15 Finished Basement Ideas on a Budget for Your NJ Basement

These finished basement ideas are gold if you’re planning on remodeling and finishing your basement in New Jersey or anywhere in the U.S.A. We’ve compiled a vast list of in-depth finish basement ideas that are also finished basement ideas on a budget from our rich contractor and remodeling experience. Working with both homeowners and commercial clients over the years, we know the importance and the overall value of a finished basement and how it impacts the quality and function of your everyday life. And this is exactly why we simply cannot let your unfinished basement just sit there when it can add more functioning space and more purpose to your home.

Get many finished basement ideas from Deon Design Custom Builders to turn your basement space into the space you and your family will use just like any other room in your home. In this in-depth guide, you won’t get only finish basement ideas and you won’t only learn how to finish a basement cheap, but you’ll also get valuable details — how to finish a basement wall, how to finish a basement ceiling, how to finish a basement floor, and answers to questions like what’s the most expensive part of finishing a basement.

Without further ado, here are 20 finished basement ideas to help inspire a basement that can even become the most favorite room in your home.

What is the Difference Between a Finished and Unfinished Basement?

If you have just bought your home and you’re about to move in, we’re sure that you’re aware of every little detail of your new dream house. Since you’re here, your house probably includes a basement that is unfinished. Houses can come with a finished or an unfinished basement. If it’s unfinished, it is possible that previous owners didn’t need a basement space and didn’t ever use it, so they have never finished it to turn it into a habitable space.

However, you may want to use your basement as any other room in the house, and rightly so. Basements are, often, the rooms with the greatest potential in any home. Suitable as a playroom, additional kitchen or living space with a kitchenette, a getaway space for your teenager or yourself,  a laundry room, or guest space, your basement can serve many purposes and bring the value of your home even higher.

An unfinished basement is easily recognizable — it is an uninhabitable space with bare walls and flooring, where often plumbing, electricity, insulation, and isolation may lack. Even if your basement has some of these aspects covered but not all, it is still unfinished and needs more work to become fully functional as a livable space that can be turned into a room with a specific purpose.

There is also a nearly finished basement option when your basement has all the basis covered — electricity, plumbing, walls, floors, heating, HVAC, air conditioning, insulation, drywall, construction documents, permits, and passed inspections — but still needs a defined and completed custom design that will turn your basement into the room you need.

A finished basement is a space that you can assign a function or move into whenever you need to or want to. It means that it looks like any other room in your home regardless of the level of the house it occupies. A finished basement is warm, dry, comfortable, and fully functional, ready to be assigned to a certain function.

Keep these facts in mind when you talk with your contractor. You need to know the difference between a finished and an unfinished basement in order to realize whether you wish to remodel or completely reconfigure the space. If your basement is not finished, you will surely want to finish it and give it a specific function and purpose. But even if your basement is completely finished,  you may want to upgrade it and customize it to your needs. Make sure to let your contractor know if is it one or the other. and they’ll know how to proceed from there.

Learn how Deon Design Custom Builders can help you with Basement Remodeling Services in NJ.

How to Finish a Basement on a Budget

The finished basement ideas inspiration we’ve decided to share here can motivate and jumpstart your unfinished basement remodel or reconfiguring. However, you can use these ideas even if your basement is nearly finished or fully finished to do some custom remodeling work. As we have mentioned above, custom work on a basement is the final remodeling stage when you have decided on a purpose for your basement and you need to add everything needed to make your new favorite space fully operational.

Please bear in mind that all of these finish basement ideas also include consideration for your budget, that is, cheap finished basement ideas. We know that times are tough and that only a fully functional home can provide you and your family with the safety and comfort you need, and make your home a true sanctuary you will always return to. But we believe that all of this doesn’t have to skyrocket your expenses. Yes, it is possible to finish your basement without breaking the bank. Learn how from the information of Our Remodeling and Construction Process.

So stick with us to get the best finished basement ideas on a budget and learn all about the needed details for the process.

Simple Finished Basement Ideas

Your basement space has just as much potential as any other room in your home. However, we often cram it up with boxes filled with the rejected objects we no longer use, and along with those relics of the past, we also forget how helpful and useful can a basement space be in the life of any modern family.

When planning to give your basement space a purpose, especially when you don’t have the fortune to spend on it, you can start with simple finished basement ideas. First, think about the needs of you and your family members. Is there something you lack? Maybe an additional kitchenette or a second living room? Perhaps you have kids and your rebellious teenager could use some space just for themselves. Or do you have small children who need more space for play?

Whatever the case, these 5 simple finished ideas on a budget will help you turn this underutilized space into a room you’ll use every day.

Basement Home Gym

A home gym is one of the smartest ideas you can get when thinking about how to utilize a spare basement space effectively and on budget. Of course, you can splurge if you have money to spend, but you can also keep it on the budget and within the limits of your actual needs. Before you start adding machines and other details every home gym needs, make sure the electricity, drywall insulation, adequate flooring, and great lighting are in place, to provide the best experience of working out at home.

One of the just as great finished basement ideas is also adding a large mirror that can create an illusion of a larger space. You can also choose light and bright colors for walls and flooring to avoid a cramped feeling. A shower for quick recuperation after the workout is also a great addition that can add to the functionality and convenience.

Basement Storage Space

When looking how to finish a basement on a budget, figuring out what kind of room would best fulfill your needs is the most important step in the planning process. Regardless of the size of our homes, storage is something that we consistently lack and always need more. Years pass, children grow up, and we keep things that are not just things — they are memories and beautiful reminders of the past and good times.

So whether you need more storage space to keep memories, books, various objects, or old clothing that you don’t want to throw away or think you may actually use again sometime soon, basement storage is one of the best finished basement ideas. Get creative with shelving and consider built-in shelves, among other options. Various types of shelving will help you provide extra storage for books, any objects, clothing, and more, all the while allowing you to keep it neat, tidy, and organized.

Basement Space with a Wet Bar

Simple finished basement ideas can include many options, but some are better than others. A neglected space no one needs can become the go-to place for entertaining and hanging out with family and friends. How to finish a basement cheap can be no easy task, but building a wet bar is an effective solution that will keep you within the budget.

You can keep your basement wet bar basement basic in design or you can install pretty tile floors, wood paneling, and light colors to keep the room light and bright.

Basement Playroom

If you have kids, a playroom is one of the better finish basement ideas. This is an inexpensive solution, considering that you already have the basics like electricity, dry walls, and warm flooring in place. You can also achieve serious style and design wins at a low budget by building a playroom for your children in the basement. Feel free to use decorative fabric and other materials on walls and floors, and ceilings as well to create a sense of warmth and coziness. Playful and colorful designs will keep this basement playroom cheerful and welcoming.

Make sure lighting is strategically placed and the space is well lit. You can also add some cabinetry for storing toys and perhaps also a sink where your kids will be able to wash their hands and their messy hands.

Hangout Spot for You and Your Friends

Is your place crowded and you often don’t have a free room where you can hang out with your friends? Perhaps your teenager needs some alone time or time just with their friends to hang out, play games, or watch Netflix. The good news is that your basement, regardless of its size, can be a great party-ready space for larger or smaller crowds of your favorite people.

The best thing is — you won’t need a lot of investment to keep it interesting and cozy. TV set, recessed lighting, and light colors on walls to keep the space bright, and good ventilation will keep the space airy and bright. You can also add a tiny bathroom so the party can truly stay on the lower levels of your home and achieve an ultimately intimate space.

Learn more about your Home Remodeling New Jersey options with Deon Design Custom Builders.

Modern Finished Basement Ideas

If you wish to put an accent on the modern features when renovating and finishing your basement, one of these contemporary, popular modern finished basement ideas can be just the best solution for your basement space. When planning to apply one of these ultimately cool and innovative modern finished basement ideas, try to think of your basement space as a blank canvas where you can do anything you can imagine. Beautifully designed modern finished basements can considerably add value and flair to any home and turn an unused bare space into its center.

Theater Room

When searching for modern finished basement ideas to inspire your bathroom renovation, you’ll surely come across an idea to turn it into a theater room. After doing the groundwork of electricity, plumbing, isolation, etc, start decorating it in a unique style. You can paint it white and bright and add convenient lighting to make the experience cozy, relaxing, and warm. You don’t need to add any details that won’t serve the purpose of making the watching experience unique, comfortable, and even soothing.

Basement Family Room with a Kitchenette or a Wet Bar

Modern families are in need of more space. Turning your basement space into an additional family room with a kitchenette and/or a wet bar is one of the most effective modern finished basement ideas. Adding features that will make your basement into a living, cooking, and entertaining space will add incredible value to your home. If you decide to finish your basement into a family room with a kitchenette or a wet bar, you can even use it as a space for guests. It will basically have everything they need, except for the bathroom. If you don’t host and entertain often enough, and you don’t need extra space for your family at the time, you could even turn this space into a rental unit, except then you would need to add a small bathroom space, as well. In any case, raising the value of your home with this kind of upgrade is guaranteed, and especially important if you’re planning to sell.

Guest Bedroom with a Bathroom

Transforming your basement into a guest bedroom with a bathroom can be an incredible makeover project. If you enjoy a good makeover, you can now have a chance to start a makeover you will enjoy for years ahead. This space will be used mainly when your extended family and friends come to visit for a few days. Without this space, you would have to make more space in your living area. With the basement finished as a guest bedroom with a bathroom, you’ll make your hospitality thoroughly cozy and comfortable. Have a blast designing the guest area in your basement, make it coastal with various shades of blue, navy, and beige, or apply graphic or whimsical wallpaper for more interest and greater coziness.

Teenager Escape Room

When looking for modern finished basement ideas for a room designed and created especially for your teenager, having in mind that the taste of your teenager might and almost surely will change over a short period of time, can affect the sustainability of your basement finishing project. Inexpensive basement finishing ideas for your teenager include some of the easy solutions like under-stairs hangout space, soundproofing and insulation, minimalist furniture design, neutral colors for large pieces of space, night lamps, string or fairy lights. Attaching a small bathroom to your teenager’s basement room is also a great idea.

Another Kitchen

Finishing your basement as a kitchen can be one of the most expensive projects but only if you decide to choose expensive design solutions. Deon Design Custom Builders have a lot of experience in finishing basements as kitchens and we can recommend solutions that are very budget-friendly and won’t break the bank. While thinking of what is the cheapest way to finish an unfinished basement as a kitchen, you should also think about the quality of the materials you use, as elements and products made of high-quality materials will last much longer than those that are made of low-quality materials. Whatever design you choose, make sure to establish the groundwork, plumbing, electricity, and insulation as a priority.

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Small Finished Basement Ideas

Is it time to make the most of your small basement space?

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about small finished basement ideas is — storage. But your small basement space can be so much more than simple storage. But it can also be classy and highly functional storage if that is what you need. There are tons of small finished basement ideas that prove that even the tiniest and the smallest of bathroom spaces, with minimum investment, can look and feel like a million-dollar room.

Here are some of the most effective, highly functional, and also the most beautiful small finished basement ideas on a budget.

Wine Cellar

Building a wine cellar in your basement is one of the most luxurious things that you can do with your basement, and also one of the most useful things if you’re a wine lover. All you need for a beautiful wine cellar in your basement are the right wine racks. With those, you can create a wine room if you have more space or a wine closet if you wish to add another purpose to the space. Anything in-between the wine room and wine closet is also possible and depends on your creativity, imagination, and needs. A wine cellar can also be purchased modular and ready to install when it arrives. When thinking about the best location in your basement for the wine cellar you have in mind, choose a corner without any windows and exterior walls. This way, your wine will be properly preserved.

Basement Bar

If your basement is small, then you definitely need some small finished basement ideas to make the most out of space but also to keep basement remodel on the budget. A basement bar is always a great idea because of the work put in and the inexpensive materials. When choosing details, decor elements, and other important details for your basement bar, consider cheap but still interesting, creative, and innovative materials and solutions.

Choose marble-looking flooring and wall solutions for a high-end, contemporary look if you wish to amaze your friends and family.

White tile backsplash to keep the space open and bright or to add contrast to other elements. Open glass shelving, for example, adds additional interest when displaying bottles of your favorite drinks. Wood bar countertops and a few stainless steel chairs can also give a hip and modern vibe that connects different and even detrimental styles to the whole room.

Basement Office Space

The covid pandemic has brought us new challenges and issues that we needed to face, although we were not prepared. Having a safe space to live and work became one of the most important things.

To create a cozy and peaceful workspace where you can focus and work easily, make sure to install adequate lighting, add light colors on the walls to keep your mood uplifted, and add the right type of storage you need. Don’t forget about open display shelving to keep your office space free from clutter. Adjustable pendant lights and an armchair or a sofa are also some of the inexpensive basement finishing ideas that can keep your basement office space remodel within your budget limits.

Basement Reading Nook

A reading nook is always a great idea for people who love to read and also who like being left alone while doing it. Whether you have an awkward corner in your home upstairs or you see a part of your basement larger space or your small basement as the perfect reading nook, there are tons of ideas that can boost your inspiration. According to your aesthetic standards, feel free to let your imagination run wild and make your basement reading nook quirky, mix styles, colors, and designs, or make it classic and soothing, and make it your very own private space for enjoying a good book.

Mudroom You Always Needed

If you have a big family, it is possible that the need for more storing shoes and coat space is increasing as the kids grow. This is why a mudroom niche is a great idea if you’re not sure what other purpose to give your small basement space.

This mudroom can easily be transformed into a laundry room or, even more easily, into a powder room, especially because the mudroom and powder room go well together.

Check out what are the best Small Basement Remodel Ideas.

How to Finish Your Basement

To maximize the overall potential of your basement and minimize the costs, informing yourself on the best ways to finish your basement is very important. There are ways to finish your basement on a budget while keeping and even maximizing its potential for the benefit of your family. When thinking about how to finish your basement, think about maximizing the basement space and think about it as a way of creating additional space for your everyday needs. Also, it is very important to use quality materials and quality work so you don’t need a remodel any time soon.

The first thing that you need to do is to prepare the space, then apply for a permit. Eliminating dampness and installing insulation are also one of the first things that you need to think about and take care of. Pick the materials that you’ll use with great attention and also with some help from the contractors you’ve hired. The contractors will have all the tools and machines that will be needed for the process of finishing your basement, but we do believe that you also need to be aware of all the details that come with the process of finishing the basement. Talk with your contractor about how to finish your basement, all the stages of work, etc. Deon Design Custom Builders love informing their clients about everything and this is why we give you some more information about the most important stages of the finishing basement process.

How to Finish a Basement Wall

After you’ve gathered all the permits and your contractors have all the tools and materials, have studied the space, and have prepared it for work, it is time to talk with your contractor about how to finish a basement wall. This is when the real work starts. When starting work on basement walls, your contractor will explain and later work on first installing insulation, framing the walls, utility installation, drywall mount, and finally, painting the basement walls. On your demand, your contractor will explain every step in every stage of finishing your basement walls.

How to Finish a Basement Ceiling

When finishing a basement ceiling, your contractors will have three options — to drywall the ceiling, to leave it open, as it is, which can look great if you decide to pursue an industrial look, or, as a final option, to use a drop-ceiling. Each of these three options requires different ways of work and comes with different requirements and difficulty levels. Make sure to consult with your contractors about how to finish a basement ceiling so you can make some decor, design, and style solutions on time. Each option for finishing a basement ceiling will require different design solutions for the rest of the basement space. Of course, it all comes down to your decor decisions.

How to Finish a Basement Floor

When your basement ceiling and walls are finished, it’s time to start talking with your contractors about how to finish a basement floor. Is the insulation installation finished? Do you already have an idea for your basement floor material and design? Laminate is a pretty popular and really cheap basement floor material. But whatever type of flooring material you decide to use, there are two main steps to get to and accomplish.

Has your basement floor been finished before? If it hasn’t, it is probably a simple, cold plate of gray cement. In that case, you need to start finishing your basement floor with subflooring which will add warmth, dryness, and coziness. When the subflooring is installed and inspected, it’s time to install the actual, top-level of basement flooring you’ve chosen and that will considerably influence the rest of your basement decor and overall style.

For more information on how to finish your basement and for more details about each stage of the process, feel free to contact us.

What is the Cost of Finishing Your Basement

Depending on the size, style, state, and overall requirements of your basement space, the cost of finishing it can go from just a few thousand dollars to… well, the sky is the limit when it comes to contemporary design and style solutions.

So, how much does it cost to finish a basement?

Usually, the cost to finish a basement doesn’t go over $80,000 for large basement spaces. According to the latest information from October 2022 on Angi, the average cost of basement finishing is about $18,400, ranging from $2,800 to $34,500, while NARI estimates the cost to be about $40,000.

What’s the most expensive part of finishing a basement?

The size of the basement, labor, materials, electrical, plumbing, framing, insulation, drywall, ceiling, and decor elements that depend on the type of room you decide to turn your basement into will dictate the final price. If previous homeowners already did some partial basement finishings, it will be much easier and much cheaper for you. According to our experience from the work we did in the New Jersey area, you can expect to spend the most on your New Jersey area basement finishing project if you start from a bare basement to upgrading it to a fully furnished living space. If you decide to rent this space, it will pay off. But if you’re looking for additional space just for your family, our advice is not to go overboard with cosmetic changes.

What is the cheapest way to finish an unfinished basement?

When thinking about the cheapest way to finish an unfinished basement, take these cheap finished basement ideas into consideration. One of the most effective finished basement ideas on a budget is to start the finishing work only on one area of the basement and take it from there later. Also, make sure there isn’t any dampness or moisture in your basement. It will cost a lot if you do the job and then you need to do it all over again because of undetected moisture sources while doing the work for the first time. Some more inexpensive basement finishing ideas are to choose a sturdy flooring material that is also budget-friendly, because flooring materials can take the price of finishing a basement really high and to hire professional contractors to be able to meet the required codes with your basement renovation.

Is finishing a basement worth the money?

Finishing a basement is absolutely worth the money. Whether used as an extra living space, a recreational area, or whether you intend to rent or sell, finishing a basement considerably adds to the value of your home. A finished basement will increase the appeal of your home to a buyer, so finishing a basement is well worth the money invested. Realtors can help you with determining the return on investment of your basement finishing project, but some calculations say that ROI is approximately 70 to 75% of your investment.

Deon Design Custom Builders will make the project of finishing your basement well worth the money you invest in it. We won’t only do the work but will actually spend the time with you to decide on how to finish a basement on a budget and suggest some cheap finished basement ideas. Our specialists will be with you every step of the way, explaining how each of the stages and each of the chosen materials affects the ROI of your project.

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What Permits are Needed for the Basement Finishing Project

Getting the necessary permits to finish a basement is the first thing and essential step you need to take when looking for finished basement ideas, thinking about finished basement ideas on a budget, and deciding to start with the project of finishing your basement. We don’t recommend finishing your basement without a permit because of the safety issues and also because it can cost you much more. Permits are important because they also document the work that was accomplished, which will come in handy if you decide to sell your home or if something goes wrong in the basement.

How do I Get a Permit to Finish My Basement?

To get a permit to finish your basement, you should visit the website or call the building department of your local government because these may differ depending on the state you live in. To apply for a permit, make sure to acquire a drawing of your basement design that includes the location of all smoke detectors, locations of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical sockets, the height of ceilings, all of the labels, as well as room descriptions. The address where you can acquire the permit application and information about the permit fee is your municipality’s website.

How Much is a Permit to Finish a Basement?

According to the Home Guide, a permit for construction, remodeling, or building can cost anywhere between $500 to $2,000. These permit rates can be based on construction value, a flat rate, or the square foot. Most likely you will need to wait for about two weeks for a permit to be approved and issued.

Use These Finished Basement Ideas when Working with Deon Design Custom Builders

We hope that you have found the best finished basement ideas and that you’re now inspired for your own basement finishing project. Whether you’re starting from scratch, or doing minimal, cosmetic upgrades, Deon Design Custom Builders can help you with your basement finishing project. We will be with you from the very beginning, the planning phase to the very end, and your complete and full satisfaction when the job is done. Also, we will answer any and all of your questions and will be happy to provide you with even more finished basement ideas that worked best in the basement finishing projects we’ve accomplished.

Deon Design Custom Builders are well-known throughout the state of New Jersey for their exceptional work on construction, building, and remodeling. Our construction process ensures your home or commercial basement space is exquisitely constructed, beautifully designed, and successfully built — on time and always within your budget.

For any basement design-build needs you have in the area of New Jersey, contact us. From initial estimate and consultation to final basement finishing, we cover all the phases and make sure your basement remodeling project is turning out just how you planned.