Basements are incredibly versatile spaces. Unfortunately, many come unfinished. They feature bare drywall and cracked cement flooring and are either completely ignored or relegated to becoming sad, disorganized storage spaces. When it comes to sprucing up your basement, there’s a long list of things you’ll want to keep in mind. Here’s what to consider when finishing your basement, so you can help the space reach its full potential.
Preparing for the Renovation
You’ll want to carefully consider the contractors you hire to complete the work. Pick companies that seem professional and have stellar online reviews. Sketchy contracting companies will perform shoddy jobs and waste your hard-earned cash. Don’t let apparent cost savings sway you toward less experienced contractors.
Prior to starting your renovation, have a detailed plan in mind. Confirm the layout and budget with your contractor, and schedule frequent check-ins to ensure your remodel is progressing smoothly.
Depending on the extent of your renovation, building permits and frequent inspections might be both recommended and required. If you’re removing walls, rewiring circuitry, or otherwise tampering with the layout, then remember to approve your design plans with the city.
Don’t Forget the Essential Design Elements
You’ll likely be adding flooring, a coat of paint to the walls, and artificial lighting to your soon-to-be-finished basement. These can have a major impact on the final appearance of your renovation, so it’s important to choose them carefully.
When it comes to floors, you’ll need to decide between carpet, hardwood, and tile. A soft, plush carpet can be gentle on your feet but it’s prone to mold growth and staining. It might not be ideal for people who have children or reside in a damp area where flooding is common. Hardwood, laminate, or tile, on the other hand, are simple to clean and resistant to stains.
For paint, pick a shade that complements the rest of your house. Lighter, airier colors work better than darker ones. For resale value, you might want to opt for neutral hues, like grey, brown, or white.
Basements tend to sorely lack natural lighting, which makes it crucial to install the right amount of artificial light. When picking out your lamps and lightbulbs, refer to these helpful lighting considerations for basements.
Decorate the Space
Another important thing to consider when finishing your basement is the purpose you intend to use it for. Basements are highly versatile spaces. They can be transformed into an additional family room, game room, or even a dedicated man cave.
The furniture you purchase should reflect the room’s overall theme. Comfortable chairs, a coffee table, and bookshelves are essential for general living spaces and book nooks, while widescreen televisions and dry bars are fantastic additions to sports dens.
Other than that, have fun! Pick out furniture in your favorite colors, shapes, and sizes—just try to keep the different pieces coherent for the sake of avoiding a chaotic and cluttered design.
If you need additional storage space, finished basements come in handy. Shelving, cabinets, and even an add-on storage closet are great for organizing and storing unused or seasonal objects. With a bit of creativity, you can work other efficient storage solutions into your basement’s design.
