Basement Remodel – Where to splurge vs. Where to save?
While you are estimating the cost of your basement remodeling project, the final price tag can be shocking. During a basement remodeling in Denver, staying within a certain budget means clarifying your priorities. Here are few tips mentioned for getting the most out of your dollar while undergoing basement renovation in Denver.
Where to Splurge?
Install a fabulous bar: A great basement bar with coffered ceilings and pillars is a must for the entertainer. The ceiling gives a pub feel and is a great space to gather around.
Add ceiling insulation: Laying fiberglass batts in the ceiling keeps upstairs noise from ruining your ability to work at the home office or your theater experience. Footsteps on hardwood floors can be maddeningly loud.
Consider cultured stone: Swoon for stone, which is expensive but dramatic. It adds a lot of warmth and character to space.
Lighting needs: Once you have spent money on a beautiful bar, tray ceilings, stone, and niches, you want to make sure the basement is lit properly to highlight those features. You’ll need focal lighting to play up great features, task lighting in work areas, and adequate ambient lighting to set the mood.
Install Ethernet: This isn’t even much of a splurge. Simply have your electrician wire in your Internet connection before the drywall goes up. Wireless connections in basements can be spotty.
Where to Save?
Skip the fabulous bar: Basement bars are unnecessary unless you are a hard-core entertainer. You may think that you need a sink in your basement, but you are lucky if you could use it once a year. The plumbing and sink probably cost $1,000 to $1,500 that you could save. In this case, you can prefer to install a bank of prefab cabinets and a fridge so you can entertain occasionally downstairs but design the space primarily for elements you’ll enjoy regularly.
Have an open space instead of separate rooms: If you don’t have the necessity to close off your home gym or office, then avoid it. The price of studs, doors, and drywall adds up.
Avoid the guest bedroom: A guest bedroom is a must only for those who have frequent guests. In most homes, it won’t be used much. A simple sleeper sofa downstairs might be a better choice, and this helps to free up space for the media room you always wanted.
Buy standard sizes: Always use standard-size cabinets and prefab countertops in your bar and bathrooms. Adding or subtracting a few inches from your design can help to save more.
Opt for cheaper tile: A $2 tile can look just as nice as $10 tile. No one will know what you spent on tiles.
Downsize in general: Do you need a whole new downstairs? Just because space exists, don’t spend more on a basement. You won’t enjoy your new space any less.