Things to Consider Before Starting a Basement Renovation
- Does your basement need any moisture remediation? You don’t want to put expensive improvements into a space that has a moisture or water issue.
- Have you tested the basement for radon and are the mechanicals in a section that’s secured and out of the way of kids and pets?
- Think about safety. In case of emergency, you need to outfit your basement like any other floor of your home. Include carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, have a fire extinguisher handy and make sure there’s more than one way to get out of the basement.
- Remodeling the basement can help boost your home’s value. You’re adding more square footage without adding on to the house, ultimately saving you money.
- Renovating your basement provides the opportunity to address problems with your home’s foundation, plumbing and insulation. If your basement needs insulation to reduce energy costs or waterproofing to avoid water problems, this is the right time to make those improvements.
6 Basement Renovation Ideas to Consider
Here are unique basement ideas to consider for your own home.
Home Theater
If you want to host parties or movie nights, consider turning your basement into an entertainment or recreation room. Install a flat-screen TV and add theater-style seating for a cinema-like experience. Put down plush carpet for softness and comfort. You can also include extra amenities and decorations, like a pool table, arcade cabinet, popcorn machine and eye-catching wall art.
Family Room
Create a place to watch TV with a more casual and laid-back feel. Convert your basement into a family room by giving your walls a fresh coat of paint and adding flooring. If the subfloor is even, a luxury vinyl plank is an easy DIY option. Add in comfortable lounging options like sofas, armchairs, ottomans and coffee tables.
If you have young children, consider making this space a playroom to help keep the rest of your home tidy. In a smaller home a place to stash books and toys keeps the whole space feeling more open.
Home Office
If you need to work from home in a private, dedicated area, consider converting your basement into an office space. The essentials for an office space include a desk, an office chair with wheels, a bookcase, adequate lighting and other items to help you to stay focused and inspired. Creating a separate zone for work lets you leave your day behind you when it’s time to clock out.
Film or Music Studio
If you’ve ever wanted a home studio for personal projects, such as making videos or recording music, consider turning your basement into a multimedia production space. For video production, create a dedicated space to record. Set up some stage lighting, a green-screen backdrop and a professional video camera with a tripod.
For music production, a basement keeps the noise contained while offering plenty of room for instruments and equipment. Having everything so close allows you to record music whenever inspiration strikes.
Home Gym
Is your exercise equipment taking up too much space in your bedroom or garage? Consider setting up a home gym in your basement so that you have ample room to work out. You can also add additional equipment to your new gym, such as a weight bench, treadmill, exercise bike or other exercise stations. To complete your home gym, set up a TV or smart speakers.
Storage Center
You might already use your basement to store some of your belongings, but even simple upgrades can make the space more useful. By converting your basement space into an organized storage area, you’ll be able to more easily store and access family heirlooms, holiday decorations and off-season equipment, such as box fans and space heaters.
Storage centers also make infrequently used items easier to find. Set up file cabinets to organize and maintain your records and documents. Even if you have many items that are already in boxes, storage containers can provide further protection against dust and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Utilize vertical space with shelving units along your walls. Don’t forget to leave room for basement essentials, such as a dehumidifier or sump pump system, to help keep your basement safe and dry.
Basement Lighting Ideas
Your basement may get limited natural light from windows, so consider other ways to make the room feel bright and airy.
- When planning your new basement office, design it with an open layout. Try to keep the central area free of obstructions like file cabinets or computers that can block light and create dark or shadowed spaces.
- Hang a mirror or two to reflect natural light from windows. Consider hanging a large mirror on the wall opposite your window.
- To ensure your room is bright and inviting, paint your walls a pure-white. White walls reflect light and help brighten up a space that doesn’t get much natural light.
- To add natural light in your basement, consider adding hopper windows. If you don’t have time to install them yourself, check out our professional window-replacement service.