10 TIPS FOR RENOVATING YOUR BASEMENT

Basements are often underused and forgotten, even in homes that could use more space. This doesn’t have to be the case. A basement can be easily renovated by a renovation contractor and turned into a functional and useful part of the property. 

It can still remain a storage unit, but with new added functionality and comfort or it can be completely transformed and used as an extra room or a workshop. Most of the time, these renovations can be made in your own spare time and with little to none professional assistance.

Utility

Before you can do renovations, it’s important to figure out how the basement will be used. This will determine the scope of work that needs to be done and the type of professional assistance you’ll have to look for. This isn’t just about what room you plan to turn the basement into, but about details such as the layout and the materials you plan to use.

Keep in mind that there are also some components of a basement that need to be preserved even when you’re doing the renovations. For instance, the heater might need to stay where it is and even if you hide it with a wall; you still need to be able to fix it in case something goes wrong.

Height

The biggest problem with using basements for any other purpose is that the ceilings are too low and thus the room is uncomfortable and dark. This is a real issue and it can’t actually be solved as much as improved. The ductwork, wiring, and piping are usually stored in a basement and once they are moved (most likely to the bathroom), there’s more room for higher ceilings.

Even when these remodeling changes are made, the basement can still feel a bit claustrophobic, but this can be remedied with carefully chosen lights. 

Damp floors

Due to their location, basements tend to have damp floors and can sometimes even be moldy and unsanitary. A lot of the time, that’s not acceptable even if you’re using the basement for storage, let alone if you plan to transform it into a useable room.

It’s best to get rid of old floors and install a draining system that will keep the basement clear and well-insulated. Once that’s over with, you can install decorative concrete that will cover up the work you’ve done and give a room a clean new look.

Open concept spaces

Open concept spaces are the best way to go with renovating a basement because the area you can work with is fairly limited and adding a new wall isn’t always a structurally sound option. Open concept spaces allows you to alter the function of your new room whenever you need to or to keep it multifunctional based on the layout design.

If you want to keep the areas of the basement separate without adding walls or curtains, you can accomplish that effect by grouping pieces of furniture together and using different types and colors of carpet to designate the area.

The aesthetics

The basement is usually seen as an addition to your home or as an extra room you’ve just put together. Bare walls and poor lights tend to stick around even if you’ve been using your basement as a workshop for years. 

There’s no reason for this room not to fit in with the aesthetic of your home as well. LED lights aren’t that expensive to buy and install and they could significantly improve the look of the room. The same goes for a fresh paint job or wallpapers. Take the extra step with decorating and it will pay off in terms of comfort and even safety.

A basement can quickly be renovated and turned into a useful additional room in your home. The first things to consider when doing so are safety and comfort, but aesthetics shouldn’t be neglected either.

MAY 23, 2018