If you have a basement in your home, then you are sitting on a gold mine. Basements are valuable spaces that you can use for just about any purpose. In fact, basements are one of the most popular types of home renovations because they allow homeowners to maximize their space and offer plenty of benefits. Renovating a basement is definitely a worthwhile investment.
So, now that you’re considering a basement reno, where do you start? We’re here to walk you through the process of how to renovate a basement. We’ll discuss everything from layout planning to structural vs cosmetic upgrades, setting a budget, acquiring permits, selecting materials, and all the other basement finishing steps.
Why Renovate Your Basement?
Whether you plan on putting your home on the market soon or have no plans to move, an unfinished basement is a liability and causes more problems than many realize. Unfinished basements often have moisture problems that can lead to mold, mildew, and cracks in the foundation and walls. And due to the lack of proper insulation, an unfinished basement can cause your energy bills to be higher. It’s also harder to sell a home with an unfinished basement. Many potential homeowners are aware of the headache an unfinished basement can cause, so they are more likely to pass even if they like the rest of the home.
People who renovate their basements get to:
- enjoy more usable space
- tap into their creativity
- add value to their homes
- upgrade their homes and lifestyle
- improve your home’s efficiency
- create additional income by renting out their basement apartment
While a basement makeover can be lots of fun and add tremendous value to your lifestyle and home, it can be costly and very involving. But the good news is that the benefits far outweigh the cons.
Basement Finishing vs Basement Renovation
Making changes to your basement can fall under basement finishing or basement renovation. Basement finishing steps include addressing the foundational elements of your basement, like the floor, walls, ceilings, windows, etc. It is structural work that allows your basement space to be safe and usable and includes installing things like drywall, plumbing, insulation, and ventilation. These upgrades ensure you have a healthy base for renovation work.
Basement renovation involves updating or repairing your basement to make it more functional and appealing. Upgrades can include new flooring, painting, installing cabinets or shelving, installing light fixtures, and other cosmetic changes that add functional and aesthetic value to the space.
What to Look Out For – Assessing the Condition of Your Basement
As you plan for your basement renovation, you need to have a good idea of the condition of your basement. Conducting surface or cosmetic renovations without addressing underlying structural issues can lead to a lot of costly headaches later on. Be sure to correct any structural problems before you begin your renovation. A common issue for basements is moisture. If you have an unfinished basement, there’s a chance that you may have some moisture issues in your basement.
The signs of dampness include:
- Cracks in the wall or foundation
- Mold and mildew
- Musty odor
- Condensation
- Puddles
Before you install drywall in your basement, make sure that any moisture issues are corrected and proper waterproofing measures have been put into place to prevent future moisture problems.
Types of Basement Renovations
There are different ways to utilize your basement space. With so many possibilities, the best choice for your household will boil down to how you plan to use your basement space. Here are some basement ideas to consider:
Getting Started – Key Steps to Finish A Basement
One of the crucial basement finishing steps is planning. Many things must be taken into account when planning a basement renovation. Research can help you know what to expect and plan better.
Understanding Local Bylaws and Building Codes
Anytime you embark on a construction project, there are local bylaws and building codes that you must abide by. These ensure that buildings being built or modified are safe for occupancy. Some renovations require certain permits before you can begin the project.
So you’ll want to know what permits your reno will need. Consult with an experienced basement renovator about your project and what permits you need. Moving forward with a renovation project without the required permit is a shortcut that will cost you in the long run.
Understanding Cost
It’s a good idea to be informed about the different expenses associated with basement renovations. These include labour, materials, permits, and other costs. The size and condition of your basement, your location, the quality of the materials, and the type of renovation work being done will all need to be factored into the cost of the renovation.
How Much Will It Cost To Finish Your Basement In GTA?
The total amount you are likely to spend depends on the finishing you want. The finishing you are going for is also dependent on the intentions you have for the basement. However, you are likely to spend $25 to $50 per square foot. Averagely speaking, the total amount you might spend is $30,000 from start to finish.
How Long Will It Take To Finish The Basement In GTA?
It depends on the size of the project. The contractors you bring on board may take about four to eight weeks. However, if the project is too big, it is best to take all the time it requires; that way, you’ll avoid ending up with half-baked results.
DIY vs Professional Renovation
If you have confidence in your DIY skills and know how to renovate a basement, you may be interested in doint the work yourself. Most people do this to save money. If you decide to go this route, keep a few things in mind. You may run into some surprises along the way that may require a professional.
DIY projects often look much easier than they actually are, and sometimes injury or damage can occur. Getting professional contractors to renovate your basement is advisable. An experienced team knows the ins and outs of basement renovation and can deliver good results.
Planning the Layout
The layout of your basement should accommodate its purpose. The space should be easy to navigate and convenient. Know the measurements of your basement. This will come in handy when planning the design and buying furniture.
Assess your storage needs and find creative ways to incorporate storage in your basement. Consider keeping an open layout for convenience. This allows natural light to flow through the space more easily. Also, ensure that you have adequate lighting in your basement. Basements are typically dark areas, which can make the space feel depressing. If you do decide to go with an open concept layout, think about creating zones to dedicate certain areas of your home for certain purposes.
Selecting Materials
Picking materials can be challenging because there are so many options to choose from. The key is to choose materials that fit within your budget and are also appropriate for the purpose of your basement. For every luxury material, there is a more affordable option that looks similar. You want your materials to be practical, durable, and low maintenance. Another thing to consider about your materials is whether they fit into the theme of your basement.
Planning Finishes
Your finishes will determine the look of the basement space. The finish should tie into the design and include the the hardware for your cabinets, shelving, light fixtures, flooring options, paint, doors, countertops, and more. Take time to weigh your options and make a selection based on durability, affordability and appeal.
Planning Furniture, Lighting, Accessories, Plumbing Fixtures
When it comes to furniture, you want comfortable seating and furniture that is durable and a good fit for the purpose of the room. You also want to avoid going overboard with fixtures and accessories.
Your lighting system should support the purpose of your basement. So if you need more adequate lighting for a workstation, think about finding ways to add supplementary lighting to boost productivity, and elevate the mood in the space.
DIY Basement Finishing Guide
Supervising the contractors from the point of knowledge is vital. If this is not the case, you are likely to miss out on any irregularities due to incompetence and the outcome of the project will not be pleasing.
With the steps to finish a basement below, you’ll have a clue about what to expect.
How to Finish a Basement wall
With all the requirements in place, your contractor is free to work in the basement. Let’s start with the walls.
How To Finish The Basement Ceiling
There are several types of finishes to choose from. You could opt for a drywalled ceiling, open ceiling, or drop-ceiling installation.
Related Article: Separate Entrance to Basement Cost
Hire Contractors Experienced in How to Renovate a Basement
Now that you know the steps to finish a basement, it’s time to get started. RenoDuck is here to help you get the most value from your basement renovation. Add value to your lifestyle and home with a well-designed basement. Get in touch with our team to learn more about our basement renovation services.