Converting Your Basement Into a Rental or In-Law Suite

For a professional basement conversion in Lincoln, NE, Willet is a trusted area expert. We do basement in-law suite constructions and basement rental unit remodel services for all area homeowners looking to elevate their space. Our team has extensive design knowledge that can easily transform your space and boost the resale value of your home.

If you need a professional basement conversion in Lincoln, NE, simply phone Willet today.

Why Work With Willet Construction for Basement Conversions?

Willet is one of the most trusted finished basement contractors in the Nebraska area. With top-quality service and long-lasting products, you can be confident in knowing that our basement finishing is long-lasting.

Here are some great reasons to hire us.

• Experience: We have over 30 years of industry experience and counting.
• Free consultations: We provide free, no-obligation consultations to showcase how we can help you.
• Award-winning service: We’ve won numerous awards for our designs.
• Lead-Safe: We’re an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm that uses renewable building practices.

Benefits of Converting Your Basement

Converting your basement into a rental unit or even an in-law suite can be great for increasing usable living space in your home while boosting its overall value. It’s a great way to take advantage of your existing space to make it more functional.

Here are some key benefits of basement conversions.

• Better home efficiency
• Less expensive than an addition
• Quicker turnaround process
• More functional living space

Key Features to Include in a Basement Rental or In-Law Suite

When you plan on converting your basement into a rental unit or an in-law suite, there are a few key features you want to ensure you include. This will help enhance the usability of the space while providing essential privacy from your main living quarters. A must-have to offer that independence is a private entrance. This can allow your in-laws or your leasee to enter or exit on their own schedule without disturbing your family.

Safety is always an important feature to keep in mind when finishing your basement for extra living space. Opt for large windows or window wells that not only let in more natural light but also provide a safe route to escape in the event of a fire. Adding a full bathroom is a necessity to ensure optimal comfort for those residing in your new space.

If the size of your basement allows, it’s highly desirable to have a separate bedroom space sectioned off from the main open living quarters. Consider installing a small efficiency kitchen complete with cabinets, a stove, sink, fridge, and even a microwave. You may want to provide a separate washer and dryer so that your guests have laundry access without having to enter your main home.

Important Considerations for Basement Conversions

Whenever you’re having any sort of basement conversion done, there are some key fundamentals you’ll want to ensure are present to promote a peaceful living space for your guests. One of the most important things is providing proper insulation and soundproofing for your space. Nothing’s worse than hearing someone walking on the floor above you while you’re trying to relax and escape into your own retreat. Adding extra soundproofing gives that necessary barrier to enhance the privacy between your main home and your new in-law suite or rental.

Having an independently controlled climate is another must. You don’t want to rely on your household heating or cooling system to maintain the temperature in your basement space. Your basement needs more ventilation to avoid that damp and musty air, which can have an adverse odor. You may want to opt for installing a mini split system or a separate thermostat so that they can independently control the temperature.

Safety is another big concern you don’t want to overlook. Ensure your new basement space has smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, along with a usable fire extinguisher. It should have adequate lighting on any stairwells or hallways for easy access. Consider using wide doorways to allow for easy maneuvering in and out, especially with bigger items like furniture.

Rental vs. In-Law Suite: What’s the Difference?

It’s not uncommon to hear the terms in-law suite and basement rental used interchangeably throughout conversation. However, it’s important to make a distinction between the two units, since their design affects their ultimate use.

The design of rental units considers the intent of generating income. They need to be a self-sufficient space that meets local housing codes for your area. They must have a private entrance, a full kitchen, a bathroom, bedrooms, and their own utilities.

On the other hand, in-law suites are for housing family members or close friends. The priority for these units lies more in accessibility, comfort, and integration with your existing household. You may share some common living spaces, like your laundry room or entryway from the main house. There’s often a small kitchenette instead of a full-size kitchen. Many local housing codes are much less restrictive concerning installing an in-law suite because they’re still part of a single-family dwelling.

Our Basement Remodeling Services

We use a trusted design and construction process that has created many successful basement conversions over our three decades of operation. It all starts with a free in-home consultation. This is where our designer will come out to your space to do an inspection and discuss your project goals, your budget, and your needs. This is a great opportunity for us to answer questions you may have about the renovation process and to provide you with a cost estimate for transforming your space.

Once you decide that you’re ready to convert your basement, our award-winning designers will get to work developing 3D computer-generated drawings to help you better envision your new space. Our team will help you select the right products and provide you with a detailed scope of work proposal alongside a fixed-price construction contract. Once you sign the agreement, we’ll get to work scheduling out a detailed timeframe and ordering the necessary materials. You can trust our design-build process to turn your dreams into a reality.

Ready to Convert Your Basement in Lincoln, NE? Work with Willet Construction!

Willet is your go-to expert for basement conversions in Lincoln. Our exceptional craftsmanship will deliver results that you’ll be sure to love. Our second-generation, family-owned business takes pride in elevating the spaces of our fellow area neighbors. We’re proud to be a Premier Anderson Certified Contractor and a Certified Roundtables Member. Additionally, we’re part of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln and the Remodelers Council of Lincoln.

When you work with us, you can count on your satisfaction being our top priority. We aim to make the remodeling process smooth and exciting, and always stick to our job calendars because we value your time. We’re even a multi-year winner of the Guildmaster Award for Service Excellence.

If you want a full basement conversion in Lincoln, NE, contact Willet now to get the professional help you deserve.