Don’t let your basement become a place where things go to never be found again. Instead, it should be a valued part of your home. If it’s not, it’s time to think about remodeling it. When considering what to do with your basement, think about how it can be fun, functional, and/or financially beneficial. Here’s a look at some of the possibilities.
Basements are a great place to play.
Having to constantly pick up toys in the living room is no fun, and a playroom on the main level isn’t always an option. A basement playroom is a great solution. It can be as expansive or confined as you’d like. We suggest having a theme and letting your color scheme play into that theme. Choose a paint that hides smudges and can be easily cleaned or create a surface that kids can write and draw on. You’ll want flooring that is forgiving if someone falls on it, wrestles on it, or dumps a cup of grape juice on it. Oh, and to handle toys, you can add built-in storage.
Don’t let the kids have all the fun.
Take the playroom concept to the next level with a game room for all ages. The idea of a game room means different things to different people. It might be a place for board games, poker, video games, arcade games, pool, ping pong, foosball, air hockey, or shuffleboard. Regardless of the option(s) you go with, you’ll want to make sure you have the best lighting setup and enough strategically placed electrical outlets.
Bring the theatre to your basement.
Home theatres are nothing new, but their popularity has certainly grown as technology becomes more affordable. What better place is there for a home theatre than a basement? It has two primary advantages: it’s a darker and more soundproof space than other areas of your home. If there are windows or a walkout, you’ll need to account for that, but there are many solutions for doing so. Make sure you configure the room correctly to maximize seating. Another idea is to install a dimmer switch so you can adjust the lighting to fit your preferences.
What if you get thirsty?
A wet bar in your basement takes entertaining guests to a whole new level. First, determine where it can go, based on existing water lines. Then, identify your needs and priorities. Building a bar for a wine aficionado is much different than constructing one to accommodate beer taps or shelves of hard alcohol. Based on your priorities, you can determine whether you need a mini fridge, a full-size fridge, a toaster oven, or a microwave behind the bar. You also need to consider the other side of the bar, so make sure you have enough room for comfortable seating.
Basement bedrooms are functional.
Do you have kids who are outgrowing a shared bedroom? Do you have in-laws who visit frequently? If you answered yes to one or both of those questions, you might want to consider building a bedroom or two in your basement. It’s a simpler remodeling project than you might think! Basic requirements include a closet and an egress window if the room is in a traditional basement. Otherwise, the types of flooring, paint, and room configurations are all up to you.
Bathrooms make basements more usable.
No matter what you do with your basement, it’s easier to use it when there’s a bathroom available on the same level. There should already be a water line and sewer stub in your basement. You’ll need to determine how large you’d like your bathroom to be and whether or not it has a shower or tub. Once you make those decisions, the possibilities are endless, from flooring and finishes to fixtures and faucets.
Add a kitchenette to create a guest suite.
If you have a bathroom and one or more bedrooms in your basement, it might make sense to add a kitchenette to make the space into a guest suite. A kitchenette is normally a little more involved than just a bar, as you want a space where someone can cook full meals. In addition to a sink, fridge, and a cooking appliance or two, you’ll want some storage space as well. You’ll also want a dining space, whether it be a counter with stools or table and chairs. Like with a bar, you’ll need to strategically place a kitchenette where a water line is available.
How can basements be financially beneficial?
In short, all of these ideas are financially beneficial because they all increase the usability and value of your home. While all of these ideas pay off in the long run, creating a guest suite in your basement can pay off in the short term as well. You can rent it out to a traditional tenant or you can rent it out for short-term stays via a vacation home website. Adding features such as a kitchenette, laundry, and/or a living room increases how much you can charge. It’s best if your basement has a private entrance, but that’s not required.
Make it happen with JOE BUILDER
There are so many potential uses for your basement. Unfinished basements are like blank canvases: You can make them whatever you want them to be. While you may have lots of ideas, you may not know how to make them reality. That’s where JOE BUILDER comes in. We can work with your ideas and budget to help you get the most bang for your buck with your basement remodel. Click GET A QUOTE to start the conversation with us.