01

Go where the water is

If you’re planning a new bathroom or laundry room, position them close to your water heater. This should help save money since the plumbing is close by.

02

Flooring costs

The type of flooring you choose can have a significant impact on budget. Laminate or vinyl flooring runs about $1 to $6 a square foot; stone tiles are anywhere from $7 to $20 per square foot, and ceramic tiles are about $5 to $15 a square foot. Keep in mind that stone and ceramic tiles will also cost a bit more to install compared with sheets of laminate or vinyl. Find out more about flooring here.

03

Get the hardwood look

Like the look of hardwood? Go for a laminate which is designed to look like hardwood and is better able to withstand the humidity of a basement.

04

Light for low ceilings

If you have a low ceiling height, you might not be able to install recessed (pot) lighting. A good alternative are wall sconces, which can provide a pleasant ambient light.

05

Maximum storage

Built in storage will help you to maximize your space. Put in custom cabinetry in areas like the space under your stairs, for a polished and well organized look. 

06

From post to pillar

Do you have ugly steel posts in your basement? You can easily improve the appearance by building a box around them with lumbar, this can be made so that it is flush with floor and sealing.

07

Get wired

Think carefully about how you will be using your basement and make sure it’s wired correctly. That might include phone jacks, cable and speaker wiring besides the usual outlets.

08

Be aware

If you’re remodeling the basement as a secondary residence, there are specific requirements you will have to oblige by with every step of the renovation. Contact the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation for more info.