Table of Contents
Is it possible to finish your own basement?
While you can simply paint your basement ceiling to help blend in pipes and utilities while leaving them accessible, installing a finished ceiling will give your renovated basement a more complete look. It accomplishes the job of covering exposed pipes and floor joists while still allowing access to overhead utilities.
What is the cheapest way to finish a 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.
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.
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.
How can I cover my basement walls cheaply?
Fortunately, you can cover basement foundation walls quickly and inexpensively. Attach wood furring strips, Z-shape channels, or 2×4 studs to flat, dry masonry walls, then add insulation and cover the strips or studs with drywall.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
How long does it take to finish a basement?
How Long Does Finishing a Basement Take? The standard time it takes to finish a basement is 4-8 weeks. Keep in mind that this can vary by the project size, so give yourself as much time as you need. This is a big investment and an extensive project, so there is no need to rush it.
What can I use instead of drywall in my basement?
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.
How do you finish a basement without framing?
Use furring strips attached to basement walls: basement panels can be used in a basement finish not using studs and drywall. As such, all you need for support are some furring strips attached to basement concrete side walls.
How do you finish a block basement wall?
Seal the Wall. Use a paint roller to apply the masonry waterproofing product you choose. Install Blocking Between Joists. Snap Lines on the Floor. Assemble the Walls on the Ground. Tip Up the Walls. Plumb the Wall and Secure the Top Plate. Build Out Around Windows.
Is sleeping in the basement bad for you?
“Basements are often damp, and moisture and mold go hand-in-hand,” says Robert Weitz, a certified microbial investigator and founder of RTK Environmental. “Mold and poor indoor air quality have been known to trigger allergies that cause coughs and headaches, as well as irritations to the nose, skin, and eyes.
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 do you build a temporary wall in a basement?
How to Build a Temporary Wall STEP 1: Apply the sill seal to those surfaces that the temporary wall will touch. STEP 2: Cut a pair of 2x4s to the length you want the temporary wall to be. STEP 3: Cut two more 2x4s to be 3 inches shy of ceiling height. STEP 7: Finish the wall however you please.
