5 Do’s And 5 Don’ts Of Basement Renovation On A Budget

Table of Contents

1. The Do’s[+]
   1. Set A Budget
   2. Make A Plan
   3. Paint The Ceiling And Walls
   4. Create A Storage
   5. Take On Some Of The Labor
2. The Don’ts[+]
   1. Don’t Forget To Check For Permitting Requirements
   2. Don’t Skip The Aesthetics
   3. Don’t Neglect Lighting
   4. Don’t Buy All Brand-New Items
   5. Don’t Hesitate To Ask For Professional Help
3. Takeaway

A basement is a wonderful way to gain usable living space. Unfortunately, most individuals don’t take advantage of this and use their basements merely as a hidden storage space. Typically, basements have plenty of space to turn into something functional, such as extra bedrooms, exercise rooms, or even a home office.

However, renovating your basement doesn’t come at a low price. If you’re only working with a limited budget, you must know how to adjust your strategy accordingly. While a good renovation company like the Reno Duck can help you work with your needs, it’ll be to everyone’s benefit if you take the initiative to define your goals and stick to them.

The Do’s

Indeed, there are specific steps you must take to accomplish your renovations without breaking the bank. Here are some things you should do while renovating your basement on a tight budget:

1. Set A Budget

Before starting your basement renovation, the first thing to do is to ensure that you have set a specific budget. Your budget allows you to be precise every step of the way and can be a guide on whether any of the materials and tools you’ll be using will make you exceed it. Completing your basement renovation project relies on the budget you’ll set, so ensure that you select a realistic one based on the complexity of your project.

2. Make A Plan

Planning will make your home renovation project run and finish smoothly. Draft your design and start measuring before you start with your project. Establishing a time frame for your project is essential so you can stick to a schedule and evaluate your progress toward completion. In addition, you can use the time to ensure that the money invested was well-spent. Remember that your project could quickly go over budget without a plan and encounter several unexpected issues and adjustments.

3. Paint The Ceiling And Walls

To save on cost, consider DIY painting your ceilings and walls. This allows your basement to have a finished look without burning your pockets. If exposed pipes and ducts are exposed, painting them with a solid color will enable them to blend with their surroundings. It’s important to choose paint colors that complement one another. You don’t want colors that don’t go together, as it makes your basement unpleasant to look at.

4. Create A Storage

Basement renovation is an excellent opportunity to build a new storage area. It enables an improved organization system and helps you eliminate unused items from your cabinets. Instead of leaving boxes scattered on your basement floor, you can use the space by installing shelving and storage cabinets. You can do this or pay someone else for the job. Since any wood plank will do, adding storage need not break the bank.

5. Take On Some Of The Labor

If you’re capable enough to do some of the work, you can proceed with working on it. Because of this, you can stick to your financial plan and save money, especially if the only things remaining to do on the projects are minor touches or something you can do yourself. However, if you think there’s still some heavy work to be done, it’s best to leave it to the professional. Remember that a mishap or injury can be costly in terms of time and money; therefore, avoiding them is a priority.

The Don’ts

With a limited budget, you can’t do everything you’d like for your basement renovation. It would be best if you avoided some things to keep yourself on track. Here are a few things you shouldn’t do while remodeling a basement on a tight budget:

1. Don’t Forget To Check For Permitting Requirements

Even if it doesn’t affect your budget, you shouldn’t miss checking whether your home project needs to have a permit before you can get started. Depending on your location, some local government requires you to acquire a permit before proceeding with your basement renovation project. Ensure to obtain this if needed, as you don’t want to encounter any problems, especially when you’re in the middle of your project.

2. Don’t Skip The Aesthetics

Just because you’re working on a budget, it doesn’t mean you can skip on the aesthetics of the entire room. You need to ensure that once the project completes, you won’t only renovate your basement to add additional space and extra storage but also to look refreshing and pleasing to the eye. Don’t forget that the overall look of your basement also matters. Hence, you need to understand that choosing the paint color, flooring, and furniture matters in this home renovation project.

3. Don’t Neglect Lighting

A single lightbulb usually lights up basements. With this renovation project, consider adding some extra lights to help illuminate the room. It’s easier to move around the basement if it’s well-lit. You don’t want to miss the opportunity of adding some extra light, especially if your basement is undergoing renovation. Moreover, lights are generally cheap, so this shouldn’t hurt your pockets.

4. Don’t Buy All Brand-New Items

Since you’re working on a budget, you should consider other ways to save. Apart from doing things on your own, you should also source affordable materials for your project. You can shop at a discount or visit a local or online thrift store that accommodates basement items you can use. It may be fancy lighting fixtures, furniture, or anything you can add to the space. Alternatively, you can look for second-hand items online or pre-owned items from family and friends.

5. Don’t Hesitate To Ask For Professional Help

Don’t hesitate to call for professional help when in doubt about anything. If this is your first time or you are unsure about the process, going at it alone is a bad idea. Instead of doing everything yourself, it’s best to ask for assistance to guarantee that the job is done correctly and efficiently. While it might be an added cost, it could save you a lot of money in the long run if your DIY attempts have been a complete failure.

Takeaway

Renovating your basement on a budget can be tricky, especially since you need to consider plenty of things. However, keeping a strict budget in mind, you must ensure that everything moves accordingly. That’ll help you avoid unexpected costs and stay within your means. With thorough planning and careful DIY, you should be able to turn your basement into a functional space without breaking the bank.

Thank you for reading!