Dec 20, 2012, 01:52 PM
ElaforetCheap ways to finish basement
I own a condo with a 15x18 basement space that is a blank slate. I'm looking for idea on how to make it into a usable craft room without spending a lot of money. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!
Dec 20, 2012, 02:54 PM
conradWhat do you mean by blank slate? Concrete block, concrete floor, stud walls, unfinished ceiling, electrical outlets/lights?
Dec 20, 2012, 10:09 PM
ElaforetSorry

it's drywalled with a concrete floor, the ceiling is unfinished though. I just refinished the entire condo so my goal is just to have a cozy space for crafting and working out.
Dec 21, 2012, 11:30 AM
conradIt can depend on just how inexpensive you want to go? I would probably address lighting first, if you want ceiling fixtures. Floor lamps near the wall can also work, and be versatile for other uses later. Task lighting and overall space lighting can make the area much nicer to spend time in.
I once had a basement art studio in a building with unfinished ceilings. I did a ceiling really cheaply, by hanging florescent task lights where needed, and stapling used white sheets to the rafters over all the open areas. (We are definitely talking cheap here)lol. But the sheets covered the open rafters, and reflected the light back into the space quite well.
Drywall or suspended ceilings would be best of course, but more costly.
For flooring, especially in a workout space, those puzzle piece, foam flooring pieces could be great. Warmer and cushy under foot, and can be reused or sold later on. Sam's club sells them by the package, as well as many of the home stores.
Dec 25, 2012, 07:11 AM
SparkyDrywall would be the least expensive permanent ceiling you could install. It does make access more difficult in a basement if you need to add wiring or fix plumbing later, but if it has a smooth surface can be easily fixed by someone with decent DIY skills. If you have a valve that needs access you can cut a hole in the ceiling at the valve and install a heat vent directly below it to allow access. There are also access panels available for sale that can be painted to match the ceiling.
A drop ceiling would be more expensive and look more commercial but for that amount of space could probably be done for less than a grand. Go with 2'x2' tiles, uses more grid but looks much better than 2x4 tiles.
Another option is to paint the ceiling joists and underside of the floor out. Rent a professional paint sprayer or hire it out. You just spray everything, most I've seen have either been a flat black or flat white.
Feb 16, 2013, 04:09 AM
aljurabbyquote:
Cheap ways to finish basement
Ingenuity is the best avenue to take when wanting to remodel a basement with minimal expense. Being creative and open-minded to alternative ceiling and wall covers allow for a unique and versatile living environment to be created. Traditional and nontraditional items and applications are used to turn a basement into a usable room.,.