Safety Tip: This work is strictly regulated, and should not be DIYed. Even if you plan on finishing the rest of your basement yourself, you’ll need to hire a certified professional for this part of the project.
Is basement refinishing worth it?
Finishing Your Basement Adds Value to Your Home According to Zillow, homeowners can expect to see an average of 70 percent return on their investment with a basement finish/remodel.
What is the cheapest way to renovate a basement?
You can save on the cost to finish a basement by doing things not bound by codes: installing trim or doors, painting walls and woodwork, and installing flooring, says Buckeye Basements’ Jon Smith. Beyond that, count on using some pros.
What is the hardest part of finishing a basement?
What’s the biggest challenge in finishing a basement? “Typically, the biggest challenge is working around obstructions. There are heating ducts, plumbing drains, water pipes, gas lines and electrical wires that are all off and hung below the floor joist.
Why do people not finish basement?
Use As Storage Some families prefer using the basement as a storage space for unused devices or nostalgic items that can’t be thrown away just yet. A basement used as a storage space does not need to be complete as the space won’t have as much traffic as other areas.
What can I use instead of drywall in my basement?
- Wood Planks. Wood planks are an age-old drywall alternative that has certainly stood the test of time well.
- Veneer Plaster.
- Lath & Plaster.
- Plywood and Sheet Wood.
- Texture Wall Panels.
- Brick & Masonry.
- Exposed Concrete Block.
- Cement Board.
How can I cover my basement walls cheaply?
Fortunately, you can cover basement foundation walls quickly and inexpensively. Attach wood furring strips, Z-shape channels, or 2×4 studs to flat, dry masonry walls, then add insulation and cover the strips or studs with drywall.
Does finishing basement increase home value?
In the United States, on average, finishing a basement will give you a return of 70 to 75% of your investment. For example, if you spent $1,000 on improvements, it would increase the value of the property by about $700. If you spent $10,000 on improvements, it would increase the value of the property by about $7,000.
What type of flooring is best for concrete basement?
Aside from luxury vinyl, some of the best basement flooring options are sheet vinyl, laminate, carpeting, and prefinished hardwood.
What to Know Before finishing a basement?
- Check the Foundation. Before starting any construction in your basement, assess the state of the foundation.
- Identify Code Violations.
- Eliminate Water Issues.
- Insulate Properly.
- Assess the Ceiling.
- Work Around the Essentials in Your Design.
Do you need to insulate basement walls?
Walls. Basement walls should be insulated with non-water sensitive insulation that prevents interior air from contacting cold basement surfaces—the concrete structural elements and the rim joist framing.
How can I save money to finish my basement?
- Opt for an inexpensive, prefabricated egress window and well.
- Test exterior walls for moisture before finishing.
- Cut out some studs.
- Install drop ceilings.
- Skip the carpet and install luxury vinyl tile instead.
- Add a bathroom (or at least a half bath) near existing plumbing.
How much value does a basement bathroom add?
Adding a basement bathroom can increase your home’s resale value by 10%-20%. It also can turn a wasted space into an enjoyable addition to your home. The average basement bathroom will cost $3,000-$25,000, depending on the existing plumbing and condition of your basement.
What’s the first step in finishing a basement?
Many unfinished basements have simple concrete walls. To finish them, you’ll need to first insulate, then frame, and then finish up with drywall.
What insulation is best for basement?
Closed-cell spray foam is the best way to insulate concrete basement walls. This is because it can achieve a higher R-value, along with excellent moisture resistance, with less thickness required. It can fill in all the gaps and spaces thoroughly, giving you the best protection against moisture and air infiltration.
What is a Yankee basement?
What Is A Yankee Basement? A Yankee basement is a root cellar. The name for the space comes from the dugout in baseball, which is the area where teams have their benches located in foul territory.
Is it cheaper to build up or finish a basement?
Generally speaking, building up tends to be less expensive than a basement. That said, not too long ago, lumber was at an all-time high and basements were the better option. Check with your builder and they can advise you on the pros, cons, and cost of each.
How do you make an unfinished basement cozy?
The best way to make your unfinished basement feel complete is by adding accents and decor just as you would to any other room in your house. In addition to the basement ideas above, like hanging string lights and adding area rugs, bring in other details that will add warmth, texture, and ambiance.
How do you insulate an unfinished basement?
What is the cheapest way to cover a basement ceiling?
Thin wood paneling — typically 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick — can cover an exposed ceiling, and it’s available in a variety of designs. Fir plywood, hardboard, even oriented-strand-board (OSB) are even more affordable, but these less-expensive options typically require paint or sealant.
What is the best material for basement walls?
- It is also possible to use wood paneling to make foam or fiberglass insulation look great.
- The best material to use for basement walls would have to be precast panels.
What is the cheapest interior wall material?
Plywood. If you’re looking for cheap panels for walls, plywood is inexpensive, easy to install, and durable.
What should I put on my basement ceiling?
A super easy DIY option for your basement ceiling is glue-on tiles. Typically made of polystyrene or fiberboard, these tiles come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles, and are also paintable. You’ll need to install a foundation, like plywood, to glue them to. But after that, it’s as simple as glue and stick.
How do you make concrete basement walls look good?
- using drywall and paint to cover concrete walls.
- painting the concrete or block wall.
- Brick veneer panels for basement walls.
- cover your walls with real barnboards.
- combination weathered wood and painted drywall.
- use wallpaper to finish your basement walls.
Is it OK to paint concrete basement walls?
I am talking about do not paint your foundation walls like concrete, brick, and block. Remember, most foundation walls allow lots of moisture and humidity into your basement. Many paints are not strong enough to hold back the hydrostatic pressure.