Unfinished basement space is every DIYer’s dream project. It’s versatile, it has enough floor space, and there’s just a roomful of possibilities that can be done with a little bit of patience and resources.

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[ctt template=”4″ link=”5vEP6″ via=”yes” ]With a little bit of patience and resources, there are so many possibilities. Here's how you can turn your basement into a more useful space.[/ctt]

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But before you head to the home depot to shop for new furniture, it’s best to lay out your blueprint first. Check out the following steps on how you can turn your unfinished basement into a full, livable space.

 

Planning is the main step you must take into account. First, you must decide what you want the room to be.

 

Most people like the idea of a basement home theater. Large families try to set up a playroom where both kids and clutter can be contained. Or you may decide to rent it out. Whichever option you decide to go with, keep in mind the cost it entails.

 

How to Turn Your Basement into a More Useful Space

 

The outlined procedure that follows should help you get a good idea of what to include in your plan and eventually estimate the potential cost of the project.

Step 1: Measure Everything

 

Because you have a budget to work with, it’s best to avoid material surplus. Mitigate the risk of buying more than what you need by taking the right measurements of the whole space. Make sure you get the accuracy to the point so you’ll know how much to indulge in excess if there is a need to.

 

It’s important that you check your local building codes as well. Local regulations may dictate standards you can work when finishing up a basement project.

 

Step 2: Re-imagine Your Space Using an App

 

To visualize how you’d like the finished room to be, a good blueprint will be handy. Re-imagine your space using great modeling apps such as AutoCAD and Sketchup.

 

These applications allow you to draw your room design line per line and place 3-D inlays for the interiors all with scales for precise measurements. This guide shows various alternatives to the more common Sketchup application.

Step 3: Inspect the Plumbing and Wiring

 

You will most likely need a separate water supply in your basement space, especially if you’re thinking about renting the place out. There needs to be wiring installed for the sink, the bathroom, and the toilet.

 

Electric wiring is a given. Check the existing plumbing and wiring systems to evaluate what upgrades you will need to do and plan for. Take note that you may need to secure a permit to do all this work.

 

Step 4: Figure Out the Insulation Work

 

Inconsistent temperature and too much moisture in the air are primary agents of structural damage. To make sure your build is solid and durable, you’ll need to figure out a lot of the needed waterproofing and insulation work.

 

The waterproofing keeps your basement dry, avoiding detriment caused by mold and mildew. After the waterproofing work, you need to insulate walls and the ground, not only to control temperature but also to regulate noise.

 

Step 5: Ventilate

 

Because basements are walled and insulated on all sides, they accumulate heat and fumes easily. Keep your basement environment fresh at all times by ensuring proper air flow.

 

Per data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, household air pollution led to 2.6 million premature deaths in 2016. Make sure your loved ones are adequately protected by installing a good ventilation system.

Step 6: Finish the Floors and Walls

 

No matter the type of room you’re going for, your floor and wall finish should be of high quality and sturdy enough to last years of physical wear and tear.

 

Because the basement is the lowest surface of your house, your basement floor requires special considerations before installation. According to House Logic, vinyl, ceramic tiles, engineered wood, concrete, and laminate flooring are some of the best options that serve this purpose. Only high-quality drywall must be used for the enclosure.

 

Step 7: Incorporate Good Lighting

 

The overall ambiance of your basement room depends a lot on the lighting used. As much as possible, use ground-level windows to allow natural light into the room.

 

But since natural light is not always easy to come by, you have to consider investing in good-quality artificial light. The angle of the lighting also counts. More divisions require more light.

 

The color is another important factor. Pick warm colors to give the illusion of a bigger space. Overall, warm fixtures with natural colors are your best options.

 

Step 8: Complete the Design

 

The designing part of the whole renovation process is where you have the most freedom to execute. Experiment on various styles, pin your way to finding the most efficient design, and add layers of personal touches.

 

Add suitable shelving and splashes of colorful floral decors, and raid the thrift store for a good piece of cabinet console. You can also add a little bit of carpeting to reduce the echo effect common among basements.

 

Apart from overall aesthetic appeal of your basement, consider the functionality of the pieces and furniture too. Choose efficient bathroom fixtures and high-grade furnishings for a quality finish.

 

Final Note

 

Renovating a basement space can be the most exhausting and fun home project to embark on. See to it that you make all the right decisions. Whether you’re hiring a consultant or simply relying on online DIY guides to finish every step, the best way to go is always to inspect every available option.

 

Draft a worksheet to easily make comparisons. If you’re looking for ways to save on material cost, try checking eBay auctions and Craigslist for leftover sales. Sometimes, home builders and renovators sell their surplus products at deep discounts just to get rid of it. And a trip to the salvage store may yield surprising hauls.

 

This is a contributed post.

 

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