Finishing your basement can be a great way to grow your home. You can add extra living space, a new bedroom, or even a home office. If you have a tight budget, there are many ways you can save on the project and still get what you want out of it.
You may have to creatively use your resources, but it is worth it in the end. Here are some hacks that will help you finish your basement on a tight budget:
Hack #1 Choose the right contractor
Not all contractors are created equal, and not all of them will be willing to work with you on a tight budget. Do your research and find a contractor willing to work with you and help you save money where possible.
A good contractor will also offer you guidance on cost-effective ways to complete your project. If they are willing to go the extra mile for their customers, then chances are that they are a reputable company that is dedicated to satisfying their customer’s needs.
Hack #2 Rent, rent, rent!
So this sounds like it defeats the purpose of finishing your basement, but it doesn’t at all. It’s actually an effective way to save money. You can rent tools you only need for a short period. This will not only save you money but also help you finish the project quickly.
This also applies when buying materials. If you can rent something instead of having it in your garage, don’t hesitate to do so. This can include materials such as a tile saw, a paint sprayer, a floor buffer, and other tools.
Hack #3 Reuse and repurpose
Don’t take this the wrong way, but you should focus on using what you already have. You can reuse old window treatments, carpeting, and other materials to help save space in your budget. You can also repurpose things that are just taking up space.
For example, you can turn an old window into a window seat by adding some pillows and blankets to make it more comfortable and inviting. Or you can turn an old bookshelf into a niche by adding a drywall frame and installing some shelves.
Hack #4 Be creative
This is the most important hack. There are countless things that you can do with your basement that will help save money, provided that you are open to creative ideas. You can even use your basement as something that you never thought about before.
For example, someone turned their unfinished basement into a home gym. This required a significant amount of work but the result was worth it. Now this person has a place to have fun and stay fit. You can use your imagination to come up with something fun and exciting that would be a great addition to your home.
Hack #5 Use pre-finished materials
You don’t have to do everything yourself. There are numerous companies these days that offer pre-finished concrete floors, drywall, and even doors. Of course, you will still need to do some work yourself but this is a good way to save money on labor costs as you will not have to pay as much.
If your basement has a window, you also might want to get window well covers to protect your basement from any home invaders — be it people or small furry creatures!
Hack #6 Get a space planner
If you are especially on a tight budget, you might want to get the assistance of a space planner. They have the experience to help you quickly assess your room and determine which equipment can fit into your room or which cannot.
They can also help you with ideas and tips regarding how to use your space efficiently. If they see that something is not going to work, they will let you know. They can also help with layouts so that your space is not cramped or too open.
Hack #7 Set a realistic timeline
You cannot expect to finish your basement overnight unless you are willing to make the necessary sacrifices. If you want everything to go according to your timeline, you will spend a lot of money and do more work than necessary.
The key to finishing your basement on a budget is patience and making realistic plans. You can get started any time, but you will need to take baby steps and finish one step at a time to make it work.
By now you will have realized that finishing your basement does not mean spending a lot of money. It can be done with just the right planning and execution. You can be proud of your finished basement and the money you saved to do so.
