Basement Renovation

An unfinished basement serves as a valuable blank canvas. Basement remodeling can start with something as basic as hanging and painting simple sheetrock walls and installing plywood floors at a relatively low cost. Of course, the sky’s the limit on remodeling and design projects in your home; and setting a budget for design is a bit easier than setting a budget for needed repairs.

Remember, even for the simplest basement remodel, a permit as well as an inspection may be needed in order to ensure it is legal – especially if you are adding a bedroom or bathroom. For your remodel, you may have to place a special emphasis on lighting choices. Since basement spaces are generally darker than other above-ground spaces, you’ll need to either install extra lighting or find a way (perhaps with egress windows) to open up and lighten the space with natural light.

Remodeled basements can mean additional living rooms, play rooms for the kids, home offices and a lot more. One advantage of remodeling a basement is that it’s not generally an essential living space, so you can take your time, doing one area at a time. But be aware that, to save money, you’ll want to do all of the necessary plumbing and electrical work while walls and floors are unfinished. Your basement probably houses some of your home’s work engines: a boiler, hot water heater, furnace, maybe an extensive network of pipes carrying water or sewage. It’s the area that’s extremely susceptible to water damage and leakage. Whatever work you do, you probably will want to include waterproofing.