Turn your basement into a family room

Turn your basement into a family roomAccording to national averages, the cost of turning a 1,000-square foot basement into a full-scale family room can cost from $15,000-$25,000. This estimation covers installation and materials for flooring, walls, lighting and heating and cooling in the main room, as well as adding on a downstairs bathroom. Before deciding to spend this much money, it`s important to first decide what you`ll need in your recreation room. For example, do you need extra lighting? Basements are often equipped with only a few exposed light bulbs, which may not be enough to light your room. Likewise, you`ll need to assess the climatic conditions in your basement. Many basements are too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, so you`ll probably have to implement cooling and heating units, as well as install extra insulation. Your basement may also have some issues with dampness, so you`ll have to decide whether or not you need a dehumidifier for the room. Here are a few points you`ll need to ponder before plunging ahead:Wiring and LightingIf you`re going to install extra lighting or electrical appliances, you`ll have to make sure that the wiring is in good condition, which may necessitate bringing in an electrician. A licensed electrician can charge from $50-$75 an hour. However, an average assessment shouldn`t take long and you won`t need to pay for any extra work if your wiring is in good shape. If it`s not, it`s still worth getting the work done, because faulty wiring can easily start a fire, while exposed wiring poses a danger to family members. Basement lighting can run from $200 for inexpensive fluorescent lighting to more than $1,000 for recessed lighting. Since most basement ceilings are low, many homeowners opt for the more expensive recessed lighting. Additionally, it`s not as bright and harsh as fluorescent lighting can sometimes be. Heating and CoolingIf you`ve got a bit more in the budget, a fireplace can do wonders for a room. The good news is that a simple ventless gas fireplace can cost as little as $1,000 including installation. Be aware, though, that fully built stone and brick fireplaces will cost considerably more because of the cost of building and materials. Floor warming systems are also popular with basement owners; these are usually built into a roll-out mat, which can cost around $400 for 30 square feet. However, this estimation does not include the necessary thermostat and timer, nor does it take into account the electrician`s hourly fee for installing it. Walls and FlooringConcrete floors and walls aren`t just visually unappealing; they`re also not efficient for holding heat. Because of this, carpeting and paneling can go a long way toward making the basement a warmer place. Thanks to the prevalence of do-it-yourself home supply stores, pricing is competitive on flooring and wall panels. Tiles can cost as much as $10 or more per square foot. For the flooring alone in a 32-square foot room, tiles plus installation can cost as much as $700. Since concrete walls are difficult to paper unless they`ve been dry walled first, many basement recreation rooms are paneled instead. Whether you use paneling or paper, it`s important to invest in a good dehumidifier to reduce mold growth. Many of today`s home supply stores offer carpeting/installation packages at competitive prices, so it`s a good time to shop around. Some internet users report that they`ve paid as little as $1.50 per square foot, installed, for basement carpeting. Remember, however, that some experts warn that basement carpeting can trap moisture and that for humid areas, tile or vinyl flooring is best. After you`ve taken care of these necessities, you can get down to the fun part, such as finding a football table. With a football table, a jukebox and a few neon signs, you`ll be the envy of the neighborhood and have the family room of your dreams.

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