How can I remodel my basement myself?
- Install Insulation. One of the easiest and most effective ways to insulate a basement's exterior walls is adding polystyrene foam insulation directly to your foundation walls.
- Frame Your Walls.
- Install Drywall.
...
The Materials You'll Need:
| Foamboard adhesive | Polystyrene foam insulation | Duct tape |
|---|---|---|
| Framing nails | Wall screws | Drywall |
What to consider before remodeling your basement?
How Much Space Are You Working With?
- Reroute ducting that could impede your intended living space
- Raise or replace existing structural beams
- Dig out the existing floor and lower it
How to start renovating your basement?
Related To:
- Before remodeling a basement, think about the future use of that room. ...
- When you put a drop ceiling in it automatically feels cheaper. ...
- It's a good idea to maximize space in the basement by adding built-ins shelving and storage areas. ...
Should I insulate when I remodel my basement?
• Most new building codes require a R-11 insulation or better in your walls when you remodel the basement, including Michigan. • It will make a difference in how warm your basement stays, but be warned, MOST cold basements are due to lack of heat supply not heat loss.
Should you build a safe room in your basement?
Without question, the best place to build a safe room is in a basement or underground, but in the majority of cases, the ideal location will not be driven by the best-suited for protection, but the best-suited given the existing layout of the house.
What is the cheapest way to remodel 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.
Is it worth it to remodel basement?
Many people wonder if finishing their basement is worth the time, effort, and money to remodel their downstairs space. To answer that directly, yes, finishing your basement will almost always increase the value of your property. The standard return is around 70%, according to Remodeling.HW.net.
How can I upgrade my old basement?
5 Affordable Ways To Upgrade Your BasementUse Epoxy Paint to Transform Drab and Porous Concrete Floors. ... Cozy Things Up With Soft, Warm Carpet Tiles. ... Warm the Room With Heated Wall Tiles. ... Use Hanging Dividers to Create Rooms and Conceal Clutter.
How do you make an old basement look good?
10 Affordable Ideas for Your Unfinished Basement10 Ideas for your Unfinished Basement.1 | Hide Mechanicals. ... 2 | Install Electrical Outlets. ... 3 | Deep Clean the Basement. ... 4 | Add Overhead Lighting. ... 5 | Paint the Exposed Ceiling. ... 6 | Paint the Basement Walls. ... 7 | Paint the Basement Concrete Floors.More items...•
Can I count my basement as square footage?
Does a basement count toward overall square footage? As a general rule of thumb, listing agents and appraisers don't count a finished basement toward the overall square footage, especially if the basement is completely below grade—a term that means below ground level.
Does adding a bathroom in the basement add value?
Adding a basement bathroom can increase your home's resale value by 10%-20%. It also can turn a wasted space into an enjoyable addition to your home. The average basement bathroom will cost $3,000-$25,000, depending on the existing plumbing and condition of your basement.
How do I redo my basement walls?
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.
How do I upgrade my unfinished basement?
Try these basement ideas to make use of the extra space in your home.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.More items...
What to Know Before finishing a basement?
6 Things You Have to Do Before Finishing a BasementCheck the Foundation. Before starting any construction in your basement, assess the state of the foundation. ... Identify Code Violations. ... Eliminate Water Issues. ... Insulate Properly. ... Assess the Ceiling. ... Work Around the Essentials in Your Design.
What can I use for basement walls instead of drywall?
15 Drywall Alternatives for Your WallsWood 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.More items...•
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 2x4 studs to flat, dry masonry walls, then add insulation and cover the strips or studs with drywall.
What can I use for basement walls?
Poured Concrete This is the preferred method of basement and foundation construction. A poured concrete wall consists of a smooth concrete surface. This smooth surface makes it easier to finish the wall, whether painting or applying a framework for wall panels.
What Qualifies As A Finished Basement?
You cannot describe the basement as “finished” simply because you use the space, so what does it mean to have a finished basement?
Why Finish Your Basement Yourself?
If you finish your basement yourself, you can save a significant amount of money.
How Long Does It Take To Finish A Basement?
Your finished basement will take roughly four to eight weeks, depending on the size of the basement and the work you want to do.
Costs Of Finishing Your Basement
It’s important to understand the costs associated with finishing your basement before you get started.
How Much Does It Cost To Finish A Basement?
According to Forbes, the average cost to finish a basement is $18,400.
What Is My Return On Investment When Finishing A Basement?
If looking to perform a job that gives you the best return on your investment, you can expect a substantial but not complete return by finishing your basement.
How To Finish Your Basement
If you need to install any new plumbing, electrical wiring, or gas lines, you need to do this first.
1. Start With One Area Of The Basement
When people use up their budget on finishing the entire basement, the result may look bland, says Leah Smith of Ohio-based contractor Buckeye Basements. Instead, think about “finishing a smaller area, and use your funds to incorporate some fun features,” she advises.
3. Basement Flooring On A Budget
Since basement flooring can get expensive, Smith suggests luxury vinyl tile, or LVT. “It’s water resistant,” she says, “and results in huge savings compared to traditional tile installation.” For a more industrial look, refinish with concrete and use large area or throw rugs.
4. Painting The Basement Yourself
If you’re installing new walls, a pro will do it better and in less time than you can. “ Hire someone to put up the walls and finish the drywall,” suggests Teris Pantazes, CEO of EFynch.com, which connects consumers with remodeling professionals in the Baltimore area.
6. Choosing Your Ceiling On A Budget
You have three options here: sheetrock, ceiling tiles or painting. “Ceiling tiles can be extremely useful in the basement,” says Pantazes, since they make it easy to access water or sewer pipes and electric lines.
7. Clean Out The Musty Basement Air
Despite your best efforts to keep moisture at bay, musty smells can still develop. “Don’t forget about air quality,”says Pantazes. “If you skimp with that, the finished basement will be underutilized.” An air purifier could help, so shop around for the right fit. Units can start as low as under $100.
8. Use Professionals To Meet Code In The 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.
Why do you need walls in a basement?
You'll Need Walls. Walls are installed in basements for a few reasons. They make the space more aesthetically pleasing. They make it easier to run electrical wires and provide spaces to install receptacles. And walls enhance temperature control. But walls have no structural value in the finished basement.
What is the reason for disqualifying a basement?
Moisture is the factor that disqualifies most basements. Minor moisture problems can be treated with water-lock paint, and cracks can be sealed with special caulking for this purpose. In parts of the country where the majority of homes have basements, you can count on finding companies that will perform this work.
What is egress in basement?
Egress (the exit point besides the doorway) is an important consideration if you wish for the basement remodel to include a bedroom. As a result, many homeowners have been known to unwisely side-step building codes by calling their basement bedrooms by a different name such as "sewing room" or "workshop." However, building codes are in place for a good reason: they protect individuals, as well as the public at large. A careful check of your local building code will tell you what kind of egress point you need. If so, then you will need to undertake the potentially costly task of creating a sizable window to fulfill this requirement.
Can you put lights in a basement?
Most basements have only minimal lighting. But with the height restrictions, you may not be able to install any kind of lighting you want. It is for this reason that can lights are popular in basement remodels. Can lights provide a significant amount of light, and they tuck neatly up into the space between the floor joists of the level above.
Can you clear junk in a basement?
There is no reason you cannot clear the junk and build a cozy family room, media room, or auxiliary bedroom or den. The word of caution here is that basements were never intended to be fully functional living spaces (unless you live in a newer house that already took this into consideration).
Is a basement warm in winter?
During summer, the basement was cool since it was located below ground. During winter, the basement was warm since it housed the furnace. Hopefully, you have such an arrangement. If not, electrical baseboard heaters are a way to provide fast heat.
What is the first goal of a basement remodel?
The first goal of any basement remodel is to decide how to finish the large surfaces: flooring, walls, and ceiling. In a completely unfinished basement, the floor may be concrete, the walls concrete block or bare studs, and the ceiling joists of the floor above. Once the major surfaces have been installed, the area can be remodeled just like any ...
Can a basement be a remodeling space?
Basements can be daunting spaces for remodeling. Cluttered, dark, and chilly, basements often convince homeowners to turn their attention to other projects in the home. But basements don't have to stay that way.
Is the Heathered Nest basement ugly?
The basement space was large enough and showed promise, but it had one major flaw, as far as owner Heather of the design blog The Heathered Nest was concerned: it was seriously ugly. In fact, she calls it the "worst basement you've ever seen.".
7 posts to help you get started
Finishing a Basement - There a 8 major phases to finishing your own basement. This article will give you an overview of each and links to detailed posts. Plus, the one secret skill that you'll need to complete the job. Hint: You used to have it when you were a kid!
2 Areas People Always Ask About
Here are two things I was worried about before I got started with my basement project. These really kept me up at night and prevented me from getting started. Put your mind at ease, these are not hard to solve. Here's everything I know.
Can you put a second living room in a basement?
Many basements offer more square footage that main-floor rooms, so if you want some extra living space, put in a second living room. In this basement by design firm Toledo Geller, a comfortable, modern living room can serve dual purposes as a playroom for kids and a sophisticated space for adults. Bethany Nauert.
Can you leave a subterranean basement unfinished?
Don 't leave your subterranean space unfinished. A basement is a huge perk for homeowners, but unfortunately, it's often a squandered opportunity. And we get it—unfinished basements feel dark and dingy, so at best, you might just use it as storage, or perhaps you've put a spare fridge or your washer and dryer down there.
