Basements are often left dark, damp, and unfinished. But for those homeowners who take the plunge into basement remodeling, a scary, unused basement can be transformed into something beautiful. But while Home Advisor shows that a basement remodel can have up to a 70% ROI, the basement finish cost is generally a main concern for homeowners. So how can you get the beautiful basement of your dreams without spending every penny in your bank account? This article is going to provide a few tips for staying within your budget when remodeling your basement.
Make a detailed plan: One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is simply making a budget and then getting to work. While making a budget is certainly an important step in a basement finishing project, it’s not the only one. Without a detailed plan in place, it’s easy to lose sight of the desired results and go overboard. So whether you’re turning your basement into a recreation room, a spare bedroom, or anything else, it’s important to have a plan in place. This plan should include important things like necessary materials, electrical or plumbing concerns, and every detail in between. With a detailed plan, you’ll be able to determine what will fit in your budget and what can’t be done.
Utilize what you already have: Many basements consist of large, open areas. When homeowners begin their basement renovation project, they generally think of putting up walls in order to separate different parts of the area from each other. However, doing this can quickly increase the basement finish costs due to the extra materials and time needed to put up the walls. So instead, you should try to utilize open space as much as possible. It’s important to remember that it’s easier to utilize open space than try to cram extra items into an enclosed room. With that in mind, it’s a better option to leave an open layout for flexibility with open plans and in order to stick to the budget.
Don’t customize if possible: When it comes to adding in important features like counters or cabinets, it’s important to stick to the basics when you’re on a budget. While you may want the perfect cabinets made just for your area, customization can be extremely expensive. Because of this, it’s a good idea to choose the basic features that won’t break the bank. Your basement contractor can help modify anything that needs to be fitted to your specific area when necessary without ordering custom products. And remember, you can always add customized features later on when your budget allows for it in the future.
Basement remodeling projects can bring new life to an otherwise unused area. And by following these few simple tips, you’ll get a whole new area you can enjoy all while reducing the basement finish cost.