When we plan our living room, bathroom, or bedroom, we spend a lot of time pondering various possibilities. However, when it comes to our basement, well, we can be a bit ignorant. Leaving your basement lifeless without anything in it can be a big waste of space. That’s why you must consider how to utilize the basement space effectively.
Basement renovations and remodeling are currently blooming in the market. We can see on the internet how people have made their basements from nothing to playful, chill-out spaces. There are limitless possibilities for using this unused space in your home. Whether you plan to make a kid’s room out of it or an entertaining area to unwind, a basement renovation is the way to go.
However, starting with the renovations can be confusing. You must think of how you want to execute it, what you need to include, and how much it will cost. Well, you can leave those worries and considerations to us, as this guide covers everything about basement renovations. So, let’s start by understanding the basic difference between basement remodeling and renovation. Then, we can move on to renovation ideas and cost as we move further in this post.
Understanding The Difference Between Basement Renovation And Basement Remodeling
Both terms are usually used interchangeably when it comes to basement remodeling and renovation. However, you need to understand that they both hold some key differences, making them different.
If we talk about the primary difference between them, basement remodeling involves changing your space into something new from scratch. On the other hand, renovation, a.k.a. refinishing, involves finishing touches in your current space with almost no changes in function or form.
Renovating A Basement
You can save a significant amount if you choose to refinish your basement instead of remodeling it. On average, basement renovation costs around $4,500 to $38,000. This cost can vary depending on the basement size and the complexity of the refinish.
In general, renovating a basement includes the following:
- Painting.
- Hanging drywall.
- Adding wires and pipes.
- Closing in the ductwork.
- Installing lighting and new flooring.
- Placing electrical outlets.
Even remodeling involves all these tasks, but a renovation, as mentioned, is performed in your current space. So, if you’re going for a renovation, know that you’re changing the layout, adding plumbing, rooms, and walls, or changing the space. You’re simply giving your basement a makeover.
Remodeling A Basement
Well, as discussed, remodeling your basement will cost you more compared to renovating it. The primary reason for this cost change is that remodeling involves much more than refinishing. If you want to remodel your basement completely, expect to pay between $14,000 and $82,500 or $35 and $55 per square foot.
Typically, basement remodeling includes adding new walls, electrics for the space, bathroom plumbing, and HVAC ductwork. Other than that, remodeling includes:
- Waterproofing
- Ceiling
- Plumbing
- Flooring
- Drywalling
- Framing
- Insulation
- Design plans
- Electrics and wiring
- Inspections and permits
- Finishing
Why Should You Go For Basement Renovations?
When you have two choices to either go for a basement renovation or basement remodeling, you can end up being confused. But, if you have a specific budget and only want to make minor changes in your basement, it is better to go for a basement renovation.
Basement renovations primarily serve two purposes: with it, you can utilize your space effectively and increase your home’s value. So, let’s see what you can do with your basement space:
- Use it as an additional bedroom for your family members and guests.
- You can turn it into an entertaining space or a playroom for kids.
- It can serve the purpose of a fitness area or a home office.
- Transform it into a rental income property.
- You can use it as a laundry or storage space.
There are numerous possibilities for what you can do with your basement space. So, it will not only serve your purposes, but it will also add value for future potential buyers. And if you’re planning to sell your property soon, a report suggests that remodeling your basement can offer you 70% ROI. Thus, you will only gain benefits with this investment without having any regrets for later.
Some Innovative Basement Renovations Ideas You Can Consider
In the previous section, we gave examples of how you can use your basement area in various ways. However, if you’re actually looking for basement renovation ideas, this particular section is just for you. Let’s discuss five innovative ideas for properly giving your basement a complete makeover and utilizing that space.
Add An Extra Bedroom In Your House
Have a kid in your house that has suddenly started demanding his personal room? Or do your guests visit you often? Well, such situations can be solved easily if you simply renovate your basement into a bedroom. This will not only add extra space to your house but also help maintain your privacy and comfort. Also, if you don’t have a big basement, you can go for an alcove that comes with shelves and a built-in bed. Furthermore, if you plan to have a bathroom, make sure you use the basement space accordingly, leaving enough room for it.
Have A Theater-Like Experience At Your Home
You finally have a weekend coming after having a stressful week at work. You want to enjoy this time by watching your favorite movie on a big screen, but surely you won’t book a full hall for yourself. But you seriously want to have that cinema-like experience, so what can you do? Here is an idea: how about you have the same theater-like experience while sitting at your home? Yes, that’s possible if you turn your basement into a home theater.
Also, that dark environment that basements usually have will be a cherry on top. With no windows around, the space will be ideal for enjoying those movie theater vibes. You can add recliners or rows by raising your basement floor while not forgetting about soft, dim lighting with a big TV or simply a projector and screen. Try looking up home theater ideas online if you’re unsure what you want.
Make A Dedicated Laundry Area
Not everyone likes to have a washing machine in their house’s common area or washroom. If you plan to declutter your space, you can create a dedicated laundry area in your basement. You’ll no longer find those dirty clothes in your bedroom and hallway floors if you have a laundry area in your house. In addition, you can use that space for adding other things, such as your sports gear. Use energy-efficient dryers, tall storage cabinets, tile floors, etc., to get the best output from this area.
Have Two Living Rooms In One House
While your home can have one living room, there is nothing wrong with having two of them. Living rooms are basically for unwinding or spending time with your family. Here you can relax, talk, watch movies, and do other fun things. Turning your unused basement space into a living room is a good idea, especially if you have kids. If their friends visit or they need a playing area, this living room will do the perfect job for such occasions.
Enjoy A Workout Area Or A Home Gym
You can make your home workout more effective by turning your basement space into a gym. Add those workout machines you love to use in this space so you can enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle. Make sure to use rubber mats to protect your floor from damage that may occur due to the heavy equipment. Also, if you like, you can add a yoga area or sona in your gym space.
What Is The Average Basement Renovation Cost?
A basement renovation, on average, can cost between $4,500 to $38,000. There are several factors that can change this cost, such as:
- Basement Size
- Basement Type
- Labor And Subcontractors
- Materials, etc.
If you simply want to make some refinishing, the whole process will not cost you much, maybe even cost you less than $3000. So, don’t hesitate to make some changes and use your basement space effectively.
Basement Renovations Before And After Photos
Let’s see some examples of before and after basement renovations to know if you’re making the right decision for your basement.
A Family Space: Before The Renovation
A Family Space: After Renovation
You can see above how this family correctly utilizes the whole space. This was only possible under the guidance of the right contractor.
A Bedroom Space: Before The Renovation
A Bedroom Space: After Renovation
There is a significant difference between how the basement looked before and now. You can’t even call it a basement anymore because of how cozy, inviting, and warm it looks. Before this, it was a dark and dirty place.
Best Basement Renovation Services In Ontario, CA
If you’re seeking affordable basement renovations for your home, My Prestigious Home will be the perfect choice for the job. Our team of basement renovation contractors can provide you with unique and innovative designs and renovation ideas that will work for your basement. We’ll make your basement space lively by adding things that are of your needs and matters to you. Whether you want another bedroom or a gym in your house, we can help you achieve that at an affordable rate.
Get in touch with our professionals at:
Phone Number: 416-825-8555
Email: info@myprestigioushome.com