Are you looking to cut down on homebuilding costs by doing your own home projects? A DIY finished basement can save you money while freeing up extra space in your home.
What Does it Cost to Finish a Basement?
Finishing a basement varies in cost depending on how big your basement will be, what you spend on materials, and whether or not you install anything that requires hookups. Fortunately if you DIY, you save money on labor fees, so your only expense is materials. It is difficult to put an exact price point on “how much it will cost,” but if you want a good idea, count up the price of all the materials you plan on purchasing.
Remember, the best way to save money is to develop (and stick to) a budget. This will keep you from going overboard when you purchase materials and help you make wise spending decisions.
Your Guide to a DIY Finished Basement
So, how exactly can you DIY a finished basement? There isn’t enough room here to give you a step-by-step tutorial of everything. However, let’s start with the basic overall process, and you can go from there.
1. Determine a plan.
The first step to beginning this sort of project is to plan. You will need to decide what you want to do with your space. Do you want the space for storage, for extra living space, or as an area to work on a particular hobby? Once you are settled on how the floor space will be used, you can begin determining its overall look.
2. Do the prep work.
Before you hear one hammer pound on a nail, you need to decide if the way you plan to use this space requires flooring, plumbing, electrical work, drywall, or anything else. Planning how you use the space and then how the space will look is a necessary first step. Because building codes and permits may need to be met and accessed in this type of project, you will be required to determine a plan before you begin.
If you need help deciding how to design your basement space, look through some magazines, hire a professional architect or designer, or search through online decorative resources. There is plenty of help when it comes to this type of project.
3. Walls
Once your basement frame is good to go, it’s time for walls. Drywall, wood, wall panels, tile, etc. are all good options for the basement, but make sure you weigh the pros and cons ahead of time. Additionally, you should consider your basement’s climate.
4. Flooring
You may want to leave that slab of concrete as is. However, you can also choose from many affordable basement flooring options such as laminate, regular tile, sticky tiles, inexpensive hardwood, etc. Depending on your purpose for the basement (such as entertaining), carpet might even be a good option.
5. Ceiling
Choose from a number of ceiling types, including the following.
- Conventional Ceiling
- Suspended Ceiling
- Beam Ceiling
- Tray Ceiling
Ceiling materials vary from popcorn to wood to tile. Of course, practicality is good, but the style is also something to be considered.
6. Hookups
Particularly if you plan to use your basement as an apartment or an entertainment area, you will have to take care of plumbing and electricity. If you don’t have any experience with electrical wiring, it might be wise to hire someone. Basic hookups, like washers and dryers, you can probably do yourself.
7. Paint
Once the bulk of the basement has been established, it’s time to start sprucing up. Most people prefer paint to wallpaper, but make sure you choose the perfect complement for the rest of your work.
8. Touchups
Touch up your finished basement with furniture, decor, and other items to make it feel more like “home.”
A finished basement is an asset to any home. Finished basements provide an excellent use for storage, entertainment, or extra living space. If you own or are looking to buy a modular home, then consider the benefits of putting a finished basement alongside it.
If you’d like to know more about the benefits of modular homebuilding, do not hesitate to call us today. At Next Modular, we know that choosing a home is likely one of the most important financial decisions you will make. As an experienced modular home builder, we are committed to being your guiding light through this process.
