Your basement may seem like the forgotten place of your home where you store things you don’t want to see, but it doesn’t have to be! Basements can increase the value of your home, act as a dedicated space for emergencies, or be a perfect hangout area for family members or tenants. Try these 8 ways to upgrade your dreary basement into an amazing living space.
1) Waterproof Your Basement
Water damage can be a big issue no matter where you live, and basements are the most common places to see this. They are especially vulnerable because water can seep through the foundation and into the basement. Basement waterproofing can prevent flooding, mildew, and concrete floors. You can lower your energy bill from reducing your humidity, and help to stop structural damage from water seepage. You should waterproof before doing any other renovation work to this space.
2) Add Drop Ceilings
Though this may seem like a minor part of your basement, drop ceilings can greatly improve the look of the space. These ceilings help to conceal any electrical or plumbing equipment and give you the opportunity to add your own lighting to fit the area. However, make sure to take headroom into consideration when adding such a low ceiling.
3) Install Storage
Building shelves and drawers will help you organize your basement and make it much neater, especially if you plan to finish it. Putting up shelving will give you good places to store tools, sporting gear, and much more. Make sure to use heavy-duty materials to create a durable and long-lasting storage space.
4) Create a Home Gym
Rather than driving miles to the gym or running through your neighborhood to get a good workout, you should take advantage of your basement. This gives you the opportunity to fill your own gym with the equipment you want and need. A rubber mat is a perfect flooring option when you put in heavy equipment like treadmills or stair-steppers.
5) Include Bright Lighting
A major downfall of basements is the lack of windows for natural light. To prevent your space from looking creepy and dark, install high-quality lights like pendants, track lighting, neon signs, chandeliers, or build your own neon sign. No matter how much remodeling you do in your basement, nothing will make it feel more welcome than bright and inviting fixtures.
6) Design a Music Space
If you’re a musician, having a dedicated space to write, play, and record music makes all the difference. Basements are perfect for setting-up your speakers, drum sets, and guitars. If you’re worried about the potential noise disturbance, consider soundproofing your studio as well. Installing soundproof panels will greatly decrease the amount of sound your family can hear.
7) Put In a Gas Fireplace
During the cold winter months, gas fireplaces are great ways to generate heat. Fireplaces will make your basement look more inviting and cozy, and are very efficient by converting the fuel to usable heat and not producing significant heat loss.
8) Build a Home Office
The quietness that a basement provides is great for studying or working. By putting in a desk, a comfy chair, a printer, and other things needed for school or work, you’ve created your new favorite spot to get work done.
Planning a Remodel?
When planning a remodel, don’t forget about all the opportunities your basement can offer. By waterproofing your basement, you can save energy, reduce humidity throughout the house, and prevent structural damage. They also are great spaces to install storage, home gyms, music studios, or even gas fireplaces. A beautifully finished basement can be the perfect place to add value to your home and create an extra living space.
