Basement remodeling projects can be done on a budget, but the related costs can easily get out of control if you fail to plan carefully and to spend in a smart and disciplined way. Here are some tips to help you have your cake and eat it, too – in other words, to have the basement that you have always dreamed of without having to break the bank.
Don’t Rush the Project
Giving your project more time will make it possible for you to get the best material prices and to find the best and most affordable contractors as well. Properly researching materials and procedures also takes time and it is essential for the right results.
Things that Are Worth Investing Into
You will need to be prepared that your basement remodeling project will include processes where you will probably not be able to find bargains and you will need the very best materials. Two examples are the components of the electrical system in your basement and the insulation. Having the best switches and outlets, integrated into a well-designed and professionally installed electrical system is essential for the safety and the proper operation of your basement, while insulation of the right type and thickness is crucial for the thermal efficiency of your space.
Create a Design that Is Attractive and Budget-Friendly at the Same Time
Adding walls to separate areas that serve different purposes is the most expensive way to configure your space and it is also a bit dated. Using wide open spaces and adding visual space dividers, such as different flooring materials and textures, different wall colors or a row of shelves is a much more modern and much cheaper way to delimit the space in the basement.
Flooring is also a component on which you can save a lot without compromising quality, comfort and appearance. Given the fact that the most expensive flooring options, such as hardwood, wall-to-wall carpets and cork are not suitable for basements because they are sensitive to moisture, the best option for your space is also one of the cheapest solutions: vinyl. The flooring sheets made from the synthetic material are resistant to heavy traffic and they also come in so many different styles that you can surely find the perfect fit for your basement.
Know Your Skills and Your Limits
You might think that the cheapest way to remodel your basement is do all the work yourself and save the money paid to contractors. This is true only if you are an experienced DIYer, not only self-confident, but also skilled and able to handle all the processes required.
A much better way – and also one that saves you a lot of money on the long run – is to undertake only the project phases that you really know how to accomplish and to leave the ones that need in-depth professional knowledge and special tools to basement refinishing contractors. That way, you might have to pay for the work of your contractors, but you will be ultimately paying for professional work that will serve you well for a long time.