Managing (and Budgeting) Your Basement Remodel
Basement Finishing
Basements are a highly desirable feature in New England homes. From storage or laundry spaces to finished gyms and bonus rooms, homeowners find use and value in the extra square footage. To get the most out of this space, many turn to remodeling, which can come with a hefty price tag.
In this article, the expert contractors at Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel discuss unique ways to manage and budget your dream basement remodel. From the importance of the planning phase to tips on saving money, we’ll help make sure your project experience is best-in-class.
Establish a Budget
Before you call a design/build contractor to create a plan of action, establish your remodel budget. Figuring out how much you’re willing to invest in the space will be a guiding factor in every next step, from drawing up plans to choosing the appropriate finishings.
A clearly communicated budget sets expectations and allows us to help you focus on putting your money toward the most important elements of the remodel.
Decide on Your Needs Versus Wants
Once we begin planning, our primary goal in your remodel process is to address any necessary repairs. You’ll want to identify how much money will be spent on required costs like plumbing, electrical, or fixes to your foundation so you know what’s left of the items on your wish list, like wet bars, wine cellars, or home cinemas.
Hire the Right Professionals
If you have grand plans for your basement, make sure you hire the right professional for your basement finishing project. A reliable design/build company will know the ins and outs of the laws for your area to make sure your project remains compliant.
The experts at Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel have been in business for over 30 years and after more than 1,500 successful projects, we can reliably handle your basement remodel. Our experts are well-versed in local building codes and will provide professional finishes you can’t get by doing it yourself.
Tips on How To Save Money During a Basement Remodel
Use/Repurpose Salvaged Materials
Recycled building materials are a great way to save. Reusing cabinets or sanding and staining existing wood reduces your spending while still giving your space a new look.
Shop Smart
When choosing elements of your basement space, always shop smart. We recommend filtering your searches by price to find bargains or discounts — and waiting for sales or specials on must-have items.
You can also save by choosing prefabricated materials and inexpensive flooring options like carpet, laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, or finished concrete.
Consider Basement Finishing
Choose an open layout to save on materials, labor, and more. With fewer walls, you won’t have as much to spend on framing, drywall, insulation, wiring, and doors. Then paint the walls yourself.
Concerned about a small budget? It’s better to start with one room of the basement and incorporate upgrades that will add value to the space instead of doing a basic upgrade to the entire basement.
Plan Bathrooms Around Existing Plumbing
If you want to add a bathroom to your basement, put it in a space that doesn’t require adding or moving plumbing, which is a very expensive project. By avoiding it, you’ll have more money to go toward the elements of the space that matter most to you.
Leave the Ceiling Open
A finished ceiling is also a large expense. There are plenty of cost-effective options, like painting, using ceiling tiles, or installing panels. This saves money and simplifies access to pipes and ducts for any future repair or replacement needs.
When you’re ready to tackle your basement project, contact Blackdog Design/Build at our Salem location by calling (603) 952-3192 or our Nashua location at (603) 769-4938.
