Turning a basement into a finished living space is one of the best ways to boost home value. Did you know a midrange basement remodel can give you a return of 70% of the amount you spent? For about every $1,000 spent, you can expect to get about $700 back.
The average cost can run you anywhere from $20,000 to $70,000. However, not everyone is willing to spend that much on a basement makeover. The good thing is there are budget-friendly options if you can’t put a lot of money into this project.
Here’s how to get you started on your finished basement without going beyond your budget.
Don’t remodel your entire basement
In a basement project, there’s no hard-and-fast rule that you need to finish the entire space. A partial basement remodel makes the most sense if you have a limited budget. Finishing off the entire basement might do more harm than good.
As basement experts, we recommend that you cut down on the square footage you’ll be working on. Focus on the integral features like the walls, flooring, and ceiling. When you have more funds, you could start working on the aesthetic upgrades.
Use budget-friendly flooring
The best flooring option for your basement is vinyl flooring. It is designed and made to be waterproof, which makes it great for damp basements. Since vinyl planks and tiles are made of PVC, they are durable and easy to install.
But is it cheap? The answer is yes! Vinyl planks only cost around $2 to $12 per square foot. Vinyl tiles are much cheaper, which cost between $1 and $10 per square foot.
If you’re remodeling your basement into a playroom, install interlocking foam mats. These soft, cushioned mats can ensure the safety of everyone, especially your kids. Locked together like puzzle pieces, foam mats provide a fun safe environment for your little one. These are easy to assemble, which means you don’t need to hire someone for the installation.
Paint the basement yourself
Don’t have enough funds for any type of flooring or ceiling? Don’t be scared to paint the basement yourself. Learning how to paint a room properly can save you time and money. This task is doable when you have the right techniques and tools.
Before you grab your roller, prep the surface properly. Make sure there’s no dirt as it will prevent your paint from adhering. Leftover dirt and grime will cause paint to chip and peel. After prepping, apply a coat of primer.
Regardless of the type of surface you’re painting, choose lighter colors to brighten the space. Basements are known to be dark, gloomy spaces. The right shade can instantly enhance the space and make it appear larger. To balance out the muted tone, you can create a bold accent wall or ceiling. Look for different paint swatches to help you visualize what the paint would like on the space.
In painting your basement, you need different tools and materials to make the job better and faster. Here are the must-have painting supplies:
- Paint
- Paint roller and extension pole
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths
- Interior paint primer
- Paint brushes
- Stepladder
- Sandpaper
Do it yourself
About 40%-50% of the total project cost is labor. If you’re remodeling your basement, you may save by doing the easy DIY work. Here are some of the quick and safe DIY tasks for beginners:
- Paint surfaces and furniture
- Hang shelves
- Change the light bulb and other fixtures
- Install floor tiles
- Hang doors and knobs
- Put up curtains and basement décor
- Apply caulking
Go to your local bargain stores
Whether you’re fully or partially updating your basement, adding furniture on a budget can be challenging. Furniture can either make or break your below-ground space. Can’t find affordable furniture and home décor? Head to a thrift or bargain store for cheap yet unique items.
This is where you can score good finds that will jazz up any room. Many thrift stores have a wide selection of couches, chairs, and other pieces at reasonable price points.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best craftsmanship and design services, Pittsburgh Basement Remodeling is here to help you! We will make sure you’re spending your money wisely on your basement remodel. Our goal is to provide you with satisfying results. Contact us today to get a free quote.