By finishing your basement, you can gain more living space while reducing the amount of energy loss from downstairs. Basements that are not fully finished typically do not have insulated walls or covered flooring, which can result in heat loss and cause your furnace to work overtime

A renovated basement offers more than additional storage space. It can provide a lot of extra room for a growing family, such as space for a gym, home theater, office, guest suite, or a playroom for the kids.

To ensure a comfortable and inviting basement, there are a few project components to consider:

•Insulation will ensure your space is warm and comfortable. For the best results, install a 'stone wool batt' insulation product with the Roxul ComfortBoard IS. This combo is mechanically fastened or adhered to the concrete foundation wall, offering you a higher R-value and better acoustics.

• Drywall will help define the space and make it feel like a part of your home. If you haven't tackled drywall before, consider hiring a pro to ensure your walls are seamless.

• Flooring should be water sealed and covered with an insulated material. There are many products on the market, but consider laying padding before carpet or in-floor heating before tiles.

• Personalize it with finishing touches. Select furniture that can fit down a typically steep staircase and choose items that compliment the rest of your home's décor, making your basement feel like an extension of your living space.