finished basement

8 Tips To Finish Or Remodel A Basement On A Budget

You know that empty space downstairs where you’ve been storing old clothes, old tools and old toys? What if it became a new office, a new home theater or a new billiard room?

Turning a basement into a finished living space ranks among the top 10 remodeling projects, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Not only does the project bring life to a sometimes-forgotten space, it also boosts resale value: According to the NARI Remodeling Impact Report, homeowners could recoup almost two-thirds of their costs for a basement conversion. While NARI estimates the cost to finish a basement as about $40,000, a DIY version can cost a lot less, especially if you’re creative with some of the basics. Here are eight tips to help get you started on your finished basement.

1. Start With One Area Of The Basement

When people use up their budget on finishing the entire basement, the result may look bland, says Leah Smith of Ohio-based contractor Buckeye Basements. Instead, think about “finishing a smaller area, and use your funds to incorporate some fun features,” she advises. Adding a wet bar or a big-screen TV, or making aesthetic upgrades with brick or stone “can take the finished basement to the next level and greatly add in resale value.”

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2. Confirm There Aren’t Any Moisture Issues In The Basement

Moisture and leaks can curse a basement, finished or not, says Smith. So make sure there are no water or moisture issues. “If so,” she says, “consult a company specializing in waterproofing and water-related repairs.”

3. Basement Flooring On A Budget

Since basement flooring can get expensive, Smith suggests luxury vinyl tile, or LVT. “It’s water resistant,” she says, “and results in huge savings compared to traditional tile installation.” For a more industrial look, refinish with concrete and use large area or throw rugs.

4. Painting The Basement Yourself

If you’re installing new walls, a pro will do it better and in less time than you can. Hire someone to put up the walls and finish the drywall,” suggests Teris Pantazes, CEO of EFynch.com, which connects consumers with remodeling professionals in the Baltimore area. “But do the painting yourself to save money.” He suggests that you choose a light color, to help offset any lack of natural light.

5. Find Unique Items To Decorate The Basement At Bargain Stores

“The finished basement is where most homeowners feel comfortable taking ‘decorative liberties,’” says Pantazes. Head to a thrift or salvage store and look for unique items. Want your space to feel like a ski lodge, a farmhouse or the ultimate football fan zone? “Channel your inner interior designer!” says Pantazes.

6. Choosing Your Ceiling On A Budget

You have three options here: sheetrock, ceiling tiles or painting. “Ceiling tiles can be extremely useful in the basement,” says Pantazes, since they make it easy to access water or sewer pipes and electric lines. But, he adds, “ceiling tiles are somewhat troublesome to install—they need to be done right and perfectly square.” Sheetrocking is cheaper, says Pantazes, but cutting into the sheetrock later for any repairs is a pain. The simplest for your finished basement? Painting, if you don’t mind the rehabbed-industrial look—and you can do it yourself.

Dust On Filter To Of Air Purifier. Filter Replacement7. Clean Out The Musty Basement Air

Despite your best efforts to keep moisture at bay, musty smells can still develop. “Don’t forget about air quality,”says Pantazes. “If you skimp with that, the finished basement will be underutilized.” An air purifier could help, so shop around for the right fit. Units can start as low as under $100.

8. Use Professionals To Meet Code In The Basement

You can save on the cost to finish a basement by doing things not bound by codes: installing trim or doors, painting walls and woodwork, and installing flooring, says Buckeye Basements’ Jon Smith. Beyond that, count on using some pros. “When it comes to the framing, electrical, HVAC and the related calculations as to combustion air, insulation/firestopping, and plumbing work,” he says, “these all must be inspected by local municipalities and building departments in many locations.” And these types of projects can cause a lot of headaches if you DIY. “A lot of people start to tackle the basement-finishing process themselves,” says Leah Smith. “But they call us because they didn’t get permits—and then get stuck and need a rescue.”

Finishing your basement could add value to your home, so you’ll want to protect it with homeowners insurance through the GEICO Insurance Agency.

By Katrina Brown Hunt

Read More: 4 Home Improvements That Only Look Expensive

GEICO can help protect your home.

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  1. Vernon Graham says,

    I love these ideas. Right on time for my basement remodeling. Part of my basement is unfinished. Need to put up drywall.

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