How to Get More from Your Basement
Rather than letting the spiders run rampant and invade the place, you can get more from your basement with some creative thinking and some work. What you do with it is up to you. But from adding more functional space to getting the atmosphere right, here are some suggestions.
First, Make It Habitable
There are many exterior home upgrades that people focus on when renovating. But the basement is an interior space almost like a blank canvas, begging you to use it for something other than storing gym equipment you never use! But before you begin, make the space at least somewhat habitable. Let in some light and warmth, and use window well covers to keep water at bay. Also, give the space a good old dusting and scrubbing, and think about comfort.
Add a Walkout Space if Possible
Depending on the layout of the basement and the architecture of the building, there could be walkout space attached to the basement. Perhaps there is a large window well area that can be converted. Whatever it is, extra space like this adds a lot more to a basement space, especially if you convert it for rental. For example, walkout space adds an extra dimension to a finished basement that is available for use as a guest unit, which would be welcome in a smaller space.
Get More from Your Basement with a Function
Around 42 million American homes have a basement, and most go unused as some kind of extra storage space. While renovating your basement is a great way to get more from it, it isn’t always necessary, and you can squeeze more function from it just by knowing what you want:
- One of the most functional spaces today is a work-from-home office.
- Many people use the basement as a media or entertainment space.
- A basement is an excellent space for an extra bedroom and bathroom.
Create the Atmosphere
Basements are synonymous with fear, usually because they’re dark imposing, and are home to bugs. Of course, you can clear out a basement and make it just as inviting as any other part of your home. It’s all about comfort at the end of the day, and there are small changes you can use that have a big impact. A rug or carpet makes a massive difference, and the space can be warmed up with space heaters. Of course, don’t forget about lighting to add to the charm.
Of Course, Finish the Basement
Minor decor changes can make a basement much more appealing and inviting when you want to use it for something other than storage. However, to truly get the best from the basement, consider basement finishing. This is when you renovate the basement and bring it up to the same standards as the rest of the house, like a loft conversion. A finished basement can be used for anything, such as an apartment suite that you can legally rent to a paying tenant.
Summary
Making the space somewhat habitable will help you get more from your basement. It also helps to consider how the basement will be used. However, to really get the most from it, basement finishing brings it up to standard with plasterwork, mixture control, and working electrics.