Seven Pillars Custom Building specializes in home and basement renovations. They share some tips to know where to splurge and where to save on your basement reno:
Room specific features: save or splurge
With room-specific features, think wet bars, surround sound or custom wine shelving. These types of investments are worth splurging on if the basement theme is around this. If you want to turn your basement into a bar to entertain friends and family, then you want to invest and splurge. If you plan to store lots of wine, then you want to invest in the right shelving, temperature control, and lighting. Otherwise, if your Edmonton basement renovations will double up on a few uses, such as entertainment and storage, then stick to basics. Don’t splurge unless it’s a necessity for the room.
Flooring and heated flooring: save and splurge
Basements usually feel colder than upstairs. The problem with this? Cold floors! Basement flooring, in general, is a matter of both splurging and saving. For general flooring, you can easily save money. Don’t feel the need to install real hardwood, when engineered or laminate will work just as well. The most important feature here is a floor that can withstand humidity and damp conditions.
With heated flooring, though, because of the colder tendency of basements, it’s worth the splurge. Instead of spending more money trying to heat the entire basement, having heated floors will do. It’s also one of those investments that pay off with most any room use. Second living rooms, home offices or media rooms will all benefit from heated floors – and you’ll love how cozy it feels on your feet.
Open floor concept: save
Basements are generally an open space to start, so why spend more money adding walls? Instead, work with the open floor layout to create a welcoming space. If you do want a closed space for a guest bedroom or laundry room, then spend the money to build those walls. Otherwise, make the most of that open space! Open floor plans allow for more flexibility with planning and create more of a sense of space. Both of these are aspects that you want to create in a basement that has limited room. Take a look at these open-concept basements for some ideas for your own space!
Ceiling insulation: splurge
Insulation is one of those things that you’ll always want to invest in, to make sure you get the best. Basements, in particular, are especially important to insulate or soundproof properly. Upstairs noises, especially footsteps, will carry loudly downstairs. Whether you have a home office, media room, or guest room, you want to keep those upstairs noises separate from the downstairs. It’s also an investment that will benefit any future plans you have for your basement development, as a quiet space is usually always preferred!
Proper lighting: splurge
Unless you have a walk-out basement or bedrooms that require windows, there isn’t going to be much natural lighting. Basement lighting is important to highlight features, set the right mood, and avoid any eye strain from poor lighting. The last thing you want is to walk into a dimly lit basement or an overly bright one.
Both fluorescent lights and LEDs are great options for basements. They use less energy and give off less heat, making them ideal for gyms, wine storage or for a suite. Install recessed lighting to avoid your lights dominating the ceiling space, and don’t forget dimmer switches for more lighting control.
Ready to get started on your basement reno? Contact Seven Pillars Custom Building now!
