You can turn your basement into just about anything. Make it the new hangout spot in the house for your friends and family. Turn it into your private getaway for relaxation and pampering. Maybe your kids need a place room to run around and play with their toys.
Renovating the basement can be an exciting challenge to take on. However, it’s one area that can quickly have a hefty price tag attached to it. With a solid plan, though, you can keep a basement renovation within reason and not break the bank.
For your next basement renovation, use the following six tips to help keep it within budget.
Create a Plan First
Before you start anything, come up with a plan that you’ll follow throughout the renovation. If you start tearing down walls and putting in new flooring without a stopping point, it’s easy to go overboard and keep renovating. By having that plan, you can stick to the main parts of the renovation first, then move on to other parts another time.
In your plan, have a budget that you don’t want to go over. Give yourself a realistic amount of time to complete the project.
Change Out the Light Fixtures
Sometimes, all a basement needs is a bit more light. Instead of completely remodelling the basement, try changing the light fixtures out first for newer and more modern ones. The additional bright light can open up the space and give it a new feel.
Start With a Coat of Paint
Add a coat of paint to the walls can drastically change the look of any room, and the basement is no exception. Start with small changes, like painting the walls a different colour, before making any bigger changes. You may be surprised by how much the fresh coat of paint enhances the space to the point that you don’t need to do any more work.
Install Storage Units
Basements can get cluttered really quickly. Many families use their basements as storage areas. Anything they don’t want lying around or ran out of space on the main floor often gets tossed downstairs. Without any organization or storage solutions in place, the clutter can really make the basement smaller and more enclosed than it already is.
Install storage units to organize everything. Shelves, containers, cabinets, and other storage ideas allow you to organize everything and open up the area that much more.
Give the Staircase a Facelift
It’s easy to forget about the staircase. However, if you give the stairs a facelift first, it can add a feature element to the basement that enhances the overall space. Consider replacing the flooring on the stairs, painting the whole staircase, or changing out the railings to give it a different look.
Look at Second-Hand Items
How often does your basement get used? If it’s not very much, why not look at second-hand items before going brand new. Many times you can find an item in good condition at a fraction of the price of the brand new version. As long as you’re okay with how it looks and it will last, going second-hand isn’t always a bad idea, and it can save you a lot of money.
Don’t blow your budget on a basement renovation. Consider these tips to help you out without spending a fortune.