How to Renovate Your Basement

Are you looking to add a little space in your home by renovating the basement? This can be a great way to add an extra room or two without buildling on a costly addition.

Instructions

How to Renovate Your Basement

1. Decide the purpose of the room or rooms you will be renovating your basement into. This will determine the type of lighting you will need, number of outlets, whether or not you will need phone and internet jacks, and any additional wiring you would want to have done before the walls are completed. If you're simply looking to add a family room type area to your home, you would not need complicated lighting or wiring. However, if you're looking to add a home theater or office room you will most likely need to hire an electrician to take care of some of the wiring for you, unless you have a good amount of experience.

2. Consider how you would like to go about finishing your basement. You can either choose to go the traditional route using lumber and drywall, or consider using one of the basement finishing kits. Unless you have experience, or are very handy you may need to hire someone to come and at least drywall your basement. Using a basement finishing system you will most likely have to pay the company to install it, however, it is faster, simpler, and can be more effective than the traditional method. Systems like Owens Corning Basement Finishing Systems also provide warranties and removable panels so that you still have easy access to your foundation.

3. Once you have completed your walls, using either of the above mentioned methods, carpet and paint the walls of your new room(s). Choose a color that compliments the purpose and lighting in the room. You may also choose from several different types of paints. Most manufacturers now offer a more eco-friendly version of their typical paints that has no to low VOC's and is safe for children and pets. Or, you may choose a highly textured paint that enhances a more rich color choice. Because the floor is technically the basement floor, you may want to choose a more plush carpet that will prevent the coldness of the cement below to travel through to your feet!

4. Furnish your room to your taste! If you are under a tight budget, consider visiting a warehouse that sells discontinued or returned items such as Jordan's Clearance Center. Here you will find many new items that were either floor models or are no longer being sold. This is a great way to purchase a $3000 wrap-around couch for your new home theater room for under $1000! Places like this also typically sell tables, chairs, lamps, and even artwork for you walls.