Table of Contents
How to Renovate Your Basement: The Ultimate Guide Step 1: Decide How You Want to Use the Space. Step 2: Set a Budget. Step 3: Clean Out Your Space. Step 4: Conduct a Moisture Test. Step 5: Research Local Codes and Requirements. Step 6: Insulate Your Basement. Step 7: Take Care of Electrical and Plumbing.
How much would it cost to redo an entire basement?
The cost to finish a basement ranges from $2,800 to as much as $34,500 for a 400- to 1,500-square-foot basement. The average basement project costs around $18,400.
What is the cheapest way to remodel a basement?
Here are nine project ideas that will make your basement livable on a budget: Focus on the ceiling, floor and walls. Improve part of the basement. Paint the ceiling and walls. Make room for storage. Light up the space. Create a space for crafts and activities. Add easy-to-install flooring. Paint or stain the floor.
How much does it cost to renovate a 1000 sq ft basement?
COMPLETING THE WORK YOURSELF SIZE OF BASEMENT DIY COST PROFESSIONAL COST Small (< 700 square feet) $9,500 $15,000 Average (700-1,000 square feet) $12,000 $18,500 Large (1,000+ square feet) $22,500 $35,000.
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.
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 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.
Can you finish a basement in an old house?
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.
What kind of flooring is good for a basement?
What basement flooring options and materials are the best? The best type of flooring for basements is vinyl. Vinyl flooring can come in the form of vinyl plank and vinyl tile, giving it the ability to look nearly identical to hardwood and stone products with the added benefit of being waterproof.
How much do wahoo walls cost?
Wahoo Walls’ pricing is transparent. For example, its Smooth Tape Edge Perimeter Wall Panel (4′ x 8′ x 4″) is listed as $159, as of July 2016, and they give you lots of DIY design suggestions. The downside with any big remodeling materials ordered online: freight costs.
What can I use for basement walls instead of drywall?
Wood Planks. Wood planks will be a fantastic option to consider for anyone who would like to achieve a rustic look. Plastic Panels. Plywood. Veneer Plaster. Pegboard. Lath and Plaster. Wahoo Walls. Textured Wall Panels.
How can I make my unfinished basement look better?
Decorate It! The best way to make your unfinished basement feel complete is by adding accents and decor just as you would to any other room in your house. In addition to the basement ideas above, like hanging string lights and adding area rugs, bring in other details that will add warmth, texture, and ambiance.
How much does it cost to add a bathroom in the basement?
Adding a bathroom in a basement costs $8,000 to $15,000 on average. You’ll save $500 to $1,000 if you have a rough-in drain already in place – typical in newer homes and usually near the main drain line.
What is required to finish a basement?
A basement is finished when the entire level is complete and similar to the upstairs living areas. It generally includes an electrical system, heat, finished floors, an accessible entrance/stairway, level ceilings, and finished walls.
What is the order of finishing 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.
Does finishing a basement add value to a home?
While finishing the basement certainly adds to the value of a home, it’s not always as significant as you might think. According to Remodeling Magazine, the national average for recouping basement finish or remodeling cost is 79%. Resale Value done by Remodeler Magazine.
How do appraisers value finished basements?
Appraisers will generally value finished basement space at 50 to 60 of the value of the above grade square footage. This is why market experts recommend keeping the basement budget below 10 of the existing home’s value. Moving above this percentage doesn’t help with the appraisal, it’s like over improving the basement.
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.
Do basements need windows?
In most cases, the answer is yes. A finished basement project must incorporate an Egress window if any portion of the space will be used as a bedroom, or if you are creating another habitable space (a family room, for example) that does not already have an Egress window or a door.
What is the best subfloor for a basement?
Rigid foam is an excellent basement subfloor option because it provides a thermal break between concrete and flooring. Finish flooring. Plywood screwed down through the layer below. Rigid foam insulation—1 1/2-inch thick. Concrete basement floor.
Is vinyl or laminate better for basement?
All types of vinyl flooring are not just water-resistant but are waterproof. In full bathrooms and damp locations such as basements, vinyl flooring materials excel over laminate materials. Sheet vinyl that comes in 12-foot wide rolls often requires no seaming, making it an excellent choice for a truly waterproof floor.
Is Carpet good for basement?
Carpet is a great floor covering option for a finished basement, for several reasons. Carpet is warm, soft, and cushioned, making it ideal for covering the cold cement floor. A common concern is regarding higher moisture levels that are often found in basements, as compared to above-ground living areas of the home.
