QA

Question: How To Convert A Basement Into Living Space

How do I make my basement a livable space?

How to Make A Basement Livable Seal the Walls. Basements often feel damp and chilly and sometimes contain an unpleasant smell. Improve the Floor. Brighten Things Up. Put in Furniture.

How much did your basement conversion cost?

Guideline Basement Conversion Costs – A conversion of an existing basement costs between (approx.) £1,250 – £1,550 per square meter. – If lowering the floor level and underpinning is needed, the costs could be between (approx.) £1,500 – £2,000 per square meter.

What do I need to turn my basement into?

Consider some of the many ways your basement could become the hottest spot in your home: Home Bar. Game Room. Den or Informal Living Room. Wine Cellar. Theater / Media Room. Library. Extra Storage. Workout Room / Home Gym.

How do you make an unfinished basement usable?

Try these basement ideas to make use of the extra space in your home. 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.

Is it healthy to 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.

Will an air purifier help with basement smell?

You can easily improve the air quality inside your basement by investing in an air purifier. In fact, it’s one of the best ways for how to air out a basement with no windows. Air purifiers remove the airborne pollutants that cause your basement air to smell musty, stuffy, and stale.

Are basement conversions worth it?

Conclusion. When extra space in the home is needed, basement conversions are worth strong consideration and once complete will add significant value to your property. The decision is far easier if you already have a basement to work with and even more so if the foundations are strong and there is enough headroom.

How long does a basement conversion take?

How long does a basement conversion take? For the initial construction and waterproofing stage this can take anything from 8 weeks to 20 weeks depending on size.

Can you put a basement in an existing house?

Can you add a basement to an existing house? You can add a basement to an existing house for $20,000 to $150,000. A typical scenario you’ll run into is a home with a partial basement and a small crawlspace. You can expect to spend around $50,000 for partial installs.

Should I put a bedroom in my basement?

Does adding a bedroom in the basement add value? Absolutely. Buyers are all about usable space and are willing to spend a little extra to have more of it. According to Remodeling Magazine, a midrange basement refinish yields on average 70% ROI.

Which flooring is best for basement?

What basement flooring options and materials are the best? 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.

How can I finish my basement cheaply?

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. Beyond that, count on using some pros.

What can I use for basement walls instead of drywall?

Finishing Basement Walls Without Drywall: Options and Paint. Basement Panels. Wood Fiberboard. Fabric. Vinyl and Wallpaper. Stone Veneer. Pargeting. Exposed Brick.

Why are basements unfinished?

Originally Answered: Why are so many basements unfinished? They’re generally used for storage etc, not living space, especially if they don’t have a lightwell to provide natural light. So it keeps things cheaper to not fit them out to the same standard as the rest of the house.

Can you seal basement walls from the inside?

Apply a masonry waterproofing product to the walls Seal/coat the interior of the walls with a suitable masonry waterproof product. When the paint dries, the sealant forms a watertight bond to stop water from seeping through. This is how you can waterproof your basement walls from inside.

Can living in a basement cause depression?

“There is often less natural light in basement dwellings, which can lead to feeling depressed,” says Sinclair Kruth. “A lack of natural light can also lead to difficulty sleeping and disrupted sleep-wake cycles, which can lead to feeling fatigued but not able to rest properly.

Can sleeping in the basement make you sick?

Can you get sick from living in a basement? Yes, you can get sick from living in a basement due to stagnant airflow and the buildup of moisture. The air quality in your typical basements is deficient, which can cause you to become anywhere from slightly to gravely ill.

Why do I feel sick in my basement?

Mold is the leading cause of poor indoor air quality in basements and can have dire effects on your health. In fact, in about 80% of “sick building syndrome” cases, where poor air quality spreads, mold infestations (black mold and other types) are the main cause of illness.