Basement finishing in Loveland
Finishing and renovation help for Loveland basements, from neighborhoods around Lake Loveland to newer houses toward the foothills and I-25.
Loveland is south of Fort Collins in southeastern Larimer County, where the Big Thompson River comes out of its canyon. It had 76,378 people at the 2020 census, roughly half again as many as in 2000, so a large share of its homes are newer houses with basements built to be finished later.
Loveland's floor-movement rule
Loveland's basement finish building guide says that in areas subject to floor heaving, non-bearing walls on basement slabs should be built to accommodate at least 1-1/2 inches of floor movement. That's more specific than Fort Collins, which permits but doesn't require floating walls. Loveland runs its own Building Division, so confirm the current requirement for your address with the city or your contractor.
Water and slopes
Lots on the west side often slope toward the foothills or away from them, and the September 2013 storms that flooded the Big Thompson showed how much water the area can see in a short time. Before finishing, check grading, window wells and downspouts on the uphill side of the house.
Common Loveland projects
- First finishes in homes built since 2000
- Reframing heaved walls in older finished basements
- Guest suites with a bath for visiting family
- Media rooms and bars
Common questions
Are floating walls required in Loveland?
Loveland's basement finish guide calls for non-bearing walls on basement slabs to allow at least 1-1/2 inches of floor movement in areas subject to heaving. Confirm the current rule with Loveland's Building Division.
Does Loveland use the same permit office as Fort Collins?
No. Loveland has its own building division and permit process.
Services in Loveland
- Basement finishingA complete first finish for an unfinished Fort Collins basement, built and inspected to the city's basement finish rules.
- Basement renovationReworking an older or worn-out finished basement: new layout, insulation, wiring and surfaces.
- Basement bathroomsNew basement baths with drains, backwater protection, venting and a ducted fan.
- Basement bedrooms and egressBedrooms that meet Fort Collins size, ceiling, alarm and escape-window rules.
- Wet bars and media roomsBars, home theaters and game rooms with the plumbing, circuits and sound control planned in.
Nearby areas
Planning a basement on Front Range clay?
Call and a local basement finishing company will look at the slab, the layout and the permit with you.