7 Cost-Saving Tips For Your Basement Renovation

Having a functional basement is probably the most significant home improvement project you can do without actually expanding your living space. A basement remodel typically costs tens of thousands of dollars, and prices for materials are always changing. So far, I've found that the changes have been for the worse and therefore, it's best to do your remodel sooner rather than later.

But… With the right strategies, you can keep your project well below the average cost. All it takes is a firmly established list of priorities and a wise distribution of your budget.

1. Start With Solid Planning

When you do renovations, it’s always a good idea to have a clear plan before beginning any work. This means figuring out how much you can spend and which elements of your project need to change accordingly.

One of the major functions a basement renovation can provide is adding bedrooms. This includes creating necessary fresh air intake, windows, and sockets to have adequate lighting. Other features include waterproofing, noise reduction, etc. The limits are your imagination!

This will give you a chance to revise your budget down to what you're really able to afford. It's important to get a grasp on what you can realistically manage from the start so that you don't put too much pressure on yourself.

2. Do Your Research

The easiest way to save money on a basement renovation is by doing your research before you begin. You should do some research on the different types of renovations that are available, and then compare prices and materials with other projects in your area. This will allow you to determine which type of project will provide the best value for you, as well as how much it will cost.

3. Estimate the Budget

It's hard to stick to a budget if you don't have one. The first step is figuring out your goal.

After your basement is finished, you can use it for many different purposes. Some options include a home office, game room, playroom, home gym, wine cellar, or wet bar. You could also turn it into an additional bedroom or rent out some of the space as an accessory dwelling unit.

Once you're ready to begin cleaning and organizing the room, take a walk through it to see what changes you want to make. Once you know what you want, go visit Home Advisor for estimating their price. Next, look at your budget and figure out how many or what changes will be able to be made with your budget in mind.

4. Long-Term Goals

If you want to create a basement that's perfect for your family, then planning the space out before you start renovating is important. This will make it much easier for you to ensure that everything feels like it was made specifically for your needs.

If you are planning to sell your home anytime soon then it is worth looking at the trends in the housing market before embarking on any significant home renovations. You might want to take a look at other houses in your neighborhood for example to get an idea of what potential buyers are looking for.

5. Treat Any Signs of Moisture

Basement humidity can be problematic for many homeowners. Make sure to ask your contractor if there are any signs of moisture before work begins. Mold or mildew, water infiltration, and condensation are all signs for you to watch out for and take the necessary steps against.

You could have to pay more money if you don’t do anything about it. Wet basement walls may cause the structural stability of your home to be compromised. Have a professional inspect for signs of deformation and mold as soon as you can.

Many homeowners have moisture problems every winter when the snow melts and freezes again, causing a cycle of wetness in the basement. A layer of insulation can help to keep these problems from occurring in the future.

6. Invest in The Essentials

The use of basement renovation can help you cut costs on certain things. However, it is worth the investment to make a few changes in your basement if you’ve had issues with humidity. It might be caused by having an old or inefficient system.

You can use these tips to avoid such problems next time.

Make sure you put money into those aspects like sound insulation, heating and cooling costs, & water infiltration. If you’ve had troubles with energy loss or water infiltration in the past because of a window's lack of quality, go for better windows that offer low energy consumption and a perfect seal against water.

When remodeling your basement, it might not be obvious to see the benefits of upgrading your windows or installing a sump pump over installing a projection screen. But with the long-term cost savings, this type of upgrade can actually be a smart investment.

Conclusion

The basement is one of the most often neglected parts of a home. It’s usually the last room to be remodeled and it’s also the most neglected. However, there are many ways to use your basement for more than just storage.

Basement renovations are a great way to put your home's extra space to good use. But renovating your basement can be expensive, so it pays to get creative about how you go about it. Before you start renovating, make sure that the basics are in order. Check the foundation, plumbing, and electrical wiring to ensure that they are safe and up to date. This will help you avoid costly mistakes down the road