Basement Renovation: Our Guide to Getting It Right
A basement renovation is more than just enhancing its appearance; it’s about getting the full potential of the most versatile room in your home. Basements are often overlooked but renovating it can offer you multiple benefits. Picture this, a cozy, stylish space where you can escape the chaos of everyday life. Sound good? Well, let’s get started. This post is about renovating your basement and includes our guide to getting it right.
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The Benefits Of A Basement Renovation
Basements are sometimes neglected and underutilized places in the home. However, they can be converted into areas that are functional and beautiful. Give your basement a purpose with endless possibilities. Your renovated basement can increase the value of your home and be a profitable investment in the long run. This will add more space, therefore increasing your liveable square footage. The additional area could be a bedroom, family room, home gym, or game room. It would be a great place to entertain family and friends or a place to relax after a long day. You could add cabinets, bookcases, built-in shelving, and closets for extra storage for holiday items and things not used on a daily basis or maybe create a workshop to house your tools.
Another way to use this new space could make you some money. Renting out the finished basement could help you pay your monthly mortgage. Building a legal suite could turn your empty basement into a studio apartment. This is a good idea if you have a young adult who can’t quite afford to move out on their own but wants their own space. Speaking of money, the renovations made to the unfinished basement are tax deductible, saving you money. All repairs, materials, and labor costs are an investment in the home and, therefore, are deductible. Also, houses with finished basements sell faster than homes with unfinished basements. They add a sense of luxury and can be the decision-maker for a home buyer.
Finishing a basement can improve your air quality inside because basements are usually cooler in temperature and less humid than the rest of the house. In addition, a well-insulated basement can help improve your home’s energy efficiency and make it more environmentally friendly. It will keep in the heat in the winter and keep it out in the summer.
How To Plan Your Renovation
Basement renovations can be overwhelming, so you need to have a game plan for the project. I know a lot of people want to DIY their remodel but sometimes, it’s best to leave it to the experts lol. The first step in planning your renovation is to hire an inspector to ensure you don’t run into any unexpected costs or issues. They will check to confirm the ceilings aren’t too low, the plumbing isn’t damaged, and the overall structure is in good condition. The inspector will look for water damage, mold, and any other issues that must be addressed before starting the renovation. If you need to hire an electrician or plumber, be sure they are licensed and certified. Hiring experienced and reputable people is worth the money because they will ensure the process goes as planned. They will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. Permits may need to be required, as well as a general contractor. Remodeling bathrooms, basements, and kitchens is complex, and you want qualified individuals working on your project. The walls will have to be insulated, drywall will be applied to the walls and ceilings, and you will need someone to install the flooring. The size and condition of the basement, the quality of materials you use, and the renovation level you want will all affect your job's cost.
You need to establish your goals for the project. Decide what you want to use this space for. Your goals will keep you on track throughout the process. Create your scope of work. You should have a realistic budget before starting the planning; if you still need to, the contractor or designer can help you in creating your budget. Remember, creativity doesn’t have to break the bank. The goal here is to maximize style while being smart with your money. Draw a detailed floor plan, including furniture, lighting, flooring, and additional rooms. It’s easier to make changes on paper than to change things during construction. The contractor and designer will help you with the floor plans and all aspects of the project.
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Basement Renovation Inspiration
Think of this renovation as a way to add space. What room doesn’t exist in your house? The renovation is your chance to get creative and bring in something new. Here, you get to envision what you want your basement to become. How about an office, guest room, or home gym? A basement is an excellent place for a private work area where you can stay focused and productive. Create the office space that suits your work needs. If you don’t have a guest room upstairs, now you can add one to the basement for your guests who come to visit you. Don’t forget to include an additional bathroom as well. Who wouldn’t love to have their own home gym? All of your equipment would have a newly organized home. You could have several workout machines and a complete set of free weights.
You want to avoid dark paint colors, furniture, and lighting fixtures. Colors can do wonders for your mood and productivity. Use light, bright, and neutral tones to create an airy, calming atmosphere. They will reflect light and give the illusion of a larger space and a higher ceiling. Another great idea for the ceiling is embossed tin panels. They can add an elegant and stylish 3D dimension to the ceiling. These come in various materials and are easy to install. Strategically placed lighting can turn your space from dark and dreary to dazzling! Think about pendant lights, floor lamps, and maybe a statement chandelier. The right lighting can make a world of difference. Add pops of colorful tones with furniture, accessories, pillows, rugs, and artwork to keep things interesting.
In picking your flooring, be sure it is appropriate for the finished basement. For instance, solid wood flooring isn’t a good option for the basement because moisture can cause it to buckle or split. Tile, vinyl planks, plush carpets, and engineered wood are better options. Choosing the right flooring is like choosing the right shoes. Choose the most comfortable, stylish, and practical product for your family.
When it comes to selecting furniture and accessories, choose multifunctional furniture. Keep the room layout in mind and choose furniture that compliments the space. Make sure you have plenty of extra seating for entertaining friends and family. A sleeper sofa might be a good option if you want an additional place for someone to sleep. Whereas a giant sectional sofa provides space for several people to sit together. Place storage ottomans throughout the television area to provide additional seating. If you want to separate your basement into specific areas, use privacy dividers. This would define the spaces without having to add walls. Room dividers will add functionality to the basement, allowing you to get the most out of the space. Speaking of walls, create a focal point in the room by painting one wall a different color than the other walls. If you want to get really creative, have the wall tiled with stone accents to add a luxurious touch to the basement.
Well, there it is. Our guide to getting your basement renovation done right. Let’s turn your basement dreams into reality and have fun during the process.
*Below are some home decor shopping links you might enjoy. Let me know if you are looking for something specific, and I will gladly find some options for you.
https://mave.ly/designs-the-space-shop
https://benable.com/pamspicks/curtain-rods
https://benable.com/pamspicks/curtains-drapes
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This post was about basement renovations and our guide to helping you get it done right.
written by:
Pam Wichlei
Founder & CEO
Topics:
Design Tips
How-To & DIYs
Design Inspiration
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