be built under an existing house and also outside of it.
They can be built anywhere on the lot without size limitations in most of Los Angeles, as long as the roof above it does not extend more than two feet above the existing finished or natural grade.
Adding A Basement To An Existing House
While adding a basement to an existing house can be done, it’s a more complicated and costly project than a remodel. Generally, the existing structure will need to be altered to accommodate this new space beneath the house.
There will be many conditions that will need to be met before the completion of adding a basement. Retrofitting a basement requires specific soil conditions, excavation, proper waterproofing and drainage, and foundational planning with earthquake-resistant material.
They must be designed and planned with extreme care as they must meet many code requirements. Some of these requirements include ceiling heights, ventilation, lighting, and exit requirements.
Are Basements Allowed in Los Angeles?
Basements are a common feature in many homes across the country, but in Los Angeles, they are somewhat of a rarity. Yes, they are allowed, but many people often ask why there are no basements in California.
Homes were originally constructed without basements due to construction costs and the additional time added to complete the homes.
As a result, some Los Angeles residents choose to forego a basement in favor of other options, such as an upstairs loft or an attached garage.
It is important to remember that basements come with their own set of challenges and may require regular maintenance, so it is always best to consult with a local professional before making any final decisions.
Your Basement Remodeling Contractors In Los Angeles
Are you looking to remodel your basement or have any basement-related questions? If you’re not sure where to start, it’s a good idea to hire a professional contractor who can help you plan and execute your vision.
Build Method Construction has the experience and expertise to help you transform your basement into the perfect addition to your home. We can inform you of the building codes of your location or zip code to find out the best basement solution and design options for your budget.