Basement remodel ideas

What are the steps for remodeling the basement?

 Some people believe that clearing up a basement and transforming the space is easy. How hard can it be? You’re probably thinking that you just need to throw away the old objects, sweep the floor, and do a bit of dusting to clear up the covers. Perhaps you can put on a bed, and television to finish it off.

Unfortunately, transforming a basement into a functional room is not that easy.

First, you have to know that the basement is below your house.  It is not advisable to do a DIY project here, especially when you don’t have experience in insulating a basement or doing plumbing and electrical work.

There are basement remodeling companies near Holden, ME who can take up the task and finish it within the stipulated time frame.

Here is a sequence of tasks that need to be completed during the basement remodeling project:   

• Checking For Moisture

You have already visualized the perfect room in your basement, but the priority is to check if the area is dry and free from mold.

The experts are going to work on drying up the space and making it mold-free. If there is a leakage in the basement, the experts will recommend fixing it. But there is less to worry about if you have reliable basement remodeling contractors near Bangor, ME.

They will handle all of it, so you should focus on how you want the space to be designed.

So, in a nutshell, checking for the moisture is the first thing to do before starting the remodeling project.

• Understanding the Objective

Once the basement is moisture-free and there is no leakage, the experts will ask you about your objectives. What do you want to do with the basement? Do you wish to add a bathroom? Do you want to change the floors and create a guest room? Your objectives and vision are of utmost importance.

The experts will create a plan based on your vision and budget. Permits may also be required if there are some complexities in the remodeling project.

• Clearing out the basement

You need a space to toss over the objects. Figure out what you need and what you don’t need and clear up the space. You can take the help of your family members, or the contractors have subcontractors who can do the deed.

• Framing, Plumbing, and Finally Electrical Work

The first step is to do framing, and then move on to plumbing. Finally, the contractors will get the electrical work done.

• Insulating the Basement

A Basement requires insulation. Insulating the basement will ensure that the space is warm during winter and cool during summer. The contractors will educate you about foam board, fibreglass, and spray foam. Based on the advantages and disadvantages, you can choose the insulation system.

Please note that before the contractor begins the work, they will share the associated costs for the whole project. The cost will depend on the type of insulation you choose, the materials required, the complexity of the project, and the tasks to complete.

• Drywall or Panelling

It’s a matter of personal choice of what you want to opt for. Drywall is cheaper, and it offers better soundproofing. Once the drywall is up, your basement will be ready.

Drywall supports the walls, and makes them last longer. You can also get it cut or dismantled – it is your choice.

Ask your contractor if drywall would be a good option for your basement. There is another option called panelling. Panels can help keep moisture away from the walls, and they have decent soundproofing capabilities too.

• Fixtures, Painting, and Floor Installation

Your contractor will share the plan with you about how they will go about installing the floor, and the fixtures, and painting the walls.

The sequence may differ, so let the contractor do their job. They have to finish the tasks within the said timeline and with utmost perfection. You need to trust the process and expertise of the basement remodeling contractor.

• Finishing Touches

The final stage is where the contractor ensures that all the electrical fittings and shelves are in place. It also depends on what kind of room you want to create in the basement.

• Inspection Stage

Before the contractor gets the final payment, they should inspect the basement to see if everything is safe and in proper working condition. Once they have inspected the basement, you can check everything and make the final payment.

Now that you understand the steps of the remodeling project, let’s share some great remodeling ideas for a small basement.

What can you do in a small basement?

 The square footage under your home may not be large, but you don’t have to use it as a dumping space. A basement deserves better treatment!

There are some small basement remodeling ideas that we have! Let’s take a quick look, and see how you can transform the space.

• A Cozy and Romantic Den For You and Your Partner

Since the basement is small, you can create a cozy space for you and your partner. It could be a love den for love birds. Mount an LED TV on the wall, an L-shape sofa with lots of fuzzy cushions, a lamp, and a cozy bohemian rug. The den will be your space to catch some alone time or Netflix binge all day. Let your contractor know that you want light-colored walls because that makes the small basement look spacious.

If you want to light up the small basement, consider using spotlights. Spotlights look great in small spaces. Add a statement painting and install a spotlight right above.

• A Guest Room For Sudden Visitors

Well, none of us like sudden visitors, but it’s good to keep extra room for intruders. Some people might stay over at your place after a party, and you might have to accommodate the ones who have passed out after too many drinks.

Create a guest room in the basement. If the space is tight, you could place a sofa-cum-bed. The guest can simply pull out the sofa, and sleep comfortably. There are days when husbands and wives fight, so you could use this emergency guest room for a peaceful sleep.

• A Small Home Gym

Not everyone likes to go out for workouts. They feel conscious about a workout in front of others, or they don’t have time.

A small home gym is a good idea, especially when you have a basement. Once the insulation and painting have been taken care of, you can create a gym where you could do bodyweight workouts, walk on the treadmill, or cycle at full speed.

Feel free to add a music system or small television. You can play your favorite YouTube videos while working out. It’s a fun way to shed the extra kilos off your body.

• A Work-from-home Space Can Be Fun and Productive

If you don’t want anyone to disturb you while working, transform the basement into a workspace. You could place a writing desk, an office chair, a reading lamp, and a rug underneath.

Work-from-home spaces should be appealing and comfortable. Since you have a small basement, creating a home office seems like a better plan.

Please make sure that you get some natural light and ventilation in the basement. You don’t want to feel claustrophobic while you are working.

• A Walk-In Closet

If you have too many shoes and clothes, turn your basement into a walk-in closet. This is where you can get ready. Make sure there is a full-size mirror to get a good look at your outfit. A lot of women will love this idea because not every home has enough closet space. Here’s your chance to build the closet of your dreams. You can have the whole room to dress up and look pretty.

 These are just a few budget basement remodel ideas that you can use. Small basements can be a cute space for relaxing, spending time with your partner, gathering your thoughts, or dressing up.

Once you embrace the small basement remodel ideas, the basement will no longer be a dingy, dark, and scary space.

 What costs the most when finishing a basement?

It all boils down to how much the whole remodeling project costs.

There are a few elements that will cost a lot of money during the remodeling project.

For example, you would need to change the flooring. If you have a budget to abide by, you can leave the flooring as it is.

But that’s not the most expensive part. The most expensive part would be adding a bathroom or a home theatre. Bathrooms will cost up to USD 15,000. Wet bars can cost up to USD 22,500.

If you are not getting a bathroom or a home theatre or a wet bar, you will save big bucks.

Another element that costs a lot of money is the insulation. Since mold and moisture are major problems, you would want to insulate the basement. Insulating the basement will keep the basement cool during summer and warm during winter. It’s the most important part of a remodeling project.

The basement remodel cost also depends on the contractor you are hiring for the job. Speak to a few home remodeling contractors and ask them for the pricing before making the final decision. But, make sure you are opting for a contractor who has a good reputation in your area.

How do I budget my basement remodel project?

As per experts, the cost of renovating a basement is up to USD 75 per square foot for many homes. It also depends on the material you choose, and the square footage of the basement. DIY projects take away a portion of the associated costs, but it increases all the burden. Moreover, it’s always best to hire a home remodelling contractor for the job.

Now, as for creating a budget for the remodeling project, you should know that kitchen and bathroom additions are the most expensive. Ask yourself if you truly want these additions in your basement.

Waterproofing and insulation are two aspects that you cannot ignore, so make sure the contractor works on these two first.

Flooring is a personal choice, but you can always carpet it, and make the floor look attractive. This is where you can save additional costs. Vinyl flooring is also budget-friendly, so ask the contractor if these two options work out well if you don’t go for new floor tiles.

Moving on, drywall is cheaper than panelling, so you may save some extra money there. Drywall is also known for soundproofing the room, whereas panelling can waterproof the walls. Considering it is a basement, you have to choose whether you want budgeted work or the best work.

Lastly, you can opt for open shelves and not the traditional cabinetry to save some extra bucks. These days you also get DIY racks that one can set up themselves.

However, if you want the basement to look elegant, speak to the remodeling contractor about budget-friendly cabinetry.