Expert Tips for Basement Finishing: Transform Your Space into a Functional Living Area

We can’t afford to finish our basement all at once, what should we do? 

I get it, not everyone has $75k to spend all at once on finishing their basement. 

This leads to another question: Can you finish your basement in stages if you don’t have all the money at once? 

Yes. Here are each of the stages to break up your basement remodel into more affordable amounts.

1. Insulation & Framing. Have your insulation along the outside walls of your basement inspected. Get all your walls and duct work framed around. Thinking about soundproofing the floor? Now’s the time to consider that. Avg added cost for soundproofing is $15k for 1000 sqft basement for installation and materials. Are you thinking of a pocket door or hidden bookcase door? Do you want floating vanities, an additional kitchen or bar sink? Are you wanting a full glass surround for your wine cellar? Now is the time to bring those up. 

2. Electrical, HVAC & Plumbing. Do you want to add or change any lighting? Did they run electrical wires to the bathroom for an exhaust fan and vanity light? Now is the time to run the gas line for the fireplace you’ve been thinking about. Did they install the underground plumbing for your bathroom but not the water lines? Are you considering a heated floor? Considering a heated floor? Now is the time to bring those things up and ask about them.

3. Drywall & Paint. This is a common halfway stage because it makes the basement feel mostly finished. Get ahead of the game by getting an idea of the paint colors you like. Now is the time to think about how much stuff you have in your basement. Drywall and Paint crews work the best with completely open spaces. Your contractor will love you if you start the conversation by telling them you will make sure everything is out of the basement for this phase of the project. 

4. Flooring. What type of flooring do you want? Tile? Heated Floors? LVP? Tile is the most expensive and longest lasting. LVP is the most cost efficient and can be very durable for pets and kids. The conversation about installing & heating a tile floor in a 1000 sqft basement starts at $40k and can go up from there. 

5. Doors, Trim and Touch Up Paint. Think about the style of trim you want. Do you want to match the rest of your house? Do you want to do a craftsman style? Are you wanting to invest in solid core doors that will last or do you do want something more cost effective? Typically, moving furniture to the center of the rooms and away from door openings is plenty of working area for this stage. Anytime you can open up a big space the size of a ping pong table for a contractor to lay out their tools and materials is always helpful. 

One of the best things you can do when breaking up your remodel into stages is to work with a trustworthy reputable contractor from start to finish.

Using one contractor allows both of you to plan ahead and keep notes of your remodel so your contractor can advise you along the way through your stages and pick up right where they left off when you’re ready for your next stage of the remodel.