An empty basement is not valuable for your house, but implementing some basement remodeling ideas can make it fun, relaxing, or even a dedicated workspace. You can turn your basement into a gaming zone, a gym, or a common area for the family. Remodeling your basement will cost $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the remodel you want to implement. However, you need to plan it strategically.
Remodeling your basement can take hours and become difficult without essential home backup. To counter this, you can use solar-powered generators from Jackery to power your basement remodeling equipment, such as power hammer drills, floor saws, etc. The generator can provide uninterrupted power for hours to ensure smooth operations without any electricity cost.
Key Takeaways
- You can implement several basement remodeling ideas, such as adding a playroom or a bedroom, using ceiling-to-floor curtains, a bookshelf, low-profile lighting, etc.
- Power drills, nail guns, levels, and miter saws are essential tools for basement remodeling.
- Precise planning, designing, and obtaining necessary permits can help you quickly complete the remodeling process.
- The overall cost of basement remodeling can vary from $6,000 to over $100,000 depending on the materials, locations, decorations, individual preferences, etc.
- Jackery Solar Generators are reliable and clean power sources for basement remodeling operations.
Basement Remodeling Ideas
There is no limit to basement remodeling ideas. However, the choices can vary depending on the preferences of homeowners. The ideas can be different for those who want to raise the value of the house and different for those who are just doing it for additional utility.
Basement Remodeling Ideas for Small Basements
Is the size of your basement making you run out of basement remodeling ideas? Well, don’t let a small basement challenge your creativity. You can turn your basement into a living haven strategically and practically. From a comfy bedroom to a hobby room, the scope of small basement remodeling ideas is endless.
Build a Cozy Playroom: Gift your little one a new playroom in the basement. Include toys, joyful wallpapers of cartoon characters, a chalkboard, a little chair, colorful murals, etc. Include rubber tiles for comfort underfoot and wall-hanging storage bags to save space.
Turn it Into a Hobby Room: A small hobby room can be your fortress of solitude, where you can be you. For craft lovers, it can be the place where you can leave the mess of your in-progress project in any way.
Make a Content Creation Studio: If you are a content creator, this is one of the best basement remodeling ideas for small basements. You can keep all your equipment set up at all times, including ring lights, cameras, tripod, lenses, editing software with a PC/laptop, etc. To maintain this extensive setup and for your power needs, you can use a battery power station as an essential home backup.
Invest in a Study Room: You just need a desk, a chair, some cabinets for storage, and you have your study room! If you want to add more things, you can go for another table with a computer system or some essential gaming equipment for some refreshing time during breaks.
Basement Remodeling Ideas on a Budget
While looking for different basement remodeling ideas on a budget, try going beyond the established trends. You might find something completely unique. Trends have to start somewhere, and you may make your basement more appealing and functional than others. Here are some ideas for inspiration.
Use The Space Under The Stairs: Efficient use of space can be a game changer in a small basement. If you have a playroom in the basement, you can store all the toys and some baby essentials in the cabinets under the stairs to provide a cleaner look.
Go for Easy-to-Install Flooring: Several cost-effective flooring options look premium. You can install carpet tiles, hardwood, laminate, or even simple tiles for effective water repellency.
Use Foldable Furniture: If you are looking for some seating in the middle of the basement, foldable furniture is a cost-effective and space-saving option. Choose from convertible flip chairs, folding beds, collapsible tables, foldable mattresses, etc.
Paint the Walls: One of the best basement remodeling ideas on a budget is painting the walls. Plaster walls hold paint for a long time when primed and painted well. Therefore, you can invest in acrylic, latex, and epoxy paints for water resistance. Always go for light complementary colors for maximum light distribution, such as white, cream, lavender, etc.
Basement Remodeling Ideas for Low Ceilings
Many people may consider a low-ceiling basement a disadvantage. However, with some unique basement remodeling ideas for low ceilings, you can create an illusion of height without any major reconstruction.
Keeping an Open Ceiling for Maximum Height: This is one of the smartest basement remodeling ideas for low ceilings. Get rid of the ceiling panels to keep an open ceiling. To make it better, paint the exposed ceiling, and don’t forget to cover the outlets and light sockets with painter’s tape before painting.
Use Wall Panels: Perception is sometimes better than perfection. Vertical wall panels for your basement can cover the wall while creating an illusion of height. You can use panels with vertical lines and patterns. Along with the open ceiling, they will make the feel of more vertical space.
Install Vertical Bookshelves: You can stack several books on the vertical shelves, allowing more space on the floor and creating an illusion of a heightened ceiling.
Low-Profile Lighting: Pendant lights, chandeliers, and other hanging lights can defeat the purpose of camouflaging the basement's low ceiling. Instead, you should use recessed lights, flush-mount fixtures, LED strips, or track lighting to illuminate the basement and maximize ceiling height.
Basement Remodeling Ideas for Older Homes
If your older home also has concrete or dirt floors, there is much work to do. A remodel can change everything from new flooring and paint to ceiling upgrades and lighting.
Finish the Flooring: The flooring of older homes is often dirty, as the basement is a storage place for non-functional things, heating systems, etc. You can transform it with acid washing or polishing or with tiles, stone, engineered wood, polished hardwood, etc., for a supreme look.
Paint the Walls: Painting the walls is the best option, as you are open to many color options and combinations. White, off-white, and cream are best for maximum illumination and are easy on the eyes.
Fix The Ceiling: In most older homes, ceilings are left unpainted and exposed. One of the best basement remodeling ideas for older homes is painting the exposed ceiling. Paint the ceiling black to make the exposed joists, ductwork, electrical wires, and conduits disappear.
Add Lighting: With a polished floor and highly reflective walls, adding pendant lights or chandeliers can enhance the beauty of your old house basement. If the basement is less than 6 feet high, you can choose from recessed, bare-bulb, or LED strips for illumination.
Must-Have Basement Remodeling Tools
If you are DIY-ing the basement remodel process, you must have all the necessary tools. Whether it is remodeling from scratch or just providing minor touch-ups, chisels, screwdrivers, power drills, etc., should be on your tool list.
Power Drills
Installing wall panels, lighting fixtures, and wooden structures requires drilling into hard materials. A power drill, preferably corded, is ideal for such tasks. Some of you may prefer a cordless drill in case of a power outage. But if you know how to use a generator during a power outage, it can support your remodeling tools, too.
Wire Stripper/Cutter
If you have any electricity-related task in your basement and you don’t know how to handle it, hire a professional. If you know how to handle it, a wire stripper/cutter can be helpful. It can simplify the process of removing the outer layers of the wires and cutting the wire.
Framing Hammer
A framing hammer has a raised grid that ensures zero nail slippage while hammering. Besides, the hammerhead is heavier than a standard hammer with a lightweight handle, so you don’t lose the power while hammering the nail.
Mitre Saw
Your basement remodeling ideas will be incomplete without a miter saw. Unlike hand saws and circular saws, the miter saw is easier to use and ensures safety. It sits on its base while the blade attached to the handle is pushed downward to cut the wood. If you are installing new wooden fixtures, you will need this tool.
Nail Gun
Hammers are suitable for small projects but need something faster for a complete basement remodel. When you have 100s of nails to punch, a nail gun can save time, energy, and injuries. You can punch the nail into the wooden surface in a split second with a button push.
Level
When you are in the remodel planning phase, you will need a tool to ensure proper heights and alignments of the structures. A level tool can help you here. Depending on the type of use, you can get a 4-foot level (for all-around use), 6-foot level (for setting doors), or 2-foot level (for hanging artwork).
Step-by-Step Guide to Remodeling Your Basement
Bringing your basement remodeling ideas to life is a comprehensive process. From the initial structural assessment to the final touches, everything needs precise planning and execution.
Assessing Your Basement's Condition
Your new basement will require a lot of work. Therefore, an initial assessment is necessary. You need to check for moisture and water issues, insulation assessment, wood inspection, ceiling height, cracks in the foundation, etc.
For example, mold-resistant drywall, vinyl planks (for the floor), and crack-filling materials should be used to prevent moisture issues caused by water or humidity.
Planning and Design
When you have completed the assessment, you must plan and design the space. This step includes everything, from the type of room you want to the kind of furniture, lights, storage, etc., that will be installed in it.
It also includes dividing the space for a bathroom, kitchen, bed, play area, furniture, work area, and other necessary aspects in your basement. You also have to decide on the materials for flooring, bathroom accessories, kitchen equipment, cabinets, and more.
Obtaining Permits and Meeting Building Codes
If you remodel your basement without acquiring the proper permits, your home insurance may not cover the damages that occur during the renovation.
These permits are provided by local building officials, stating that the remodeling in your house is done correctly and complies with the current building codes. To get these permits, you must contact your local building department.
Executing the Remodel
Once all the formalities are complete, you can execute the basement remodel. You must begin by cleaning the basement and waterproofing the walls and floors. After that, install insulation, frames, and partition walls.
Complete finishing the walls with paint. Install utilities, ceiling, and flooring. Lastly, install lighting, storage, furniture, and other elements depending on the type of place you plan to remodel.
Jackery Solar Generators for Basement Remodeling
Basement remodeling can take some time. A reliable power backup can help you carry out the operation during a power outage. Jackery is one of the leading solar power brands that builds powerful solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. These quiet products produce clean energy to ensure hassle-free handling of your basement remodeling processes.
Whether you want to use a power drill, nail gun, vacuum cleaner, or any other equipment, these solar power products from Jackery can help power these devices at a minimum cost. As these solar generators are portable, they can be carried anywhere in the basement and should be considered a must-have for your essential home backup systems.
Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is the ultimate powerhouse for implementing your basement remodeling ideas. The generator can power most of your necessary equipment for an extended time at a negligible cost. Unlike other fuel-based generators, there is less noise and emissions. Whether it is your new ceiling frame, drywall, or wall panel installation, the Jackery Solar Generator can provide uninterrupted power without relying on the grid power.
Appliances Running Time
- Drill Machine (1000W) = 4.1H
- Circular Saw (1200W) = 3.4H
- Electric Chainsaw (1500W) = 2.8H
- Vacuum Cleaner (1200W) = 3.4H
- Angle Grinder (2200W) = 1.9H
Customer Review
“This is awesome. I am able to power my entire house for up to 15 hours. Great for power outages” - IVAN.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is another popular product that effortlessly meets your basement remodeling power needs. It is ideal for powering remodeling devices such as power drills, miter saws, nail guns, and more. One of the best things about this generator is its portable design, which allows you to take it anywhere easily. This also eliminates the need for extension cords and decreases the overall energy costs.
Appliances Running Time
- Drill Machine (1000W) = 1.7H
- Circular Saw (1200W) = 1.4H
- Electric Chainsaw (1500W) = 1.1H
- Vacuum Cleaner (1200W) = 1.4H
- Jigsaw (800W) = 2.1H
Customer Review
“This device is the perfect companion to my 1500. Grab and go with the 1500, and 2000 Plus for power outages. Love that it’s expandable, and I definitely plan to take advantage. The app is nice, simple, and not invasive. Very satisfied with this purchase.” - Tony.
Cost Breakdown for Basement Remodeling
The overall cost of remodeling a basement depends on several factors, such as the type of remodeling (complete remodel or minor touch-ups), labor, materials, permits, appliances, decor, and other individual preferences.
Some expenses are the same in all basement remodels, such as electrical, plumbing, painting, flooring, drywall, permits, etc. Apart from those regular expenses, the cost of a basement remodel would be $500 to $18,000, depending on the type of project. The average basement remodel cost is anywhere between $30 and $75 per square foot.
Basic Remodeling
Basic basement remodeling would include minimum elements, such as all the everyday expenses (electrical, plumbing, etc.). If you add a bedroom, bathroom, and office space, the expenses will be $6,000 to $20,000.
|
Basic Remodeling Upgrades |
Estimated Cost |
|
Bedroom |
$3,000 |
|
Bathroom |
$6,600 |
|
Office Space |
$500 |
|
Common Expenses |
$7,000 |
Note: The cost figures are just estimates for basement remodeling. These can change depending on the type of remodel, materials used, location, labor charges, etc.
Mid-Range Remodeling
The difference in this remodeling is the type of materials used, the space of the basement, the number of elements included in the basement (e.g., a bar or a gym), etc. The common expenses will only be affected by a small amount here. The overall cost will be $17,000 to $30,000.
|
Mid-Range Remodeling Upgrades |
Estimated Cost |
|
Bedroom |
$7,000 |
|
Bathroom |
$11,000 |
|
Office Space |
$1500 |
|
Common Expenses |
$10,000 |
High-End Remodeling
If you are looking forward to implementing all the premium basement remodeling ideas, such as a bar, a gym, a home theater, etc., it will cost you $50,000 to over $100,000. This number can increase if you add the cost of premium materials, furniture, cabinets, etc.
|
High-End Remodeling Upgrades |
Estimated Cost |
|
Bedroom |
$10,000 |
|
Bathroom |
$16,500 |
|
Office Space |
$6,000 |
|
Common Expenses |
$20,000 |
FAQs for Basement Remodeling
In what order do you renovate a basement?
The order of renovating a basement begins with structural work, such as framing and waterproofing. You can add utilities like electrical and plumbing, followed by final touch-ups like painting, lighting, and decoration.
What are the 7 basement renovation trends?
The 7 best basement renovation trends are remote working offices, a bar, a kitchen, a bedroom, a home theater setting, a playroom, and a hobby room. You are open to experimenting with these trends on your own.
What are some tips for refinishing my basement?
Some tips that can help refinish your basement faster and better are careful assessment and design planning, creating a budget, obtaining permits, waterproofing the space, and adding practical features, like installing an egress window.
What can you remodel an unused basement into?
There are many basement remodeling ideas that you can implement in your unused basement, such as a hobby room, a home gym, a party area, a home theater, a bedroom, a play area for kids, etc.
How much does it cost to convert a basement?
The cost of converting a basement depends on the type of project, the materials used, decorative elements, labor charges, etc. The average price is $20,000 to $50,000.
Conclusion
Your basement is an excellent asset to your house. It can be utilized in multiple ways, and if maintained well, it can boost the price of your property. With the abovementioned basement remodeling ideas, you can enjoy both benefits.
Basement remodeling can be challenging when power needs are not met. Jackery Solar Generators can be your ideal companion as the process requires uninterrupted power. These solar-powered products can provide clean, noise-free power to most of your basement remodel equipment.
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