If you’re not thoughtful about your basement plans, layout, and uses, you won’t enjoy it nearly as much and it won’t actually add as much value to your property as you once hoped for.
At Hawthorne, we wanted to be very clear on what sets us apart. We’re not just another basement finishing company in Omaha and here’s what makes us different:
We’re Female Owned
Nothing against the fellas, but we think women bring a unique perspective that you won’t find with other basement contractors in Omaha.
Each of us contributes separate skills and knowledge to this industry. Our attention to detail, high level of communication, and use of technology will create a better experience for the homeowner. We carefully and thoughtfully consider your basement plans.
As a 3rd generation builder, Lindsey Warren and the Hawthorne Basements team understand the importance of being accurate, on budget, and on time. Lindsey and the team will thoughtfully create a basement plan that is perfect for you! In this article, we will address a couple of common mistakes when contractors plan basements for clients.
- Lighting
- Storage
You’re in the Dark About lighting design.
The key to making small, dark spaces like basements appear bigger is clever lighting design. Chances are, the basement doesn’t get flooded with natural light due to small windows, so amp up your brightness quotient by installing several layers of light, beginning with what’s overhead.
One of the biggest mistakes we see in basement lighting is people trying to use the same cheap flush-mount fixtures you see in first-floor living spaces, but unfortunately, those lights take up valuable headroom. Because most basement spaces have access space between the floor joists, put in recessed lighting instead. It’ll also make a basement space feel much more open, inviting, and comfortable to be in. Then, in addition to natural light, we suggest adding sconces, table lamps, under cabinet lighting, and standing lamps to further warm things up.
Be thoughtful in your basement plans and reap the rewards later!
You Skimped on Storage
Can you ever have too much storage? Spoiler alert: Nope. Sure, it’s great to have livable square footage so you can brag about easily hosting family gatherings. But no one in the history of ever has said, “Gosh, we have too much storage space in our basement.” Yes, we have clients that want to use every square inch of space in the basement, but they also have four trees worth of Christmas decorations sitting in the corner.
A thoughtful basement plan would address those storage concerns. Each basement plan and layout that Hawthorne Basements creates is with your family in mind. The way we sit it, your basement is a blank slate and we work with you to help design it..thoughtfully. We will take the time necessary to discover your needs:
Entertain often? Let’s put in a drink fridge.
Like watching movies or sports? Let’s do a killer AV setup.
Lots of pets and kids? Let’s make sure to incorporate a stain-free carpet!
Is your Mother-in-Law moving in? Let’s make sure we set her up comfortably.
You tell us what’s important and we make sure to incorporate it.
Over Communication
Back to point #1, we’re women and we like knowing what’s going on. We assume the same of you.
You’ll often find that we respond to emails, calls, or texts within the same day (sometimes the same hour). We’re accessible, communicative, and might interject some sarcasm along the way.
We’re easy to reach during business hours. And even after you’ve sent in your last payment, we’re still easy to reach.
Making sure your basement is thoughtfully designed and built on time and on budget are our priorities at Hawthorne Basements.
Total Transparency
We believe that trust thrives in transparency. This is partly why we use cost-plus pricing over fixed pricing and why we operate with an “open book”.
But on top of that, we believe in owning up to mistakes (we’re human!) and being truthful even if the news isn’t great. The basement finishing industry still has a long way to go, but we’re excited to be part of the change.
Let’s Work Together – thoughtfully
Working with Hawthorne Finished Basements is a partnership. Mutual trust, open lines of communication, and total transparency. If that sounds like a contractor relationship you’d like then we just might be the basement finishing company for you.
If you’re searching for a basement contractor you can trust in Omaha, Elkhorn, Bennington, or Gretna, we encourage you to contact us as quickly as possible. And remember, thoughtful basement plans will give you more joy and added property value in the long run!
Fill out our contact form to get started or email us at hello@hawthornebasements.com.
