Before we get ahead of ourselves, a word to the wise: always check the basement for moisture before beginning any renovations to the flooring.  This would entail hiring a professional to test the walls, floors, ceilings and even the space beneath the floor for existing moisture.  This is not a job that you can do by eyeballing the structure – a professional needs to test for water.  This is of the utmost importance because moisture could result in you having to tear out all of your hard work later, or worse, untreated mold and mildew could threaten your health.  Performing this small bit of due diligence will ensure you have a good foundation for your flooring renovation. Some of the best flooring options for basement renovations include:

• Carpet – This is a nice option for people looking to “warm” up a basement. Temperatures in basements can get pretty cold in climates like the Toronto area, so adding a nice, plush carpet will help to insulate the floor and make it warmer for bare feet.
• Tile – Laying tile in your basement can be a nice looking renovation that is only slightly more expensive than carpet. The floor will look nice and provide a clean finish in case you plan to use the basement for any type of messy work.  This is an easy flooring option to clean.
• Wood – Snap together wood that you glue down can be a do-it-yourself project, but without prior experience it can get messy. Quality hardwood is also on the expensive side, but if you’ve got a table saw and the desire, cutting down on the labour costs should be easy.  A word of caution here – you must be absolutely sure no water is present in the basement, as even a tiny bit will cause the wood to flake and buckle.
• Stained Concrete – This is probably the cheapest option but just make sure you watch the fumes. The process of staining concrete can be done with acidic chemicals, polyurethanes or paints and makes for a smooth, “roughed-in” looking finish.  This is a great option for a basement you plan to use as a kids area or workshop.

Another major point to consider with regard to basement floor renovations in Toronto is what you will be doing with the space.  Due to the cold weather in that region, tile and bare cement are cold, clinical floor surfaces that are not conducive to much idle time for people or animals…although it would be an ideal environment for a workshop or your fledgling rock band.  Carpet would be a good alternative for a kid’s recreation room or for your pets, but it might require a good bit of cleaning.  In the end, there are several options for your basement flooring and if you make sure the space is dry and watertight, they will all help you add value to your home