Cheapest way to remodel the basement

Cheapest ways to remodel the basement include taking advantage of open space, painting and installing flooring yourself and keeping your budget in check.

Have you been holding back on your basement renovation project because of budget? We have got some incredible ideas and some insider tricks that even the basement contractors will not tell you. You can get creative without breaking a bank and renovate your basement to create an additional living space that your family will love.

While basement renovation is one of the best ways to build equity in your home, the task can be quite a time, and budget-consuming too. Check out some of these incredible ideas to improve your basement in an inexpensive manner. These ideas can save you an enormous amount of money.

Affordable and Creative Basement Finishing Ideas

Whether you plan to take on a DIY renovation project or work with a basement contractor, these tips and tricks will help you cut down costs drastically.

  • Clean out the space: To let your creativity flow in, you’ll need an empty space to be able to visualize the end result. While you may have an idea of how to use the space, you’ll need to be able to envision it. Think about everything you’ll need and the things you won’t. For instance, partition walls, bar area, and additional bathroom. Once you have made a list, consider cost-effective alternatives and spaces.
  • Take advantage of open space, where possible: Structural changes and adding in walls can be an expensive affair. To reduce the cost, it’s best to reconsider any structural changes you may have in the plan. Incorporate open spaces and remove additional drywall placements. Remember, creating individual rooms is not just about adding dry walls. It also involves studs, wiring, and doors, all of which can add up costs quickly.
  • Wall covering and paint: Brighten up your basement with a new coat of light colour paint. For the basement, moisture-resistant paint is probably the best choice. You may want to paint the basement your basemen yourself to reduce cost. 
  • Build the bathroom near rough in: Each basement probably has rough in for the bathroom which includes plumbing and waste water pipes already laid out in the concrete. Building a bathroom in the basement near the rough in will reduce your cost and cut down on the schedule. 
  • Keep your budgets in check: As you progress through the basement renovation project, make sure you keep a track of the budget. To cut down expenses, we recommend you take multiple quotes and research before buying a product. While big-box stores are always our go-to for renovation projects, you’ll find some incredible deals at small local stores.
  • Flooring for your basement: Carpet and laminate are budget-friendly options for the flooring of your basement. With some skill, patience and research, flooring installation is definitely a project you can own to cut down costs.
  • Incorporate right lighting: Basement lighting makes a big difference. Try LED strip lights or pot lights to brighten up the space and make it look larger than it already is.


If you are not up for a DIY challenge and want to take the stress off your shoulders, it’s best to hire a professional basement contractor. With your ideas and these tips, you can work along their side to finish up your basement cost-effectively.