When you bought that new home, you promised yourself that you’d get started on that basement finishing project as soon as you came up with the time and money. So the time has come and now you’re ready! Rest assured, it’s not necessary to spend the family fortune to create a practical space. A little planning, good tools and teamwork will see you through.

There are numerous projects that you can do. A second bathroom, a home office, and why not consider a home entertainment centre. Others will take the opportunity to put in a laundry room and additional storage space. Wine enthusiasts may want to install a wine cellar to preserve those precious vintages. If you have young children, set up a playroom that will allow you a bit of tranquillity upstairs! Evaluate both your long- and short-term needs.

A finished basement will definitely enhance your lifestyle as long as it’s well planned. To help you, print our Planning Guide : Finishing the Basement. Draw a sketch to scale of the entire basement and the rooms that you wish to convert. Make sure that your rooms provide adequate space. If you’re planning to add a bathroom or a laundry room, to minimize costs, place them near the water heater. Don’t forget the toilet drain! The secret is to redo each room so that it’s as inviting and comfortable as the other rooms in the house.

First determine the best time to begin the job. Plan the renovations in stages, possibly room by room, to avoid becoming discouraged if the pace is too slow. And add to your schedule the times when you’ll need the services of a professional.

Budgeting is also closely tied to the planning process. The choice of doing the job oneself or employing the services of a professional contractor will influence the cost and allotted time to complete the basement renovation. You’ll surely save a few dollars if you put your own renovation talents to work.

Let professionals with work permits do the electricity and plumbing. If a problem occurs, they should have insurance that cover damages. For any questions on the planning and construction of your project, consult our online experts at any time! Also visit our Basement Projects section.

Consider a traditional, contemporary or warm and relaxed country style for the basement decorating ambiance. Discover the new paint tints and finishes and the wallpaper motifs that have come onto the market, and that will create a cozy decor in a home entertainment centre or cheerful one in a kid’s playroom.

Once all the options have been determined, go to your local RONA store to discuss your plans and material choices with our experts. Will the walls be finished with drywall or do you prefer panelling? Use our online drywall calculator to determine the exact amount you’ll need. Are you going to install a suspended ceiling, carpeting or linoleum on the floors, recessed lighting or light fixtures on rails on the ceiling? Have you thought of a wood stove or a fireplace in the basement? Consult our stoves and fireplaces buyer's guide to select the model that corresponds to your needs and the decorating style you’ve chosen.