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Can you finish an unfinished basement?

Can you finish an unfinished basement?

While an unfinished basement works great as extra storage space, your basement could be used much more effectively if it were finished. A lower-level remodel can transform that under-utilized space into an additional living area, such as a home theater, craft room, or playroom, your family will love to hang out in.

What is the cheapest way to finish an unfinished basement?

You can save on the cost to finish a basement by doing things not bound by codes: installing trim or doors, painting walls and woodwork, and installing flooring, says Buckeye Basements’ Jon Smith.

How much does it cost to finish an unfinished basement?

Average Cost to Finish a Basement

Type of Cost Cost
Average Cost $18,400
Highest Cost $80,000
Lowest Cost $3,000

Why you should not finish a basement?

Finished basements can end up with mold and other moisture related problems behind the finished walls. Be sure you understand the details of waterproofing and proper ventilation. Ventilation and Dehumidification – Merely installing a dehumidifier can actually create problems by drawing water through foundation walls.

How do you fix an unfinished basement?

12 Finishing Touches for Your Unfinished Basement

  1. Lay Down Foam Mats. 1/13. Most unfinished basements have a poured concrete floor.
  2. String Some Lighting. 2/13.
  3. Throw Down Area Rugs. 3/13.
  4. Install Storage. 4/13.
  5. Paint Your Cinder Block. 5/13.
  6. Hang Curtains. 6/13.
  7. Create an Art Studio. 7/13.
  8. Craft a Canopy for Your Ceiling. 8/13.

How do you cover an unfinished basement wall?

Fortunately, you can cover basement foundation walls quickly and inexpensively. Attach wood furring strips, Z-shape channels, or 2×4 studs to flat, dry masonry walls, then add insulation and cover the strips or studs with drywall.

How do you make an unfinished basement less creepy?

Delightfully Dry The signature characteristic of an unfinished basement is that it’s musty and damp. A dehumidifier (like this one from Amazon) is the quick fix here. Run it regularly, especially during the summer months, to keep the temperature comfortable and to protect against creepy-crawly bugs.

Can you sleep in an unfinished basement?

Sleeping in an unfinished basement can harm your health and lead to respiratory problems and cancer due to the lack of natural light and air, and exposure to harmful things like radon gas, molds, dust, and chemicals. Therefore, it’s advised that you do not sleep in an unfinished basement as a rule.

How much does it cost to drywall a 1000 sq ft basement?

Finishing a basement typically costs between $7 and $23 per square foot with an average of $25 per square foot….Average Cost Per Square Foot to Finish a Basement.

Size (Square Feet) Average Price
800 $12,000
1,000 $15,000
1,200 $18,000
1,500 $21,350

Why are basements left unfinished?

Unfinished basements usually make fine storage space. Unfinished basements are often a good location for laundry facilities. An unfinished basement usually needs less cleaning and overall maintenance, as it is not considered “living space.”

Are basements worth the trouble?

Con: You might not recoup all of your expenses. While it’s true that remodeling an unfinished basement increases your home’s value, it’s also true that you are unlikely to recoup 100 percent of your expenses. As a general rule, the increase in value only covers roughly 70 percent of what you spent on the makeover.

What to do before finishing your basement?

10 Crucial Things to Consider Before Finishing Your Basement Expect a payback. Finishing a basement can be a good investment. Flex DIY muscle. Although plumbing and wiring are best left to professionals, some basement remodel projects (such as framing walls, installing insulation, and hanging drywall) are within the capabilities Consider light sources. Put safety first in stairwells.

What is the cheapest way to finish a basement?

The cheapest way to finish a basement floor is simply to paint it. Most basements are fashioned with concrete floors, so pick a dark color that will hide any unevenness or settling.

What are the steps to finish a basement?

The key steps to finishing your basement are these: Inspiration, plan, {permit} and execute. Specifically, get all your tools, visualize, plan, draw, pull the permit and then start with the physical work. That is – Framing, electric and plumbing, drywall install, installing doors, and flooring.

What is the definition of an unfinished basement?

An unfinished basement is a type of basement that is not prepared for use as a living space and often has a number of features that can make it rough or somewhat uncomfortable to be within. In this usage, “unfinished” does not refer to the process of finishing construction of the basement —…