If you’ve just moved into a home with a basement or you’ve been in your home for a while but aren’t using your basement, you’ve got extra space to work with that can easily be transformed. The basement provides additional room for you and your family to relax, entertain guests and store personal items. Thinking about your family’s needs and your favorite hobbies or activities can give you the inspiration for an appealing and function basement renovation.
If you have small children, you can turn the basement into a playroom. If the kids know they have a designated place to play, you may be able to keep the main floor of your home cleaner. You can fill the basement area with stuffed animals, learning toys and ways for kids to watch their favorite videos and movies. Covering the basement floor with colored tile to make the area more appealing or using large foam tiles that are comfortable for walking is another way to make the playroom more inviting. As your kids get older, you can change the décor of the basement space to reflect their interests. For instance, take the tile up and replace it with a neutral color or your kids’ favorite colors and replace the stuffed animals with additional seating.
The basement is also a great place for a spare bedroom. If friends and family visit you often, you can convert the space into a comfortable place to sleep and relax. If you also want to add a bathroom, be sure to work with a contractor to ensure the right plumbing is in place to install a sink, bathtub and toilet. If you’ve chosen to turn your basement into a basement, be sure to add large rugs to the space to add warmth, since basements tend to be colder than the rest of the house, particularly during the fall and winter. Or, you can choose carpeting for your basement that will make the space more inviting. Be sure to have all your plumbing and pipes inspected to make sure there is no likelihood of leaks or pipe breaks to avoid carpet damage and costly repairs. You can also mount a television in the space and include typical bedroom furniture like a large bed and nightstand. Since you’ll likely have a little extra space in the basement, you can also add more seating in case your guest wants to read or do homework. The spare bedroom idea is also great if you have an older child who wants their own living space in high school or college.
Once you know how you’d like to convert your basement, take measurements of the windows, floors and walls. This will let you know which curtains or window treatments are best and will assist you in choosing the artwork, wallpaper and flooring for the space. If you’re making major renovations, you’ll also need to make sure you’re in keeping with the building codes in your city, province, or state. When you prepare for the renovation and have the right contractors on your side, you’re likely to be very satisfied with the results.
