Basements: To Finish or Not to Finish — An Evolutionary JourneyBasements, like most things, have evolved over the years. A hundred years ago, having a coal bin in the basement was the norm. Coal was delivered through a chute into the basement and homeowners lifted shovelfuls of coal into the furnace to ensure their homes stayed comfortably warm. Let’s celebrate the fact that most of us no longer have to do that. Today, basements are used for everything, including additional living spaces for extended families, a home gym, housing memorabilia collections, and a home theater. The possibilities are endless. Read on to learn whether finishing your basement is the right option for you.
Empire Homes provides a variety of finished basement layouts. Most plans offer the following options:
- A large leisure room with an optional full bath or powder room
- An extended leisure room for an expansive space
- A leisure room plus a guest bedroom and full bath; some plans offer a comprehensive suite
Be sure to ask your Sales Consultant about our finished basement layouts — they’re happy to help you find the right layout to suit your family’s needs. Then, you can start enjoying your valuable basement space as soon as you move in. Similar to choosing upgrades for the main living area, you can personalize your finished basement during your Design Studio appointment.
If you are planning to finish your basement after closing, here’s what our unfinished basements include:
- Poured walls and concrete stoop
- Fully weather-stripped door between heated and non-heated space
- Insulated common vertical walls with heated space
- Stairs with a handrail plus unfinished treads and risers
- 400-amp electrical panel, white toggle switches, keyless light fixtures, a smoke detector, and a receptacle for future sewer pump and alarm installation
Some floor plans also have:
- Water supply to the bath area
- Tub and toilet drain lines
- Holding tank for future finish
*Not all floor plans have these extras — see your Sales Consultant for details.
Is Finishing a Basement During Construction Worth the Extra Costs?
Adding more space to your home may cost more, but did you know that turning the unheated area into a heated living space can actually lower the cost per square foot? Empire’s finished basement options can add up to or more than 24% of living space to your home. Plus, homes with finished basements increase in value quicker than those with unfinished ones.
You can save money on the purchase price now by finishing your basement after closing, but will it be worth it in the long run? Consider the hassle of a renovation later — screening contractors, juggling schedules for consultations, managing rising costs of labor and materials, and dealing with the mess. Opting to finish your basement at build time is hassle-free if you plan on having it completed in the future. It is a matter of personal choice and what works for your budget, so be sure to discuss your immediate and future plans for the basement with your Sales Consultant who will help guide you through the decision-making process.
We are pleased to share that our River Reserve community in Greer, SC, offers numerous basement opportunities. This provides residents with the opportunity to customize their living spaces to meet their individual needs. Whether you desire a tranquil retreat, an expansive entertainment area, or simply more storage space, these basement options offer versatility.
For more details on these offerings, please visit our community page. These plans enable you to design a home that aligns with your vision right here in River Reserve.
Moving into a new home can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help.