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When it comes to home renovations, a basement is the neglected little cousin. While outdoor spaces and upper-level home renovations have become increasingly popular in recent years, the basement remains an afterthought for most homeowners. This is unfortunate because, with a little work and creativity, your basement can become an asset rather than a liability. In this blog post, we’ll explore affordable ways to remodel your basement on a budget without sacrificing quality or aesthetics. Read on to discover six tips for getting the most bang for your buck when renovating your basement.
Install a waterproofing system
When renovating your basement, the first order of business is to ensure that you’ve installed a waterproofing system. No matter how much you love your basement, you have to recognize that it is not fully waterproof. Waterproofing your basement will ensure that you don’t need to deal with costly water damage in the future, and it can be accomplished via one of two different systems. The first is what is known as a sump pump system. This system, which costs around $1,500 to install, pumps water out of your basement and into your yard via pipes that are connected to your sump pump. The second option is to install a French drain system. This system is a bit more expensive, but it provides better protection against water damage. A French drain system relies on two trenches that are dug on either side of your home’s foundation.
Add some natural light
Even if you’re planning to turn your basement into a movie theater or sports bar, you should still add some natural light. Natural light not only adds to the aesthetic of your basement, but it’s also psychologically beneficial. Studies have shown that the presence of natural light can reduce anxiety and improve your mental health. Adding natural light to your basement can be accomplished via the installation of skylights. You can get skylights that mimic the look of a window or skylights that are designed to be purely functional. Skylights are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making them a great option for any basement.
Add a few windows
Like we mentioned above, even if your basement is destined to become a movie theater or sports bar, you should still add a few windows. This will allow the sunlight to filter in, which will make the space look less like a basement and more like a den or living room. If you don’t have the space to install big windows, you can install what are known as clerestory windows. These are smaller, traditional windows that can be installed in a wall or ceiling. If you’re planning to turn your basement into a living room, den, or office, you should definitely add a few windows. Windows are an inexpensive way to add light and space to any basement. They can also be outfitted with blinds, which allow you to control how much light enters the room.
Decide on the right kind of flooring
When renovating your basement, you’ll have to decide on the right kind of flooring. The type of flooring that you choose will depend on a number of different factors, including the style of your home, the layout of the basement, and your budget. If you want your basement to look a bit more like an upper level room in your house, you can install a hardwood floor. Hardwood flooring is durable, attractive, and easy to install. If you have limited funds or are trying to keep your basement as low-maintenance as possible, you can also install laminate or vinyl flooring. If money is no object, you can install a luxury vinyl floor that looks just like hardwood.
Paint the space
Another inexpensive way to instantly transform your basement is by painting the space. Color can have a powerful effect on our mood and emotions, so painting your basement a cheerful color can instantly improve the vibe of the room. Depending on the size of your basement, you can paint it completely or paint the walls, ceiling, and whatever other surfaces you’d like. If you’re painting the walls and ceiling, you should go with a paint that’s formulated for indoor use. Picking an appropriate color scheme for your basement is largely a matter of personal preference and taste. You should, however, keep a few things in mind while you’re deciding on a color scheme. First and foremost, you want to pick a color scheme that complements your home’s aesthetic.
Have a party!
If you’re planning to use your basement as a full-fledged party space, you’re going to have to do a lot more than slap a new coat of paint on the walls. You’ll also have to install a few new features, including a proper sound system and a dance floor. Installing a sound system in your basement will cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the quality of sound system you install. You can opt for a simple audio system or a state-of-the-art sound system that can rival any club. Installing a dance floor will cost you around $1,000 to $3,000. If you want to turn your basement into a party space, you’ll have to spend a considerable amount of money. But think of it this way: now you have the perfect place to host your next party!
Conclusion
No home is complete without a fully functional basement. Basements provide essential storage space and can be transformed into anything from a media room to a fully-fledged gym. A basement renovation can be a daunting process, but it doesn't have to be. To make your renovation go smoothly, it's best to plan ahead and get organized. You can start by making a list and prioritizing your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Once you've got your wishlist down, you can start seeking quotes and comparing contractor estimates. When renovating your basement, it's important to get everything in line before you start splurging on the good stuff. From waterproofing the basement to installing natural light and painting the space, there are several ways to transform your basement without breaking the bank.
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