There may be substantial costs incurred in treating water related problems like condensation, seepage, leaks, or subterranean water. A licensed contractor with experience in basement remodeling can pinpoint problems and make suggestions to save time, money, and inconvenience.

You need to allocate a location and budget to add them. Even where stairs to an unfinished basement exist, they may not be up to code for a finished living space.

Most codes require a ceiling height of 7 1/2 feet, so 8 feet or more provides the height needed to accommodate the flooring and ceiling changes.

Code requirements require an escape route from finished basements. These are likely to be rigidly enforced if you are adding sleeping quarters.

Make a provision to add them. This may entail exterior excavation or be impossible because of location. Not only are ventilation and light important to livability, but building codes often requires 8-10% of the floor area in window area. Ask your contractor for cost-effective design solutions.