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.
Just so, Is sleeping in the basement bad for you?
In high-risk areas, radon has a tendency to seep through basement cracks. Radon can then become trapped in a poorly ventilated basement, where it can threaten the health of occupants and potentially increase their risk of developing lung cancer.
How much should I budget for a basement remodel? Costs of Finishing a Basement: DIY vs. Pro
| Size | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (<700 sq. ft.) | $5,500 | $15,000 |
| Average (700 – 1,000 sq. ft) | $8,000 | $18,500 |
| Large (1,000+ sq. ft) | $15,000 | $35,000 |
Jun 22, 2020
Similarly, Does a finished basement add value?
A finished basement can add a lot of value to your home – both in the resale value, as well as the extra space that your family can use.
How do you make an unfinished basement look nice?
16 Finishing Touches for Your Unfinished Basement
- Better Your Basement. 1/18. …
- Lay Down Foam Mats. 2/18. …
- String Some Lighting. 3/18. …
- Throw Down Area Rugs. 4/18. …
- Install Storage. 5/18. …
- Paint Your Cinder Block. 6/18. …
- Hang Curtains. 7/18. …
- Create an Art Studio. 8/18.
How do I keep the air in my basement fresh?
How to Improve Basement Air Quality
- Clean the Air. The most simple way for how to improve basement air quality is by cleaning the air. …
- Dry it Out. …
- Ventilate. …
- Keep Windows Closed. …
- Seal Up Cracks and Gaps. …
- Remove High VOC Contributors. …
- Use Low-VOC Paint. …
- Test for Radon.
Why you shouldn’t live in a basement?
Some health risks to people who live in basements have been noted, for example mold, radon, and risk of injury/death due to fire. … Presence of mold can lead to “respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and asthma”, as well as personal belongings being contaminated by mold.
How do you make a unfinished basement livable?
16 Finishing Touches for Your Unfinished Basement
- Better Your Basement. 1/18. …
- Lay Down Foam Mats. 2/18. …
- String Some Lighting. 3/18. …
- Throw Down Area Rugs. 4/18. …
- Install Storage. 5/18. …
- Paint Your Cinder Block. 6/18. …
- Hang Curtains. 7/18. …
- Create an Art Studio. 8/18.
Which flooring is best for basement?
The best type of flooring for basements is vinyl. Vinyl flooring can come in the form of vinyl plank and vinyl tile, giving it the ability to look nearly identical to hardwood and stone products with the added benefit of being waterproof. Vinyl flooring is made of PVC making it durable and waterproof.
How can I save money to remodel my basement?
7 ways to save on your basement remodel
- Opt for an inexpensive, prefabricated egress window and well. …
- Test exterior walls for moisture before finishing. …
- Cut out some studs. …
- Install drop ceilings. …
- Skip the carpet and install luxury vinyl tile instead. …
- Add a bathroom (or at least a half bath) near existing plumbing.
How much does it cost to renovate a 1000 sq ft basement?
Expect to pay $7,000 to $23,000, or $15,000 on average, to finish a 1,000 square foot basement. Add around $6,500 if you want to hire an interior designer and another $2,650 for furniture.
Is it illegal to finish a basement without a permit?
In most instances, you will need a permit to finish a basement. Many municipalities require permits for finishing a basement if you install a new wall. … Any type of plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work will also require a permit. Carpet and painting do not require a permit.
Is it hard to put a bathroom in the basement?
Adding a basement bathroom is a big, complicated project. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Thousands of DIYers successfully tackle the job every year, and so can you. … Connect the basement bathroom plumbing to the existing drain and vent lines in the floor and ceiling to complete the rough-in plumbing.
Do appraisers look in basements?
One of the main factors appraisers consider is the size of the home. They take into account the total square footage, the size of each room, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. They’ll also look to see if your home has a crawlspace, attic, or basement, which all add value.
How can I make my basement more inviting?
10 Ways to Make Your Basement Bright and Inviting
- Pot Lights. Great lighting will ensure there are no dark spaces in the basement and really keep the space bright and inviting.
- Bigger Windows. …
- Neutral paint. …
- Bright accessories. …
- Open Floor Plan. …
- Declutter. …
- Built-ins. …
- Floors that reflect Light.
What can I use for basement walls instead of drywall?
- Wood Planks. Wood planks will be a fantastic option to consider for anyone who would like to achieve a rustic look. …
- Plastic Panels. …
- Plywood. …
- Veneer Plaster. …
- Pegboard. …
- Lath and Plaster. …
- Wahoo Walls. …
- Textured Wall Panels.
How do you stop a basement from smelling musty?
You can place bowls of white vinegar, cat litter in open containers, or baking soda throughout your basement in order to absorb the stench. You should notice a more pleasant smelling basement in a couple of days.
What is the smell in my basement?
Usually, bad basement smells come from humidity and moisture that comes up from the ground. Because the basement is below ground level, this moisture never really goes away and just keeps accumulating. Mold and fungus grow and spread, causing the unpleasant smells.
How do you keep a basement from smelling?
Place bowls of baking soda around the basement. The baking soda will begin to absorb the odors and should make a significant difference over the course of a few days. You can also use bowls of white vinegar or clean cat litter—both will absorb odors as well.
Why are basements cold?
Basements tend to be damper than other places in your house. This is often caused by water seeping through the concrete foundation, rising from a dirt floor or simply because of poor ventilation. This higher level of moisture in the air will end up making you feel much colder than the ambient air temperature.
Why does my nose get stuffy in the basement?
Mold is found everywhere — outdoors on leaves and rotting wood, and indoors in damp basements and bathrooms. So mold allergies and allergy symptoms can happen year-round. The symptoms are similar to those of other nasal allergies — sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.
Do air purifiers work in basements?
Yes, air purifiers are good to use in the basement. These devices improve air circulation and reduce pollutants such as mold spores and dust. … Houses that have a musty or damp smelling odor can benefit from the use of an air purifier as long as it uses an Activated Carbon filter.
