Turning your basement into a new room or set of rooms can add a lot to the resale value of your home. It also increases the living space you can enjoy.

Before beginning any renovation, you will need to clear out any cluttered areas of your basement and organize belongings into keep, donate and trash piles. You will also need to locate any electrical wires and plumbing. Consult with Finishing Basement Lehi for expert guidance.

While a finished basement can add significant resale value to your home, it is also a big investment. It is therefore important to plan ahead and develop a clear budget. This will help you stay on track and avoid overspending, especially in areas where it might be easy to do so, like finishing the floor.

The most common expenses include permits, labor and materials. These will vary depending on the scope of work, but basement finishing is typically a major project that requires hiring professionals. If you’re able to do the majority of the work yourself, this will significantly reduce the total cost.

Permit costs are generally required for any structural changes to a building, which includes basement finishing. The fees vary by county and city, but a permit for a 1,000-square-foot basement might run $500 to $1,000. This may be in addition to a building inspection fee that is often required for a home improvement project.

Basement finishing can involve a lot of plumbing and electrical work. This will require the services of licensed contractors, which is another factor to consider when developing your budget. These professionals are usually required to maintain licensure for their profession, which means that they must continually take classes and update their skills. This helps ensure that they meet minimum safety standards and have the ability to handle complex tasks, such as installing an electrical panel or rerouting existing wiring.

Other major costs might include insulation, drywall and flooring. These costs will depend on your choice of material and finish. For example, hardwood floors will cost more than carpet or laminate.

Painting is another important consideration. While you can use a special concrete paint to refresh the look of your basement floor, this will not provide as much durability and may be less appealing than other finishes.

If you’re a homeowner who wants to save money on finishing a basement, it is important to focus on those elements that will have a direct impact on long-term living and safety. It’s not wise to save on basement finishing materials that won’t last, for example by choosing poor-quality building materials or cheap light fixtures.

Design

To qualify as finished, a basement has to be able to function as a living space that’s reminiscent of the upstairs. It must have a door that leads to the rest of the house, a level ceiling, and walls that are framed and drywalled. It also needs to be insulated, wired for electricity, and installed with plumbing. Those are the basics, but there’s more to finishing a basement than just those components. It should also be well-ventilated and have a flooring that’s either wood, tile or carpet. Wood is a recommendation because it’s easy to keep clean and doesn’t absorb moisture like laminate or carpet can. Basements are more susceptible to moisture, so they need a dehumidifier and a vapor retardant to prevent mold.

If there are any projections above the drywall, such as beams or posts, it’s best to frame around them instead of trying to bury them with drywall. This also works well for electrical junction boxes, water piping and surface-mounted wires. However, it’s still important to leave access for future repairs. It’s also a good idea to frame around steel columns so you can use them for support if the basement is ever flooded.

Partition walls help to break up large rooms and reduce noise from one room to another. They’re typically framed with 2x4s, and you can cut them to fit the length of the joists they’re going over. If there are any gaps between the bottom plate and the joists, it’s best to fill them with expanding foam.

A drop-ceiling is a cheap and simple solution to covering exposed pipes, wiring and floor joists, but it won’t provide the finished look that drywall does. It’s also a good idea not to completely enclose the ductwork, because it will allow you to easily replace air filters, if necessary. Keeping the ductwork and pipes visible can save you a lot of money over time. It’s also a good way to keep an eye on the condition of your plumbing and electrical systems, so you can identify problems early on.

Materials

If you plan to use your basement for a specific purpose, such as a home office, guest suite, or personal fitness center, you will need to choose materials that suit those needs. Since basements often have a unique set of conditions, including moisture and cooler temperatures, it is important to choose materials that are durable, easy to clean, and can withstand the elements.

It is also crucial to address any moisture issues before beginning a basement renovation project. Moisture in the basement can cause a variety of problems, from mold growth to structural damage. Waterproofing measures, such as sealing cracks and installing a sump pump, can help prevent moisture problems. It is also a good idea to use moisture-resistant flooring, such as vinyl planks or ceramic tiles.

Adding insulation to basement walls is another important step in finishing a basement. Bare cement walls can cause cold air to leak in during the winter and warm air to escape during the summer. Installing foam polystyrene insulation between the joists and foundation wall can improve temperature regulation and save on energy costs.

In many cases, a basement renovation project requires new electrical wiring. It is important to make sure that you are using quality electrical wire, as this can reduce the risk of fire and injury. In addition, you should always ensure that all of your wiring is completed before hanging drywall. It is much more difficult—and expensive—to add wiring after drywall has been installed.

The right flooring can enhance the look of your finished basement and add comfort underfoot. Vinyl plank floors are a popular choice, as they are durable and moisture resistant. In addition, they offer the appearance of natural wood or stone, and come in a variety of colors and textures to fit any aesthetic. Carpet is not a suitable flooring option for the basement, as it can trap moisture and lead to mold growth.

A finished basement offers a lot of versatility, allowing you to customize it for your unique lifestyle and needs. A basement renovation project can be as simple or extensive as you want. A simple paint job will help blend in pipes and utilities, while more elaborate options include a drop ceiling or drywall ceiling.

Contractors

When you hire a remodeling company to finish your basement, choose one that specializes in home renovations. They are more likely to have experience and a portfolio of previous work. In addition, they should be licensed and insured. They should also have references that you can contact. If possible, visit past projects to see the results and speak with other customers.

Finished basements are multipurpose spaces that can be used as a home office, spare bedroom, entertainment room, gym or kitchen. You can even rent out the space to earn extra income. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your living space or add value to your home, a basement remodel is a great investment.

A finished basement can make a big difference in your family’s comfort and quality of life. It can help your kids with homework and school projects, give you a dedicated space for hobbies or fitness, and provide an escape from the noise and stress of the main level of your home. In addition, a finished basement can lower your energy bills. Unfinished basements can lose a significant amount of heat due to the concrete floors and walls, while a finished basement has more insulation and drywall, which helps retain warmth.

While the initial cost of a basement remodel may seem high, it can add value to your home and save money in the long run. A reputable mortgage lender can review your options and create a customized loan program that meets your budget. They can also provide a cash-out refinance or home equity line of credit to fund your project.

When it comes to home improvements, nothing compares to the return on investment of a finished basement. This extra living space will improve your quality of life, increase your property’s value and reduce your energy costs. You can also use the space to accommodate visitors and family members who stay with you for a long period of time.

If you decide to sell your house, a finished basement will add value and make it easier for you to find a buyer. A professional contractor can help you determine the best uses for the space and make your vision a reality. They can help you find the right materials and ensure that the finished product will meet your needs.