If you want to get more utility from your property and make it more marketable when it’s time to sell, the right basement renovation ideas can help you turn unused space into an extension of your living areas. Even if your basement is already finished, a basement remodel can refresh the space to better meet your family’s needs. We’re going to take a look at some of the most popular basement improvement ideas, why they fit so well below your main living areas, and how they can add value to your home when it’s time to sell.
Basement Perks
Finishing out your extended living spaces with the right basement renovation ideas works so well because of the unique qualities the basement offers.
- It’s Insulated Like No Other Part of Your Home – Surrounded by thousands of pounds of soil outside the foundation walls and the large, climate-controlled bubble of living spaces above it, the basement is easy to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- It has Fewer External Noise Sources – For the same reason, the basement space can also be incredibly quiet. In most cases, the only noise heard from the interior of the house is from the floor directly above the basement, often minimal and easily minimized with sound-dampening insulation or tile.
- It Offers Fewer Default Distractions – With (usually) only a single door in or out, basement access is easily restricted to limit distractions that can follow you downstairs. This makes a basement remodel a huge benefit to both productivity and relaxation.
- It’s More Economical Than Adding On – As building costs continue to rise, adding to an existing home’s structure becomes more and more expensive. Upgrading with practical basement renovation ideas, however, make use of the existing structure and requires far fewer resources.
Our Top Basement Renovation Ideas
Guest Suites/Teen Apartments
Extra bedrooms often come in handy, but with a basement remodel, you can go beyond just adding sleeping space. With a little more work, your basement can become a small efficiency apartment suitable for visiting friends, your mother-in-law, teens who need a first taste of independence before they leave for college, or adult children who need to move back home.
Basement apartments can offer a place to sleep, relax, watch TV, or study. Equipping them with a small electric kitchenette is relatively inexpensive, and some basements may even support a half-bath, although it’s a relatively short trip up the stairs if that’s not feasible. These basement accommodations are out of your way, provide a little more privacy to the occupants, and still let you host or parent on your terms as needed.
Home Theatres
If you want to make the most of its natural sound insulation and lack of ambient light pollution, then a home theatre may be the choice for you. Over the years, entertainment has been the driving force behind plenty of basement renovation ideas. Pool rooms, speak-easies, poker dens, and arcades are all perennial favorites. Bringing today’s biggest blockbusters home to your own big screen, however, is a family favorite.
The sky is the limit for basement theatres. You can add authentic theater seating or opt for cozy couches and recliners. Soda coolers and popcorn machines are easily installed in a corner for quick snack runs. Surround sound systems offer plenty of installation options, and with TV dimensions of up to 90” becoming more common, there’s never been a better time to skip the line and ticket prices from the comfort of your own home.
Home Offices
Another popular and profitable way to use your distraction-free space is for home offices. Between remote work, side hustles, and hobbies, space set aside for productivity is a good investment in your property and yourself. The basement’s moderate temperature, lack of distractions, and easy “commute” home make it a smart, efficient, and economical choice for a home workspace.
This may be one of the easiest basement renovation ideas you can implement because the amount of work needed to make your space into an office is entirely subjective and based on the context of your needs. Running an ethernet cable down to a desk gives you the connection you need for a bare-bones-connected workstation. Adding wall panels, ceiling tiles, and a few bookcases turns it into a more traditional office or home library. If your work is hands-on, the addition of a workbench and exhaust fan is relatively straightforward.
Protecting Your Basement Investment
Before you start on these basement renovation ideas, you need to understand you’re making an investment in your property–perhaps your most valuable commodity. Starting your basement remodel off on the right foot not only protects the money you already have tied up in the house but also the money you’re putting into it with your renovation. Doing the work up-front ensures that whether you eventually plan to sell or leave it to the next generation, its value is preserved.
- Use a Licensed Contractor – Licensed, bonded contractors have the tools, expertise, and connections to get the job done right, and the liability insurance to recoup your losses if something goes wrong. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their process, expected timelines, and guarantees. Verify their licensing and permits with relevant authorities, and check their referrals and Better Business Bureau score (Even if they aren’t accredited by the BBB, they may have a score.).
- Choose Good, Not Good Enough – If you’re investing in property improvement, make sure you’re getting both what you want and what you expect. Too many homeowners accept cut corners in order to get the job done cheaper or faster. This can leave them disappointed in their new basement. Worse, there may be problems that have to be corrected for the space to be usable or the home salable.
- Get Your Basement Waterproofed – The most important protection for your basement is a comprehensive waterproofing plan that’s in place before you start on your basement renovation idea. Basement waterproofing helps protect your foundation and the property inside it from damage due to excess water or oversaturated soil. This includes both internal and external protections to better manage moisture.
Basement waterproofing inside the home includes identifying cracks or gaps, sealing them, and installing drainage to collect water and remove it from the home. It can also include the installation of dehumidifiers that can pull moisture out of the air coming from your upper floors that can easily condense on cool basement surfaces. External watering can include installing gutters and downspouts, properly grading the land for better drainage, and planting water-sequestering landscaping. Taken together, these keep your investment safer while you enjoy your new space with peace of mind.
Get Your No-Risk Basement Inspection Now
You can schedule a visit with one of our experienced foundation inspectors without any cost or obligation. They’ll set a time to visit your home, evaluate your foundation, any current damage, and protection opportunities. They can also offer tailored suggestions based on your basement renovation ideas. You’ll get a written estimate, and we’ll be with you every step of the way, answering questions and exploring the best opportunities for your home. Schedule your inspection from A.M. Wall Anchor & Waterproofing today.
