Hello World! Welcome Friends! If you want to gain more living space in your home, your basement is a great place to start. Finishing a basement — or simply upgrading it to accommodate the way you want to live — can maximize your living space without requiring a home addition. You can design a layout that solves your space problems and improves your return on investment. With these tips, you’ll know what to look for as you plan your basement remodel.
Evaluate Existing Condition
Before you start your basement project, you should evaluate the current condition of the basement. If you don’t use your basement very often or if it was refinished decades ago, you may have problems lurking in the corners. Many basements have water damage that you can discover with a thorough cleaning and decluttering of the space. If you find traces of pests, such as droppings or holes chewed into the walls, you should hire an exterminator to address the infestation well in advance of starting construction. Ask your home remodeling specialist for an in-house consultation to inspect the area and determine if you need to make other improvements.
Consider Amenities
Finishing a basement can add a significant amount of living space, depending on your budget and the depths of your imagination. Consider what you want to get out of the space and set priorities. Basements make a great choice for:
- Teen bedrooms and gathering areas
- Guest suite
- In-law suite with separate kitchen
- Apartment for college-age children or paying tenants
Once you have an idea for the general use of the basement, you can start to make a list of things you’ll need. For example, if you want to make a unique living space for tenants or multigenerational living, you may need a separate kitchen, bathroom, and walkout.
Create Layout
With a general plan for the basement, you can start dreaming up a layout. When you think about where you might want to place bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, or living area, be sure to keep flow in mind. The flow of the space affects how you use it and whether you feel comfortable in it. Try to imagine yourself living in the space and identify hurdles that can get in the way. If you feel like your main floor has too much open space and not enough purpose, you may prefer individual rooms in the basement to solve multiple space concerns.
Plan for Upgrades
In many cases, you’ll need to make some upgrades to your home systems as part of the project. If your basement is unfinished, you may need to add electrical or plumbing lines for lighting and water facilities. Don’t forget about heating and cooling, especially if you plan to use the basement regularly. Sometimes, it makes sense to add a second HVAC system or a second water heater to accommodate the demand of the basement, rather than retrofitting and expanding the original. Talk to your contractor about your plans for using the basement to confirm that you have sufficient power and drainage.
Remember ROI
Although you may just want to finish your basement to suit your own needs, return on investment is an important part of the equation. If you decide that you want to sell the house within the next several years, you should pay attention to the features that will help you sell the home. Adding bedrooms and bathrooms can increase the attractiveness and value of your home, especially if you build a space that could be made separate for a tenant. By comparison, converting a bedroom into a wine cellar or home theater can make it harder to sell your home later.
If you long for separate spaces or just a little more house to your home, you can start with the basement. Improving your basement can create a perfect haven inside your home for almost any activity you want. You can start dreaming up your ideal basement.
Bryant Ballman is the Owner of Bryant Construction, a well-established Utah general contractor specializing in remodels, basement finishes, and custom builds. With over 35 years of experience in the general contracting industry, he brings keen attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality craftsmanship. Ballman’s expertise ensures that every project is completed to exacting standards, whether it’s transforming a space or constructing a new one from the ground up.
SOURCES
https://elkstonebasements.com/how-to-transform-your-basement-into-a-living-space-7-steps/
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