Basement Remodel – Anyone have recommendations?

big G

In the interest of getting more out of our existing space, Mrs. Grouse has issued a decree that we should turn part of our unfinished basement into a playroom/multi-purpose space. When Mrs. Grouse says “we”, it’s the Royal We, which translates to I need to carry said order or perish in the attempt.

So. . .

The idea is to have a room where our kids could go and have their tucks, farm toys, etc, play Nerf basketball and knee hockey, etc, etc. At this point our basement is all open and unfinished, but it’s a 1930s house, so celing hight is a lowish 7 feet and currently we mainly use it for storage.

This would NOT be a high-end $50k job. No “media room” none of that stuff because the bottom line is that this is a 1937 house and there’s no ROI on a high dollar investment. I’m picturing doing a furing strip/foamboard treatment to insluate the space, then finish the walls, add more lights, finish the ceiling, replace the old windows with modern units, etc. All very utilitarian.

So keeping in mind that the budget is in the thousands, not tens or hundreds of thousands, does anyone know of or has anyone used any East Metro / Wisconsin contractors that are any good and would be interested in looking such a job?

I’ve called the two contractors that I’ve used in the past and both have been honest and said they don’t do small reno projects like this anymore. Should have called them two years ago when there was no work for anyone. I suspect that’s going to be the big issue, there’s just too much high-end, big dollar work around for contractors to bother with small jobs, but I’m going to try anyway.

Anyone have an ideas?

Thanks.

Grouse

I know this guy is pretty good and has NEVER ran over budget on a house or Lower Level job Habek Lower Level Project

Will have to check this out, Randy.

Not to beat a dead horse, but is this builder mainly about high-end media rooms, home theater, big dollar man caves, etc? I hate to waste anyone’s time if they’re only in the high-end business.

Because of moisture control issues, etc, I may just go with an epoxy-coat floor and then big area rugs, so not even a finished floor. It’s strictly a rec/utility room. I’d love to pimp it out, but the ROI just isn’t there. I’m trying to go from unfinished to a better grade of nearly finished.

Besides, I’m saving my construction pennies for a rainy day when I’m going to put up a cabin on a hunting property.

Grouse

I had a house fall through for this winter, the couple couldn’t get their construction load closed. Yea, my forte is higher end design/builds. I have a single goal- give my clients the most that they can get within their budget. I don’t care if a guy wants a dog house built in the back yard, or a 7,000 sqft mountain home finished out at the highest end of materials. It’s just a matter of what their budget is and making sure the build is designed within their budget. and YES, sometimes I have to tell people the bad news that what they want doesn’t come at their price. Seriously though, I’m looking to fill out Jan/Feb into March. March is Bass Pro and Cabelas seminars for my sponsors…then I’m suppose to be leaving for Colorado for up to 3 months for a custom build. give me a call when you have some time 262-617-5161

Check out Schuur Handy Construction. http://www.schuurhandy.comay

Jay Schuur is an IDO member that has completed numerous jobs for other members.