Basement Remodeling Ideas

In the dryer climates of our country, most homes are not built with basements. As for those who live in colder climates, well you have a great opportunity to increase the value of your home and add living space for your family just by what you do with your basement. It uses to be that about all you could do with a basement, besides storage, was to throw up some drywall and throw down carpet and make it a place for kids on a raining day. Not so today. There are better alternatives, especially with basement finishing systems and construction technology.

Great idea, but where do you start and what can you do with the basement?

The first thing is to get an idea of what you want to do with that space and make a plan. Basements are a little touchier when it comes to remodeling and construction as they usually are not built with the idea of becoming a living space.

Second, consider how much space you will have to work with. You will at least want to consult a professional remodeling contractor and designer for some of the more complicated parts of this project. It would be easy to get in too deep without knowing all the technicalities that need to be tackled.

The following factors will influence your plans. Talk about them with your contractor:

Plumbing
Low hanging pipes
Ductwork
Low ceilings
Moisture issues
Support post
Windows

Remember that the basement is underground, so a qualified contractor will have the solutions to these problems and how to work around them or move them.

But what can you do with the basement? If you haven't thought of something yet, here are some ideas:

Children's playroom
Home office/computer room
Guest room
Home theater
Game room
Library/homework room
Hobby/crafts room
Workshop
Organized storage
Bar, entertainment center
Work out room/gym
Extra bedroom
Bathroom
Rental studio
Laundry room
Wine cellar

The list can go on and on....

Even if you make the smallest improvements in your basement such as walls, lighting, or flooring, you will have improved your property and its value a great deal. Insulate your basement and you will save energy and money on utilities. Don't let this valuable space go to waste. Think about what you want and what you need, make a plan, and call for a free estimate and consultation today.