Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Teresa Merelman, Broker, Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VTPhone: (802) 793-5171
Email: [email protected]

Basement: 5 Steps From Almost to Finished

by Teresa Merelman, Broker 04/17/2024

More homeowners than ever are looking to finish their basements, particularly as they require additional living space, to make the most out of their home. A finished basement can be used as an entertainment area, a fitness room, a play room or an office. The options are endless; now all you need to do is get started.

Follow these five steps to finish your basement:

Step 1: Clear Out Your Basement

Before you can bring new life into your basement, you are going to have to clear out the old. The first step that you need to take is to clean your basement thoroughly, purge any unneeded or unwanted items and find efficient storage for everything that is left. When your basement is empty, you are ready to take the next step.

Step 2: Come Up with a Plan and Hire a Contractor

Next you will need to decide how you want to finish your basement. A few choices that you will need to make include:

  • Will you add carpet or wood flooring?
  • Will you finish the ceiling?
  • Will you drywall the walls?
  • Does your lighting or electrical have to be updated?
  • Are you going to be installing a bathroom?

Come up with a few goals and ideas for your new basement, then hire a contractor who can help you bring your dreams to life.

Step 3: Apply for Permits

You should work with your contractor and your municipality to determine if you need any permits for the work you are about to start. 

Step 4: Purchase the Materials

Now you are ready to purchase your materials. This is often the most fun part of the project, because you get to select the flooring that you want, the paint that you want for the walls and other decorative accents that will complete your basement.

Step 5: Watch the Transformation Take Place

With all of the permits acquired and the materials purchased, the real work can begin. You can watch step-by-step as your basement is transformed into the space that you want and need.

It can take a lot of time and effort to finish your basement, but the result will be well worth it. Not only will your finished basement allow you to love your home even more, but it will also add significant value to your property.

About the Author
Author

Teresa Merelman, Broker

 Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include: 

  • ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative (2003)
  • CBR - Certified Buyer Representative (2000)
  • e-PRO - Internet Certified Professional (2001)
  • CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist (2005)
  • CRS - Certified Residential Specialist (2005)
  • AHS - Accredited Home-Stager Specialist (2008)
  • TRC - Transaction Referral Certification (2009)
  • RSPS - Resort and Second Home Specialist (2009)
  • GREEN - NAR's Green Designation (2009) 
  • SFR - Short Sales & Foreclosures Certification (2009) 
  • SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation (2012)
  • AHWD - At Home With Diversity (2021)
  • SRS - Seller Representative Specialist (2021)

Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:

  • Lamoille Area Board of Realtors - President and Board of Directors
  • Vermont Association of Realtors - Board of Directors
  • NEREN (MLS) - Board of Directors and Shareholder 
  • Vermont Real Estate Commission - as a member of VAR's Liaison Committee
  • Stowe Vibrancy - Board of Directors - this is a volunteer group that promotes activities in the Village of Stowe

In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.