“Customers are often skeptical that they can finish their basement without breaking their bank account.”

Anyone can have a stunning basement with a millionaire’s budget but it takes creativity to remodel a basement on a shoestring budget.

Don’t get discouraged if you can only afford to use builder’s grade materials. 80% of all homes start with the basics of framing, walls and ceilings. What sets upscale homes apart are features like thick molding, elegant fixtures, hardwoods, marble floors, travertine tile, custom built-ins, beadboard or cherry paneling.

Many of our customers still have designer basements using just builder’s grade materials and wonderful design ideas. Here are 10 tips to stretch your budget:

1. Go For Upgrades That Pop

To stretch your investment always choose upgrades that will give your room the most impact. For example a client trying to decide between beadboard and thick molding in a cottage style basement should probably choose the beadboard accent wall. The wall would be a focal point and add to the cottage feel of the room.

2. Lighting sets the stage

Lighting adds ambiance and showcases your room. Many basements have low ceilings so recessed lighting is a good investment to make your ceilings appear higher. Also, accent lights under plants and furniture will add warm shadows and give ambiance to your room.

3. Save With Energy Efficient Improvements

Insulation, energy efficient windows, caulking, on demand water heating and steps taken to weatherize your basement will reduce your utility bills through the years. Plus steps to go green are often rewarded by tax deductions. Check with your accountant to see if purchases you make can be written off your taxes.

4. One Room . . . Many Purposes

To stretch your investment, design rooms to serve more than one purpose. Family rooms can be transformed into guest bedrooms with Murphy beds. Hide your home office in a computer armoire within a game room. Bars can serve as a second kitchen. Window seats in a daylight basement can be cozy reading nooks and hold storage in a game room.

5. Learn to decorate like a designer

Have you ever been in a low cost starter home decorated by a designer to look like a dream home? One of their secrets is they add homey touches with accessories . Many designers of Atlanta model homes get their accessories from Home Goods. One of the best blogs for decorating ideas is their Home Goods blog. There you will find countless examples of how they used Home Goods discount accessories to transform rooms from boring to amazing.

6. Use Coupons

Sign up for coupons at stores like Bed Bath and Beyond. They will regularly mail you 20% off coupons. Their plush towels, aromatherapy reed diffusers and scented candles will make your remodeled basement bathroom feel like a spa retreat.

7. Hunt for Bargains

If you find tiles, cabinets, appliances, architectural pieces and lighting on sale . . . snap up bargains. Many remodeling companies require you to purchase everything through them. Supra Remodeling is flexible. We celebrate your bargain treasures and will incorporate your purchases into your basement remodel.

8. Use rich neutral paint colors

Browse magazines and find neutral colors that look fabulous. If you ever sell your house, neutral wall colors will appeal to your buyers.

9. Use furniture instead of built-ins

You can’t go wrong with custom cherry hardwood or stone bars with granite countertops in a basement. At Supra Remodeling our clients often want built-ins but an affordable alternative is bar furniture. For example, Cost Plus World Market has several locations in the Atlanta area. A low cost bar as pictured above is less than $400.

10. Collect Inspiration Photos

Paper plans don’t give you a full the feel of finished rooms. Visit model homes to get the feel of rooms, note the dimensions of rooms that you like, see designer trends and take photos. A picture is worth a thousand words. When we see what you love, Supra Remodeling can help you realize your dream with more cost saving suggestions.

With planning, you will have a new space that is perfect for your requirements.