Table of Contents
Step 1 Decide How You Want to Use Your Basement. Step 2 Draft a Detailed Basement Floor Plan. Step 3 Look for Signs of Moisture in Your Basement. Step 4 Do a Basement Inspection. Step 5 Consider Your Electrical and Plumbing Needs. Step 6 Choose Your Basement Insulation. Step 7 Frame Walls & Choose Your Basement Drywall.
How can I finish my basement cheaply?
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.
In what order should you finish a basement?
From insulation and framing to selecting your paint and finishing touches, follow these steps to finish your basement walls. Step 1: Install Insulation. Step 2: Frame the Walls. Step 3: Install Utilities. Step 4: Mount Drywall. Step 5: Paint.
What is the most expensive part of finishing a basement?
Framing an unfinished basement can be very expensive due to both the labor and lumber costs. Surprising to many, the cost of lumber can actually end up being the most expensive part of the project. One way to offset those costs is by using metal studs.
Do I need a permit to finish my basement?
In most instances, you will need a permit to finish a basement. Many municipalities require permits for finishing a basement if you install a new wall. The definition of a wall includes installing drywall over a previously existing framed wall. Any type of plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work will also require a permit.
Is it worth finishing a basement?
A finished basement can increase your property’s value by 70%. While a basement does not add to the overall square footage of the house, that fact is usually beside the point for homeowners. Finished basements often function as an informal living room/family room, office, home classroom space, and guest rooms.
How do you make a unfinished basement livable?
16 Finishing Touches for Your Unfinished Basement Better Your Basement. 1/18. Lay Down Foam Mats. 2/18. String Some Lighting. 3/18. Throw Down Area Rugs. 4/18. Install Storage. 5/18. Paint Your Cinder Block. 6/18. Hang Curtains. 7/18. Create an Art Studio. 8/18.
Does finishing a basement add value?
“When done well, a finished basement will add significant value to your property. On average, a finished basement will give you a 75% return on your investment. In areas where extra living space is in great demand, this will be even higher,” says Katie DeWeese, an interior design, remodel and redesign specialist.
Can you finish a basement yourself?
If a finished basement is on your home wish list, take some time to learn about what goes into the project and find out if a DIY finished basement is right for you.The Tools You’ll Need: Caulk gun Circular saw Masonry drill bit set Sawhorses Stepladder Tape measure Utility knife Framing Nailer or Nail Gun Drywall jack.
How many hours does it take to finish a basement?
basement will take about 10 – 12 hours of work for three carpenters and two helpers. It might take longer if building arches or performing complicated ceiling work will be involved. All rough in electrical might be completed in a day. Hanging and finishing drywall may be done in 3 – 4 days.
How much does it cost to finish a 1000 sq ft basement?
Expect to pay $7,000 to $23,000, or $15,000 on average, to finish a 1,000 square foot basement.
How can I save money to remodel my basement?
7 ways to save on your basement remodel Opt for an inexpensive, prefabricated egress window and well. Test exterior walls for moisture before finishing. Cut out some studs. Install drop ceilings. Skip the carpet and install luxury vinyl tile instead. Add a bathroom (or at least a half bath) near existing plumbing.
How much should I budget to finish basement?
Average Cost to Finish a Basement Type of Cost Cost Average Cost $18,400 Highest Cost $80,000 Lowest Cost $3,000.
How much does a finished basement add to home value?
The appraised value of finished basement space is generally 50% to 60% of the value of the main level square footage. To maximize the cost/value ratio, the market experts recommend keeping the basement budget below 10% of the existing home’s value. Staying between 5-10% is a good plan.
Is drywall good for basement?
Basements are naturally damp, humid places. That’s why natural materials that compose drywall make it an unsuitable choice for basement walls. At Total Basement Finishing, our waterproofed basement wall panels are designed for humid and damp environments, making them a superior basement wall option over drywall.
How much does it cost to frame and drywall a basement?
Framing: You should expect to spend about $1 per square foot to frame your basement. Drywall: It costs around $1.50 per square foot to hang drywall in your basement. Ceiling: Basic ceiling installation can cost as little as $1-2 per square foot. But, if the project is complex, it can cost around $6 per square foot.
How do you finish a basement without drywall?
24 Types of Drywall Alternatives For Your Wall, Basement, Ceiling, Shed Wood Planks. Plastic Panels. Plywood. Veneer Plaster. Pegboard. Lath and Plaster. Wahoo Walls. Textured Wall Panels.
Is it bad to sleep in an unfinished basement?
Sleeping in an unfinished basement can harm your health and lead to respiratory problems and cancer due to the lack of natural light and air, and exposure to harmful things like radon gas, molds, dust, and chemicals. Therefore, it’s advised that you do not sleep in an unfinished basement as a rule.
How can I make my basement not look like a basement?
24 Easy Ways to Brighten Up a Dark Basement White Walls. 1/24. White Walls. Glass Doors. 2/24. Glass Doors. Light Wood Flooring. 3/24. Light Wood Flooring. Trim Your Greenery. 4/24. Trim Your Greenery. Add Plants. 5/24. Add Plants. Use Different Light Sources. 6/24. Mirrors. 7/24. Chandeliers or Fancy Light Fixtures. 8/24.
Is it difficult to finish a basement?
Some basements are natural candidates for finishing. Others will require structural work before walls and plumbing can be installed. If the structure is old or poorly built, there may be issues with the foundation, ceiling height, electrical, plumbing, or other fundamental features.
Does a walk out basement count as square footage?
A basement must have a legal ingress or egress to count as square footage. This is partially a safety issue. However, sometimes only the above-grade square footage of a walk-out basement is included in the home’s total square footage.
What adds the most value to a home?
What Home Improvements Add the Most Value? Kitchen Improvements. If adding value to your home is the goal, the kitchen is likely the place to start. Bathrooms Improvements. Updated bathrooms are key for adding value to your home. Lighting Improvements. Energy Efficiency Improvements. Curb Appeal Improvements.
