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How To Finish An Unfinished Basement

What is the cheapest way to finish an unfinished 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.

Can you finish an unfinished 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.

How much does it cost to finish a basement?

The average cost to finish a basement is generally between $25 and $50 per square foot, but costs can go as high as $90 per square foot depending on how extensive the renovations are and the materials and labor you choose. For most basements, the average cost works out to around $30,000.

How much does it cost to refinish an unfinished basement?

The cost to finish a basement and turn it into a livable space ranges from $6,500 to $18,500 on average, according to analysis by Home Advisor. Basement remodeling projects — to improve or replace existing features — tend to cost between $10,000 and $30,000.

How can I renovate my basement myself?

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 do I renovate my basement on a budget?

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.

Why you should not finish your basement?

Finished basements can end up with mold and other moisture related problems behind the finished walls. Be sure you understand the details of waterproofing and proper ventilation. Ventilation and Dehumidification – Merely installing a dehumidifier can actually create problems by drawing water through foundation walls.

Is it worth finishing a small 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.

Why don’t they finish basements?

Originally Answered: Why are so many basements unfinished? They’re generally used for storage etc, not living space, especially if they don’t have a lightwell to provide natural light. So it keeps things cheaper to not fit them out to the same standard as the rest of the house.

Can I finish my basement myself?

The basic steps to finish your basement include insulating walls, choosing flooring and adding a ceiling to transform your lower level into an additional living area.

Is it hard to frame a basement?

Framing basement walls is the first phase of learning how to finish a basement. I do love the smell of lumber dust on a cool fall morning. Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it looks, but it’s one of the steeper learning curves. Once you get the basic concepts down it’s just rinse and repeat.

How do you finish a basement without drywall?

Finishing Basement Walls Without Drywall: Options and Paint. Basement Panels. Wood Fiberboard. Fabric. Vinyl and Wallpaper. Stone Veneer. Pargeting. Exposed Brick.

How much does it cost to finish a 600 sq ft basement?

A 600-square foot basement finish costs $23,960 to $28,240 with average-quality materials.

Which flooring is best for 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 does it cost to finish a 1 500 sq ft basement?

Finishing a basement typically costs between $7 and $23 per square foot with an average of $25 per square foot.Average Cost Per Square Foot to Finish a Basement. Size (Square Feet) Average Price 500 $7,500 700 $10,500 800 $12,000 1,000 $15,000.

In what order do you finish a basement?

Finish the Walls Many unfinished basements have simple concrete walls. To finish them, you’ll need to first insulate, then frame, and then finish up with drywall.

What do you put in a finished basement?

16 of the Most Popular Uses for a Basement Home Bar. From sophisticated wine cellar to neighborhood pub to eclectic cocktail lounge–whatever you’re serving can be fun and festive in your own home bar. Game Room. Den or Informal Living Room. Wine Cellar. Theater / Media Room. Library. Extra Storage. Workout Room / Home Gym.

How do you cover basement concrete walls?

The most common way to cover concrete walls in a basement is drywall, a.k.a. sheetrock. Drywall comes in panels panels made from calcium sulfate dihydrate or “gypsum.” Panels come in different thicknesses and sizes, the most common being 4′ x 8′ x 1/2″ thick.

Will finishing 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.