5 projects to recreate your basement
Making the most of your basement doesn’t have to mean costly contractors and expensive remodeling scenarios. Several easy DIY projects that you can take on alone, with the aid of the right tools, can help you gain that extra space you wish for. Ready to get started? Give these projects a try:
* Build walls. Adding drywall to your basement has a big impact on the space immediately. Use 2-by-4s to mark where the walls will stand and place studs 16 inches apart. Then nail the panels to the wall where the edges meet the studs and cover the seams with drywall tape. Once the walls are up, mud the seams and areas where nail pops appear. A drywall saw or power saw will help you shape your drywall perfectly, but if you don’t own one, you don’t have to buy one. It’s more cost efficient to simply rent it instead for this one-time project. Your local American Rental Association member rental store will have what you need. Don’t forget to add drywall stands to your rental list.
* A touch of paint. A fresh coat of paint means you won’t have to stare at those drab walls in your new space. You can paint the space by hand, but if you have a large basement and you want to give every room that professional look, rent a paint sprayer instead. The cost is worth the time saved.
* Freshen up your floor. If your basement is completely unfinished, you probably have cold, concrete floors. How you improve them is up to you. If you want the polished, marbled look, consider renting concrete floor finishing equipment for a look that’s sure to amaze. And if the appearance of hardwood is more your style, laminate flooring panels are inexpensive and easy to install. Lastly, if you want the feel of carpet beneath your feet, don’t forget to add the pad first to make those future steps a pleasure.
* Eliminate the stink. Your new basement is coming together, now what can you do about that musty basement smell? A dehumidifier can help. You can purchase one at your local home goods store and when you get it home, try to place it near the washtub sink if your basement has one. This will allow you to drain right into the sink and save you from having to empty the dehumidifier regularly.
* Install a sump pump. Now that you’ve refinished your basement, don’t let water damage ruin all your hard work. A sump pump can protect against flooding issues and installing one is easy. Most new homes have a location marked for a sump pump; it will look like a small well. Follow the water pipes in your home and you can find it. Once you do, purchase a sump pump from your local home goods store and follow the easy instructions to install in less than an hour.