How can I make my basement feel warmer?

1. Locate Cold Spots With a Thermal Camera.
2. Insulate the Rim Joists and Headers.
3. Insulate the Ducts Leaving the Basement.
4. Install Better Vent Flaps.
5. Insulate Above-Grade Basement Walls.
6. Make Sure First-Story Walls Are Insulated.
7. Confine Utilities in an Unheated Space.
8. Insulate Basement Ceilings Below Unheated Spaces.

Is remodeling a basement worth it?

Many people wonder if finishing their basement is worth the time, effort, and money to remodel their downstairs space. To answer that directly, yes, finishing your basement will almost always increase the value of your property. The standard return is around 70%, according to Remodeling.HW.net.

What do I need to remodel my basement?

1. Warm things up with a Modern Faux Fireplace.
2. Set up Extra Seating Behind the Couches.
3. Turn the Space into a Craft Room.
4. Shiplap the Walls for a Cozier Feel.
5. Install a Formal Projector Screen.
6. Opt for Cinema-Themed Decor.

How do I make my basement family room cozy?

1. Create a cozy den like space. (Image credit: Interior Fox)
2. Add a second living room.
3. Divide up your space with sliding doors.
4. Turn a small basement into a guest bedroom.
5. Experiment with darker colors.
6. Create a home gym.
7. Add a cinema room.
8. Create the ultimate games room.

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 adds the most value when finishing a basement?

1. Additional Bedroom.
2. Additional Bathroom.
3. Great Return on Investment.
4. Way to Add Space if Zoning Codes Don’t Allow Other Additions.
5. Income Property.
6. Add Recreation/Storage/Guest Space to Home.
7. Sweat Equity.
8. Don’t Have to Use High End Materials.

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.

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.

How do you insulate basement walls?

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.

How can I make my basement less depressing?

1. Repaint the Walls. One of the easiest, most affordable ways to lighten a room is by painting the walls and trim in brighter colors.
2. Use Reflective Surfaces.
3. Add Light Fixtures.
4. Introduce More Natural Lighting.
5. Raise the Ceiling.

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.

How much does it cost to put drywall in a basement?

Cost to Drywall a Basement Installing drywall costs an average of $1,850 or about $2 per square foot. Finishing basement walls in a 400 square foot space may run you $800, while 1,500 square feet is closer to $3,000.

How hard is it to drywall a basement?

As a walling material, drywall isn’t the most durable, especially when in a damp,more humid environment, such as the basement walls. It’s not unheard of to have drywall in the basement be easily damaged, necessitating replacement. Over time, these incidents can rack up and become quite costly.

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.

Does adding a bathroom in the basement add value?

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.

Do appraisers look in basements?

If you have a functional attic, basement or garage, your appraiser will factor those assets into your overall home value. In most cases, the square footage of these areas won’t count towards your total home’s square footage.

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.

Should I finish my basement before selling?

Although finishing your basement may not add to the legally livable space (and square footage) of your home, finishing your basement will still add to your home’s market value and appraisal value—ultimately, helping you sell for much more.

How can I cover my basement walls without drywall?

1. Paint.
2. Basement Panels.
3. Wood Fiberboard.
4. Fabric.
5. Vinyl and Wallpaper.
6. Stone Veneer.
7. Pargeting.
8. Exposed Brick.

What every basement should have?

• Focus on functionality.
• Install proper lighting.
• Consider flooring options.
• Create organized storage.
• Include a wine cellar or bar.
• Add a bathroom.
• Choose comfortable & stylish furniture and decor.
• Ensure proper air circulation.

What is a Texas basement?

A Texas Basement is floored attic space that is typically accessible via a hallway or closet on the second floor. In some homes, the Texas Basement is accessible via a separate stairways in the garage and the floored attic space is the space above the garage.

What is a Michigan basement?

Definition of a “Michigan Basement” Michigan basement is a term generally used in reference to the space underneath old farm houses. (Older homes in town were often constructed this way as well.) These basements are generally damp – often leaky – spaces with low ceilings, rock walls and dirt floors.

Should a basement ceiling be insulated?

Yes. Faced insulation is actually recommended on basement ceilings and ceilings in general. The covering or “face” of the insulation prevents it from falling out and trickling down into the basement air. This is especially advantageous if the insulation is made of fiberglass, which can harmful if it’s ingested.

What is best insulation for basement walls?

Rigid foam sheets are best for DIYers who are insulating basements prior to framing the walls. Rigid foam also works well when the concrete or block walls are smooth and flat. Rigid foam insulation is easy to use.