Fitch Basement Finishing

PLANNING YOUR BASEMENT

We hear it all the time: "Our family is growing, the kid's toys are everywhere, and we need more space!" Or sometimes it's, "I'd love a home gym, entertainment room, or a dedicated office."

Whatever you're dreaming of, finishing your basement is one of the most cost-effective ways to expand your home and upgrade your lifestyle. 

You already have the essentials - concrete walls and a slab floor. Now it's just a matter of transforming that blank canvas. At Fitch Design & Basement Finishing, we believe in striking the right blanace: keeping part of the basement unfinished for storage and mechanical systems, while maximizing the potential of the space you do finish. 

A basement can easily become that extra bedroom, craft room, playroom, or family lounge - often for far less than a full addition. 

Start With Smart Design

Great basement spaces start with thoughtful planning. Our design team brings fresh ideas that make your new area functional, beautiful, and seamlessly connected to the rest of your home. Using state-of-the-art computer renderings, we can show you exactly how your updated basement will look - and we provide these designs for free.

For more than 35 years, we've been creating standout basement spaces across Rochester, Buffalo and the Finger Lakes. Clients love seeing their future space come to life on our screen - it's fun, inspiring, and helps answer questions like:

• - Where should the new closet go?
• - Will a queen-size bed fit?
• - How large should the entertainment or game area be?

INVESTMENT & BUDGET

According to Cost vs. Value data, a finished basement in the Rochester and Buffalo areas typically returns 65-70% of its value within the first year.

• For example, if your home is worth $250,000 and you invest $25,000 in a basement family room, your home's value could rise to around $270,00 in just one year - and potentially reach $370,00 within a decade.

In Western New York, basement finishing projects usually range from $50-$80 per square foot, depending on design and materials. Adding features like a half bath, full bath, or wet bar can bring the investment to $120 - $150 per square foot.

You stay in control of the budget by choosing how much of the basement to finish and which features to include. 

Building Code Essentials

New York State building code exists to keep your home and family safe. At Fitch Basement Finishing, we handle all building and electrical permits and ensure your project meets every requirement.

Key considerations include:

• - Ceiling height requirements
• - A secondary means of egress (a safe second exit)
• - Smoke and CO detectors
• - Heating solutions for a comfortable finished space

The same residential codes that apply to your main living aeras also apply to your basement.

Creating a Healthy Space

Basements come with unique environmental considerations. We'll walk you through solutions for managing:

• - Water vapor and condensation
• - Air quality concerns like mildew and dust mites
• - Proper ventilation and humidity controls

Over the years, our team has built everything from simple, functional rooms to expansive lower levels featuring second kitchens, elevated home theaters, luxury bathrooms, and professional-grade gyms.

Whatever your vision, we're here to help you build a basement that's comfortable, healthy, and designed to last.