Help on where to look

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Does the basement already have the proper size egress window for the bedroom, or will you have to be opening up a hole in the foundation?

[jacksojm]

Right now, I don't know. We've seen listings that have one or the other. Great question that I hadn't though through since this is our first experience with basements.

[ucbedge]

There are 4+ bedroom houses in Lone Tree for less than $500K? When we looked in 2009, I remember having a hard time finding (a decent) one. Maybe times have changed? In any case, don't underestimate the location that LT provides vs HR. The Quebec/Lincoln intersection gets pretty backed up during commuting hours (busiest intersection in HR). Being east of here will save you considerable commuting time.

We live in The Hearth in Highlands Ranch. Personally, I wouldn't want to do the HR - Downtown commute everyday but I do have neighbors who do it. If your wife's work is next to a light rail station, I'd do that. As previously stated, HR does have a pretty strict HOA. Be prepared to keep the exterior of your home well-maintained or you'll get a notice.

My neighbor and good friend just finished out their basement. A ~1450sf basement cost him about $60K. That seems about right.

Originally Posted by jacksojm

After all of the help and some tips from our friends, I think we've narrowed it to Lone Tree, eastern Highlands Ranch, and far Western Parker. Centennial is also in the mix, but we're looking hard at the areas in and around Lone Tree.

I've talked to the principal at St. Thomas More and unless we just don't like it on our visit this week, we're pretty much set on an area. We liked Broomfield but the commute horror stories have scared us away.

One quick question for the board. Has anyone finished out a basement recently? If so, can you give me an idea on $/sf to finish out a basement with a conforming bedroom, bath, and possibly some in wall pre-wiring for sound/cable, etc?

Thanks.