How to Remodel a Basement for an Apartment

Evaluate whether your basement is a good candidate for a basement apartment. Make a list of the important things your basement will need. Ask yourself questions like, does my basement have its own entrance, or is there enough room in my basement for an apartment?

Check with your city about a building permit. It is important to know whether your home is in a zoned area that will allow a basement apartment to be rented to the public. You'll also need a building permit to ensure that your remodel is up to code. Skip this step and you could find yourself being stopped in the middle of the project, or worse, responsible for death or injury because you didn’t follow codes.

Address major problems like excess moisture and mold. Your basement should be properly sealed and completely dry before you start remodeling.

Evaluate the windows, lighting, and ceilings. Although your building permit will likely ensure that you have the proper size windows, or the right height of ceilings, always make sure that in the event of a fire, tenants will be able to escape from the apartment.

Install the necessities and plan ahead. Whether you hire someone to finish your apartment or you finish it yourself, you'll need some basic necessities. Kitchens, bathrooms, and even a parking space are all important. Always be sure to make a plan before remodeling.