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We always need more space in our home so taking advantage of good ideas that give us extra storage is sometimes a must. Many times valuable spaces can be discovered by using a basement. This can be a great space that you can renovate if you have the right budget for it. So, if you are wondering how to finish a basement you need to plan is quite good.
Are you thinking about doing a big change by finishing your uncomplete basement? An average cost for this type of work is around $6,000 to $ 18,000 but the return of the investment is up to 65 %.
Image source: Walker Home Design
This means that if you have a finished basement it is not only going to be great for your guest but it is also going to be incredible profitable for you because it is a feature that will increase the value of your house.
Image source: Cara Woodhouse Interiors LLC
Discover how to finish a basement by checking out these ideas. Together with the help with designers, these homeowners have turned their drab basements into a stylish entertainment and relaxation destinations that you can check out. Don’t go for the classic TV rooms and guest suits these inspired hideaways can be the new look of your finished basement.
How to finish a basement: Things You Must Know
So, you decided to change your full of junk basement into a warm and welcoming livable space, or maybe you already used it but wanted to bring some style to it. There are many ways to go around this and it is all up to you to choose the final design. Here are some that you might want to consider.
Get Rid Of All Your Unused Junk
Some ideas that you can start with include trying to get rid of the items in your basement that you really don’t use anymore. Actually, you can take advantage of this movement and check the entire home. Take them and transform them into cash by selling them online or doing a yard sale. This will help you have saved some money from the investment.
The way your basement is going to be affected depends on what you are going to use it for, but there are basics that you can decide upon no matter what you are planning to use the space for as deciding upon what flooring to use.
Keep It Dry
One of the first things that you need to do is to check for any water issues that your basement might have. Usually, there are many obvious signs that will appear. While you are doing this also check for any cracks in your foundation walls and repair them if it is necessary.
Think About Adding An Egress Window
Image source: ROAM Architecture
Continuing our ideas on how to finish a basement something that you can try is to get an egress window that is great to add natural light to your basement especially if it completely underground.
Another use for it can be to evacuate from your basement especially if an emergency happens as well as letting in the fresh air. Any finishing basement should have this kind of window installed.
Keep Out the Cold and the Warmth In
Isolation can be a good way to keep a steady temperature inside your basement and it is good against moisture. Go for insulation that has a vapor barrier on both sides, there are many details about this type of materials so make sure you check them fully.
Add a Vapor Barrier
In understanding how to finish a basement you will also need to check moisture issues and how you can avoid them because they can cause serious damage. You will need a vapor barrier to both walls and floors prior to framing and finishing the surfaces.
It is a good idea to lay down a vapor barrier especially for a day or two and after you can check underneath to see if and how much moisture might be coming inside before you decide to move on.
Choose your Style of Basement Ceiling
Image source: 2Modern
Drop ceilings are one of the most common methods used in a finished basement. It is popular because it has a great industrial feel and can be done by simply painting the entire unfinished ceiling with black or white.
It adds a gorgeous effect that will make a cool atmosphere in the entire space, people will love it.
Basement Lighting
Image source: Revealing Assets – Home Staging Services
Lighting is a great design element that can change the entire basement finishing. Most of the times a space like this is dim because it lacks natural light even though there are some exceptions.
To combat the dimness, LED light strips have evolved a lot and they can do a great job especially when you are deciding how to finish a basement in terms of light. Another option can also be track lighting. If you know how to do it yourself it is even better because you are going to end up saving some money.
Basement Finish Ideas
Instead of adding a shed or upgrading your outdoor living space you might want to invest some time this summer into remodeling your basement. This can become one of the best spaces in your house and basements can be tough to tackle.
Houzz has some great basement ideas that you can think of that will save you both time and money so check them out.
Add A Music Room To Your Basement
Image source: Arlington Home Interiors
A popular basement refinishing is to transform this room into a band practice space. If you like music and already have a band for sure you can take advantage of such a space and start practicing.
The trick is that the room should be sound-proofed and well isolated. It can also become a music studio if you install different equipment and some good soundproof materials.
Extreme Game Room
Image source: ALH Home Renovations, LLC
Having your game room is probably one of the best uses you can give to your basement. Learning how to finish a basement and turning into such a space is not complicated at all.
In the end, you will be able to enjoy cool game nights together with your friends. Think about this concept chances are quite big that you are going to enjoy it a lot.
Add a Theater Room
Image source: M.J. Whelan Construction
Create your own home theatre room and start watching some of your favorite movies. You can really go big with this and buy a huge TV or even your own projector together with a speaker system.
Image source: FBC Remodel
So, deciding how to finish a basement for the purpose of making it a Theater room is up to you because there are a lot of resources that you can check.
Go Double with Living Rooms
Image source: Ryan Duebber Architect, LLC
Why just keep one family room when you could go for two? Remodeling your basement is the perfect opportunity if you want to give your home two places where you can relax.
Kids can really play and watch movies in the basement of your living room so let’s see how you can transform it and make it a great space.
Basement Sports Bar
Image source: Jaque Bethke for pure design environments inc
This is more for the men out there that want to bring the bar element in their own house. Understanding how to finish a basement that can be such a place is important so check some ideas out.
Turn a Basement Space into a Bedroom
Image source: Hogarth Architects Lt
Have a kid that is starting to not like anymore to share the bedroom with his younger sibling? Then you can always learn how to finish a basement and transform it into a bedroom. If you do this you will gain some space, privacy, and comfort that you can give for your kid.
Also, if you are just looking for an extra sleeping area but you don’t have space in the rest of the house for sure you can do it using your basement. Make sure you plan it right and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Turn the Basement into a Workspace
Image source: risa boyer architecture
Transform your basement into your own private office that you can use at any time. Your basement can become a great place to start working and put everything that you need around there.
It doesn’t take too much time to create a bright and functional zone so all you need to do is just some basic steps.
Bunk Bed Basement
Image source: Titus Built, LLC
This is a cull place for kids that want to have sleepovers or as you can see in the picture read books.
Sweat It Out in a Home Gym
Image source: Total Basement Finishing
If you want you can also transform a basement in a workout room that can be used for gym activities. Use it to get the space that you always wanted for your workout, you can even start to invite friends over and for sure they will be impressed.
Rubber mats can be an option together with other equipment that you had in mind for. Just give it a go and see for yourself.
Sports Pitch
Image source: A. Perry Homes
This basement can be a great practice area for the little guys that want to practice basketball. It’s easy to create and you don’t have to be an expert, just follow the simple steps on how to finish a basement and you will be ok.
Add a Spa to your Basement
Image source: Wilkinson Beven Design
You will need to plan this pretty well if you want to get the best spa space in your basement. For sure you will love it just try to not rush and do it step by step.
Ending thoughts on how to finish a basement
In conclusion, understanding how to finish a basement is strongly connected with what will the room be prepared for. Think about what you want and you will find the best way to do it.
If you enjoyed reading this article on how to finish a basement, you should read these as well:
- Basement Kitchen Ideas: Creating An Amazing Kitchen in your Basement
- Basement apartment ideas: Décor, paint, lighting, and more
- Drywall alternatives you should consider using