In most homes, the basement is a neglected space, a dirty, cluttered, dark, damp and chilly place that the members of the household visit only when it is absolutely necessary. However, the space can be relatively easily transformed into a useful space, a comfortable and stylish extension of the living space above the ground – here are some ideas to get you started.
The Importance of a Thorough Assessment of the Basement’s Condition
Basements can be repurposed in various ways, but you cannot determine the best scope of usage until you know exactly what can and cannot be done in your basement. The first step should be the removal of everything that you store in the space – move all the things out to the yard and categorize them in terms of usefulness. You will probably have many items that are in good condition and can be useful for you, but you will also find items that you should donate or sell because you will not use them and you will inevitably find objects that should land in the garbage.
Now that your basement is empty, you can start assessing its condition. Check every inch of the flooring and of the walls, of the ducts, the pipes, the doors and the windows and remedy every issue that you find before you move on. Get rid of any damp patch and damage by removing the floor and by baring the walls if necessary, repair any ducts and pipes that seem to be in less than perfect condition and allow your basement sufficient time to dry before you proceed with the deign step.
Choosing the Right Materials and Design
Basements can be remodeled to serve various purposes – you can use yours as a home office, a second kitchen, a gym, a man cave, a playroom for the kids, a room where you entertain your guests or a workshop. According to basement finishing specialists, the design options are as varied as the available functionalities, but there are some important rules that you should not neglect:
- Use suitable building materials – even if your basement is completely dry now, all basements tend to be a bit damper than above the ground spaces, therefore certain materials that are common in your rooms up there, such as drywall or untreated wood, are not suitable for your basement. Consequently, you must select your materials not only with your budget in mind, but also considering aspects of moisture resistance;
- Pay attention to light – most basements are dark spaces, therefore designing and installing layered light and lots of power outlets is very important. One of the best ways is to combine recessed lights, task lights and a central source of light in the ceiling.
- Light colors around the space – it is also a good idea to use light colors on the walls, such as cream, crispy white or an attractive shade of grey or blue. For an attractive space you will need some contrast, too – the best way to achieve that is with some dark colored shelves and some smart choices when it comes to the color of the furniture.