Homeowner Turns Unfinished Basement Into Livable Space On A Budget

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Not everyone can move into a larger home simply because they wish they had more space. Sometimes, you just have to make do with what you have. That doesn't mean you can't think outside the box and make some creative changes, though. One homeowner, Olivia, decided to roll up her sleeves and put some nice-looking touches on her unfinished basement so it could be a space her family could enjoy. She spent over 100 days checking off DIY projects to make her dream come true while staying within her budget. It costs an average of $32,000 to finish a basement. But in this case, Olivia showed everyone what genuine hard work and creativity can do.

A basement doesn't have to be a dingy area reserved for boxes and old junk. If it's cleared out, there are ways to make it more cozy without breaking the bank. One clip shared on Olivia's TikTok channel showed her laying a unique kind of flooring that completely transformed the space. Understandably, it's a basement upgrade that caught the internet's attention, with many people falling in love with the results, especially with how affordable it is.

Basements can be notorious for having a cold, concrete floor. As we know, there is nothing comfortable about that. While there are various types of flooring for basements, one clever option is using giant foam mats with a wood design. That's exactly what this homeowner did, and it turned out beautiful. She laid down Sorbus Wood Grain Floor Tiles, which interlock like puzzle pieces. A package of 24 sells for approximately $100 — covering 96 square feet. It's a way to get the look of a hardwood floor in a basement without spending a fortune or worrying about moisture damage.

In addition to the flooring upgrade, Olivia made it much more welcoming by incorporating earth-toned accent rugs and bringing in furniture for relaxation. Curtains were hung to hide some of the drab walls of the basement, along with artwork to provide pops of color and interest. She also utilized Peel and Stick Wall Tiles — an affordable alternative to tile backsplash. Another way the homeowner made it more livable was by sectioning off the large area into separate spaces. She did this through the use of furniture and wood screens. In the end, there was a living room, kitchen, and office area.

It shows that a basement can be transformed on a budget. That is, as long as you're willing to use creative solutions and do the work yourself. An unfinished basement can easily be warmed up with a thorough cleaning, DIY projects, and home decor. Even if it's a goal you chip away at a little at a time, it could make your home seem so much bigger.