Basement remodel

Once upon a time there was an ugly, dark and outdated basement...we lived in our house for 4 years and barely (if ever) used it. 

It was SO bad that I don't even have pictures of how it looked like...but my memory can't forget.

Anyhow, we knew we wanted to remodel some day...but were busy remodeling the main level. So, 4 years after the move, the lonely basement was left untouched...until the Nashville flood in May 2010. Our house did not go under water, but we managed to get water coming through the front wall...bad enough to have to pretty much gut the entire basement. (floor, insulation, built ins)

This picture was taken for record purposes...

So we were suddenly left with a blank slate, it was time to refinish this 500sq, with not much of a budget.

We managed to do all the rebuilding work ourselves and got to this point within 4 months

The work done included 
- waterproof the concrete wall (the bottom half is underground)
- reframe wall and replace insulation
- stain concrete floor (Kona Brown)
- add new baseboard and 1/4 round throughout the room
- paint trim and walls
- replace all the outlets
- paint doors white (to match the trim)
- get rid of gas fireplace, replaced with an electric one+new mantel 
- pay a plumber to do the shower drain and plumbing work
- drywall, new trim, extra shelves for linen storage

Now we really liked this room and a year later decided to make the basement our Master suite.

From this

to this

and this

Well, so far so good. We had our master suite with the exception of a master bathroom. We did have a 1/2 bathroom that is currently being upgraded to a full bath.

tiny 1/2 bath to the right

Relocating RN's drums to make room for a walk in shower.

(And yes, if you were wondering, the drums were and are currently located in our master...this is Nashvegas people!)

As of today, the total $$$ spent on this total frugal makeover is less than $4000 (all inclusive materials, decor and the full bath addition, )

UPDATE: Master bathroom is finished. 
Full details and pictures here

Stay frugal,

Daniela

linking to Savvy Southern Style
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At the picket fence