Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Project coordinator Camille Dettmore talks through some important considerations with her client about their budget-friendly home office.
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You might think that turning a basement into a functional office space would cost big bucks, but that doesn’t have to be the case. With our homeowners planning to use their basement as an interim office before tackling a full office and bedroom renovation, project coordinator Camille Dettmore knew she had to keep the office affordable and not make any extra work down the road.
Be Mindful of Where You’re Spending
During a project like this, it’s important not to spend on materials, labor, or finishes that you’ll have to change or rip out later. An interim office should meet the minimum requirements to make it comfortable, functional, and professional.
Paint Makes a Huge Difference
Painting the basement can make a huge difference without blowing the budget. Painting the ceiling a dark, matte color like black or dark gray will help hide imperfections, blend the mechanicals in with the surroundings, and create a clean look. Painting the walls with a waterproof paint will help control the moisture levels and also give the basement a fresher, brighter look.
Affordable, Waterproof Flooring
Many homeowners choose to go with floating floors for a project like this, but they’ll need to be ripped out for framing down the road. Instead, consider a waterproof, resilient flooring like epoxy. Epoxy is affordable, easy to install, and it can be framed over. Just be sure to choose a low VOC product to prevent harsh odors.
Balance Function, Future, and Budget
Just because you’re not ready to tackle a full-fledged project now doesn’t mean something like an interim basement office is out of the question. If you balance the space’s functionality with your future plans and smart budgeting, a basement can be the perfect place for a work-from-home office space.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: bit.ly/2GPiYbH
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Create a Basement Office | This First House
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse
Project coordinator Camille Dettmore talks through some important considerations with her client about their budget-friendly home office.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
You might think that turning a basement into a functional office space would cost big bucks, but that doesn’t have to be the case. With our homeowners planning to use their basement as an interim office before tackling a full office and bedroom renovation, project coordinator Camille Dettmore knew she had to keep the office affordable and not make any extra work down the road.
Be Mindful of Where You’re Spending
During a project like this, it’s important not to spend on materials, labor, or finishes that you’ll have to change or rip out later. An interim office should meet the minimum requirements to make it comfortable, functional, and professional.
Paint Makes a Huge Difference
Painting the basement can make a huge difference without blowing the budget. Painting the ceiling a dark, matte color like black or dark gray will help hide imperfections, blend the mechanicals in with the surroundings, and create a clean look. Painting the walls with a waterproof paint will help control the moisture levels and also give the basement a fresher, brighter look.
Affordable, Waterproof Flooring
Many homeowners choose to go with floating floors for a project like this, but they’ll need to be ripped out for framing down the road. Instead, consider a waterproof, resilient flooring like epoxy. Epoxy is affordable, easy to install, and it can be framed over. Just be sure to choose a low VOC product to prevent harsh odors.
Balance Function, Future, and Budget
Just because you’re not ready to tackle a full-fledged project now doesn’t mean something like an interim basement office is out of the question. If you balance the space’s functionality with your future plans and smart budgeting, a basement can be the perfect place for a work-from-home office space.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
Follow This First House:
Official website: thisfirsthouse.com
Facebook: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: @thisfirsthouseofficial
TikTok: @thisfirsthouse
Create a Basement Office | This First House
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse
