If you are looking for an easy and cost-effective way to open up more living space within your home, consider a basement remodel. Remodeling your basement gives you the creative power to add additional living space without having to cut into your yard with a built-on addition. Not to mention, an addition will cost about 3 times as much as a basement remodel. Furthermore, remodeling the basement can be completed much faster than an addition because there is no need to put the mechanicals, foundation, and outside walls in place or deal with landscaping issues.

If you do decide to remodel your basement, make sure to set some time aside to prepare. The first thing you should consider is how you intend to use your new basement space. There are many options available which include turning in your basement into a lounge room, play room, exercise room, office space, extra guest bedroom, entertainment room or even into bar. The possibilities are endless. However, keep in mind, dividing the space into more than one room can give you more flexibility. Bottom line, it is absolutely necessary to put thought into this particular preparation stage because the way you intend to use the space will guide the entire remodel.

Lighting is an extremely important aspect to a basement remodel. This is mainly true because basements tend to be dark and gloomy. With a few lighting tricks you can turn your basement into a naturally light and brightened space. It is recommended that you try to increase natural lighting as much as possible and this can be done by adding or enlarging windows. Artificial lighting can also be used if adding windows is not an option.

In addition to lighting, the next major area of importance is the basement ceiling. You will need to decide whether you want a hard or soft ceiling. There are pros and cons to both options. A soft, or suspended, ceiling is designed to conceal all pipes, ducts and wires from view. It hangs below these objects, but it still allows ready access for repairs and alterations.

A hard ceiling, on the other hand, is designed to feel like a continuation of the rest of the house. However, more planning is involved with this type of ceiling because you must work out high- and low-voltage wiring and lay the lines, as well as wrap both hot and cold water lines and the gas lines to protect against condensation.

Furthermore, the industrial look has also become popular which involves painting the ceiling, the pipes and the ducts, usually a different color from the walls for effect.

The next area of consideration includes the walls. Regardless of what type of walls you install, you must make sure that you have proper insulation to regulate the temperature and to keep out moisture. As you may already know, basements are very moist areas that need to be waterproofed and insulated in order to maintain comfort.

Last, but not least, there are many options for flooring. Common options include tile, marble, carpet, and area rugs, as well as vinyl, plastic and hardwood. If you are willing to pay more for your floors, you may also consider heated masonry, which helps reduce humidity. If you are trying to save money on your floors, vinyl floors are inexpensive, quick and easy to install. Carpet offers a warm, soft look and feel, and it also comes in a variety of styles and colors. But keep in mind that carpeting your basement may be dangerous because it retains moisture. Hardwood is also a dangerous option if your basement is prone to water leaks because water will destroy the wood overtime.