Every homeowner, at some time, feels the desire for more living space. But, most of us don’t really consider our basement to be part of this equation.
For those who own a house with a basement, there is plenty of room for additional storage. Typically, the basement is used as a storage area for unwanted items or as a place to keep vital appliances like the furnace and water heater.
If you’ve been ignoring your basement for a while, then it’s definitely time for some basement renovations. You’ll want to clear out the clutter and construct a pleasant family room, media room, supplementary bedroom, gym, or anything else you’d want. There is absolutely no reason why you can’t.
Keep on reading for our nine best tips for great basement renovations that will, in no time, transform your space into something insta-worthy.
1. The Basics of Basement Renovation: Pick Your Purpose
Basements, by their very nature, are not suitable for all purposes. Basements are often chilly, dark, and alone.
Your sunlight-loving family member may not have enough windows and sun tubes in their new apartment in the basement of your home.
For some purposes requiring little or no light, though, basements are an excellent choice. Low lighting and muted acoustics are essential in home movie theaters.
Basements are ideal locations for fitness centers and studios, both of which may be found here. The problem is that basements have lower ceilings, so tall workout equipment is out of the question.
2. Plan For Heating and Cooling: A Look at Your HVAC
Heating and cooling systems may operate independently in certain houses.
Because it’s below ground, the basement keeps chilly even in the middle of summer. Because dirt is an excellent insulator, it’s possible to keep a warm basement in the dead of winter.
Most basements, on the other hand, will need some kind of heating and cooling assistance. Using electric baseboard heaters is a great method to quickly heat a room. Consider the possibility that the joists of the upper floor may already include ducting that may be used to heat and cool your basement.
3. Waterproof Your Walls
When you use the right material, you can fill the pores in the concrete or masonry walls with waterproofing compounds. You can apply those like paint, and they’ll prevent water from seeping in.
These coatings must be put to bare concrete or brick walls in order to be effective, though. To begin, use a wire brush to remove any loose debris. After that, use masonry cleaner to remove any white powdery “efflorescence.”
Make sure to read and follow all safety and application directions. When applying masonry waterproofing materials, many people make the mistake of spreading them too thinly.
Each pinhole must be filled to make a watertight seal. Brush the coating in all directions to ensure that it has filled up all of the little holes. After the first coat dries, apply a second one.
On the other hand, you can always leave it to the professionals. Contact a basement waterproofing company and let them take care of the waterproofing for you.
4. Always Include Egress Requirements
If you want to turn your basement into a bedroom, you’ll need to think about where you’ll get out other than the entryway.
Egress requirements for completed, usable basements are common in most municipal construction codes. Create a window if you don’t have enough exits in your home to meet these criteria.
5. Pay Attention to Lighting
The illumination in most basements is rudimentary at best. Your options for illumination may be limited due to the building’s height limits.
Therefore, the use of recessed or can lighting in basement renovations has gained popularity. There is a lot of light provided by recessed lights, and they are easily hidden between the floor joists above.
Because basements lack natural light, artificial lighting is primarily responsible for providing illumination. Don’t underestimate the requirement for illumination. When it comes to lighting, you don’t have to utilize every single light in the room.
6. Avoid Low Ceilings
If you want to make the most of your basement, you shouldn’t have to stoop over. Consider excavating the basement if you have the funds for a major makeover. The basement will seem larger and airier with the addition of 12 inches of extra ceiling height.
It also helps to alleviate the claustrophobic feeling that is so typical in basements.
It’s possible to make a tiny space seem more spacious even if your budget is limited. Make the most of a small space by directing light upward and using light, moveable furniture.
7. Using Heating Cables to Warm Up Chilly Floors
Cables or mats may be used to heat the floor of your basement.
Although this method of heating isn’t very effective at warming the space, it makes the flooring considerably more pleasant. The drawback of heating cables is their high initial cost and ongoing operating costs.
You may get a cable system that is either loose or in the form of mats already connected to the cable. Mats are more expensive but easier to install than loose wires. The lower the cost per square foot the more space you cover with wires or matting.
8. Use Cork for Your Basement Floor
When it comes to basement flooring, there is a lot to consider.
The warmth and comfort of carpet are compromised by the vulnerability of the material to damage caused by water. Even while tile is ideal for locations that are subject to flooding, it is also chilly and harsh on the feet.
Even so, there are a few options that provide a reasonable middle ground. Durable, simple to install, and comfortable to walk on, interlocking cork flooring is a great option for any home or business.
9. Install a Gas Fireplace
You may want to include a gas fireplace in your basement makeover. Even if you don’t like fireplaces, having one in your home is still an excellent way to quickly warm up your home on chilly winter days.
Gas fireplaces may not need the installation of a chimney. The flue may be routed straight through the side wall in certain cases.
Exploring Basement Renovation Ideas
With these pointers, doing a basement renovation should be a lot less daunting.
And, remember that you can always develop a new room or your basement with the help of a professional planner and consultant. For now, we hope that our nine ways you can jumpstart your basement renovation were helpful.
Next step, check out our home improvement section for more tips and advice on all things home design and renovation.
