Lots of homes feature a basement, and many of those spaces have been finished into usable space that is just like the above-ground portions of the home (as shown in the picture below).
And just like those other rooms, basements occasionally need to be remodeled. Whether it is guest space or a man cave, if your basement is in need of a renovation, keep these four tips in mind.
While You Are at It…
Any renovation project should be designed with enough time and budget to address unexpected problems that may be found along the way. In the basement, this often includes leaks.
You may need core drilling to check for structural or water issues as well. Electrical and plumbing issues can also be discovered.
While the walls are already out of the way, make sure you repair any of these hidden problems. Taking the time to do these jobs right can help you avoid unexpected costs in the future.
Having construction going on while you are trying to live your daily life can be stressful, but spending proper time on these projects will help avoid future stress.
Maximize Light
Most basements have very little natural light available, so it is important that you make the most of what little you have during the renovation process.
Position doorways to allow light to move from room to room, and make sure that windows make the most of their rough openings instead of choking out some of the sunlight.
After the construction work is done, placing lamps to provide maximum light and choosing lightbulb that dim and/or offer warmer light, can help the space feel cozy and bright, rather than cold and dark.
This is especially important if you plan to have a family member live downstairs or want to rent the basement out. The basement is not separate from your home, it’s a part of it. Maintaining a brightness throughout your home can make the space more pleasant to be in.
Incorporate Security
Exterior access to basements is often easier to use than for the upper floors. Windows are low to the ground, and doors are often at the rear and even down a flight of steps.
For that reason, many burglars enter through the basement. Install motion lights, door chimes, and alarm sensors around basement points of entry to minimize the risk that anyone can slip in undetected.
Open It Up
A basement shouldn’t feel like a chopped-up dungeon. It should be open and spacious, giving you all the room for recreation or lounging that you can’t spare upstairs.
Try to minimize the use of partition walls, and don’t be afraid to simply encase a support column instead of incorporating it into a wall. You’ll have a more sociable feel and better flow of people, light, and climate control.
It’s easy for a basement to feel claustrophobic, but some careful planning, and the consultation of experts, can help you avoid that dire fate.
A basement is a great space to use for a wide variety of things, including space for house hold appliances, a media or music room, or even a bedroom. Over time, all that activity will either become dated, show wear and tear, or prove that the basement needs a new layout.
The resulting renovation can make your basement even better than you expected, so be sure to carefully plan the process to make the best of this unique space. Whatever you end up using it for, the basement is a living space, quite literally a place for you to live. Make sure that you want to live there, even if you only use the space for laundry, a heater, and a guest room.