North York, Ontario (PRWEB) July 23, 2015
Renovating a basement can provide additional living space and greatly improve the value of a home. Yet this kind of renovation requires expertise to get just right. Guy Solomon, the owner of Penguin Basements, shares a tip sheet with five recommendations for identifying the best work team for a basement renovation to ensure that homeowners are making a sound investment and get the full benefits of such a major upgrade.
"Experience is one of the most important qualities to look for in a basement renovation crew," Solomon said. "Only experienced contractors can identify the special needs of your particular basement, such as ventilation, plumbing, and insulation."
Homeowners are warned not to just take the contractor's word for it when they ask about experience. They should check up on references, licensing, and other credentials that can provide evidence of time on the job.
Solomon says that specialized training is also important when selecting a basement contractor. A general contractor may know basic construction and renovation skills, but will not have the specialty knowledge to update a basement properly. Solomon notes that without the right training, a contractor will perform renovations that will leave a home at risk to future problems, such as leaks that spread mold and mildew or drafts that wipe out a home's energy efficiency.
"You don't want to spend money on a project that will only cost you more money later," Solomon said. "The best way to avoid future issues is to find a contractor with the right skills and training to do the work."
Solomon recommends checking the contractor's portfolio to get a sense of style from previous work. Some contractors can create gorgeous, finished basements that look like any other room in the home. With the right contractor, homeowners can turn their basement into a luxury entertainment space or a comfortable guest suite.
Solomon says that home owners should check the contractor's licensing and insurance to ensure that he has the right credentials and the right legal protections.
Finally, Solomon recommends that home owners check online reviews, consumer protection agencies and other referral sites to learn as much as possible about the experiences that other customers have had with the business.
"Nothing compares to the feedback of former clients when trying to determine whether a basement contractor is the right one for you," Solomon said.
Upgrading a basement can add thousands to the value of a home, assuming that homeowners find the right contractor to do the work.
Penguin Basements employs contractors who have experience and advanced training in complete basement renovations. All contractors are fully licensed and insured, and the company has exceptional reviews from previous clients.