Case Study: Basement Rehab in Belle Mead, NJ

Location: Belle Mead, NJ
The goal is to turn this basement into a comfortable living space. This renovation will require us to reconfigure plumbing and re-frame the entire space.

The Problem

Unfinished
Unused Space

The Goal

Finished Space
Additional Bedroom and Bathroom
Family Area

The Timeline:

January 21, 2020 – March 30, 2020
Week 1: Egress Window Installation and Waterproofing Walls
Week 2: Framing pt.1 and Demo
Week 3: Under-slab Plumbing, Under-Slab Inspection, Rough Electric, and Rough HVAC
Week 4: Concrete Inspection, Framing pt.2, and Rough Plumbing
Week 5: Rough Inspections, Installation of Insulation, and Installation of Drywall
Week 6: Installation of Drywall, and Prime Walls
Week 7: Apply 1st Coat of Paint, Finish Electric, Installation of Flooring, Installation of Tile, and Installation of Interior Doors
Week 8: Installation of Flooring, Installation of Tile, Installation of Cabinetry, and Installation of Trim
Week 9: Installation of Hardware and Accessories, Installation of Appliances, Final Coats of Paint, Shower Door Installation, Counter-top Installation, Finish Plumbing, and Finish Electric
Week 10: Final Inspections (Building, Plumbing, Electric, and Fire)

The Progress (Updated Weekly)

Week 0: See photos of the basement before work begins.

Week 1: Our team began work by digging access to the basement so that the egress window install can be completed. While digging we discovered a gas line that was not identified on PSEG mark out. This halted further excavation until PSEG can move the gas line. Waterproofing still took place on walls that will not be disturbed when installing the egress window.

Week 2: This week working days coordinating with PSEG to get the pipe removed. In an attempt to salvage the schedule we began part 1 of the framing.

Week 3: This week our team completed pt. 1 of framing and cut the concrete slab so the plumber can begin his under-slab plumbing. Rough Plumbing and Rough electric has commenced and is on schedule to be completed early week 4.

Week 4: This week began with rough plumbing and electric. Our plumber began with installing the piping under-slab. After completion our plumber began the roughing for the vanity, toilet, and shower. Our electrician completed rough electric for all exhaust fans, lighting fixtures, and outlet. All inspections are scheduled for the following week.

Due to COVID-19 the project has been put on hold to adhere to state guidelines.

Week 5: After passing all inspections, the drywall team began their installation. All drywall wall was installed, sanded and ready for the first coat of paint. The painters were then able to apply the primer and first coat of paint.

Week 6: This week our team began work by installing tile in the bathroom. This includes all tile work for the flooring and walls. Our carpenters then installed the vinyl flooring in the remaining areas of the basement. After completing the flooring our carpenter began to install trim.

Week 7: This week our team completed the cabinetry install and finished installing trim throughout the basement. This allowed us to complete the countertop templates. The painters then prepped for applying the final coat of paint the following week.

Week 8: This week began with the final coat of paint being applied to the walls. After the paint dried, the countertop was then installed. This allowed for our plumber to install all finish plumbing materials. The electrician then installed all finish electric fixtures. The shower door template was then completed.

Week 9: This week began with our carpentry team installing all doors and hardware. We were informed that the carpeting for the steps will be delayed due to COVID complications. Appliances were then installed.

Week 10: At the start of this week the carpeting was delivered for the stairwell. Our carpet installers were able to complete the carpet install by the middle of the week. This allowed for our painters to touch up the walls of the basement as needed. Final inspections scheduled for the following week.

Week 11: All inspections were passed and this project has now been marked as complete.