Not so long ago the basement was ignored – it was where we deposited the things we didn’t know what to do with, and where odd pieces of furniture accumulated over time. If your basement has no windows at all here’s an idea that may not necessarily fool the eye but adds some needed atmosphere. There is a basement remodel section there, I live in NJ and was looking at the mid-atlantic region – the averages seemed extremely high, and contrary to your $25-$30 per sq ft baseline for contracting out. I would like to send you a sample of our Do-It-Yourself Basement Finishing Wahoo Wall panel. Finishing the basement helps make maximum use of all the space in the house and creates extra storage.
Their hypothetical average basement is a 20-by-30-foot space, and the renovation cost includes building an entertainment area with a fully equipped wet bar, a full 5-by-8-foot bathroom, recessed lighting fixtures, laminate flooring, and features a 24 foot partition to close off the mechanical area.
Your first step is to determine how livable your basement currently is and how much effort it will take to make it habitable. For example, one half of your basement can become an adult relaxation area if anchored by a comfortable sectional, a large area rug, and lighting with dimmer switches. I have a 12 page ebook on how to evaluate / hire contractors , it’s free when you buy my book Finish Your Basement Even if you’re not planning to do the work the book can be really helpful in understanding how the project is run.
Serious master suites now sport completely separate spaces for couples to get ready, expansive designer closets, separate shoe closets, and lounge areas for unwinding at the end of the day. During the summer the basement is cold enough, and many find it a place to get away from the unbearable heat and enjoy a cool drink, that there will not only keep warm. I know sewing and craft room are not the same, but the ideas can be incorporated into any room or space. Your chosen contractors will then need to underpin foundations for support, completely waterproof the basement and build in the internal walls. Check out some cool basement ideas we have compiled below, in addition, you can take a look at our own basement remodeling ideas portfolio. If you haven’t already – sign up for my newsletter and I’ll send you my basement cost estimator spreadsheet. Finishing a basement is not out of the realm of the do-it-yourself handy-person.
There’s also one other important advantage that is helpful no matter what basement ideas you may have in mind: the Lifetime Limited Transferable Warranty that adds further peace of mind. Avoid decorating with dark colors, for the area should be as light as possible with its underground location. If you KNOW you have a dry basement and you don’t get moisture vapor that comes through your concrete slab subfloor, carpet may be a suitable choice. If you love to sew and will be washing and ironing fabrics on a regular basis, putting your sewing room next to the laundry space in your basement might make sense. Owens Corning offers an insulated wall panel for basement conversion composed of compressed fiberglass lined by vinyl on the finished side.