First Time Homeowner’s Guide To Basement Redesign
It’s always a challenge when you are considering a basement redesign. We have a full basement in our townhouse and it’s not fully finished but it’s on our to-do list for sure. I have spent time researching some basement redesign information and it’s a good thing I doing the footwork first. There’s so much to learn before making a huge investment and commitment to making changes that are permanent.
Homeowner’s Guide To Basement Redesign
Recent statistics say that at 30%, the primary reason for people to purchase a home is the desire to own a home of their very own. But owning a home means more than simply having your own physical dwelling — it’s having the unique ability to customize its style and decor to your specific tastes.
It can be understandably tempting to want to do major renovations after settling into a new home, and finishing the basement is a very popular option because it adds living and entertainment space.
I have a huge basement and there’s a lot that needs to go into planning. Basement redesign is a lot more complicated than you would think because there’s a lot of considerations that need to be accounted for before committing to a design. Over the past few years, we worked hard on home improvements, and I think this basement redesign will be our biggest project to date.
That being said, it’s important to make sure your basement is structurally sound first. The most vital step of this process, of course, is to ensure that your basement is completely waterproof to avoid structural damage after the renovation process is complete. Part of this means keeping up with exterior home maintenance, like gutter cleaning, which should be done at least twice a year.
Aside from that, as long as the basement is inspected by a professional and you’re proactive about watching for signs of water damage, you’re free to be creative with the new functional space. Here are just a few tips to help you make the most of your basement’s space.
Center Around Sunlight
Some basements have dark spots that can really take away from the space’s ability to get natural light. That’s why you should plan the main entertainment space in your basement around the area that gets the most natural light. This helps to draw guests in and make the space more comfortable.
However, there is an exception to this rule: if you’re planning to put a television in the main entertainment space, it’s often better to put it in a darker area to reduce glare and make the space feel more like a home theater. The choice is yours, but make it wisely!
Don’t Neglect Logistics
Before you start any major basement renovation job, it’s important to consider certain logistics, such as the ceiling. Many codes call for between seven and seven and a half feet of clearance.
It’s typically much easier to have a contractor move ducts and pipes to accommodate for a ceiling height extension, but if not, you may be able to dig out and lower the basement’s concrete floor. Keep in mind, this option tends to be much more time-consuming, not to mention less affordable.
Similarly, if you’re planning on adding any bedrooms to your newly renovated basement, remember that they need to be on the perimeter of the space so that they have access to at least one window.
Remember To Store Safely
When designing your basement renovation, keep in mind that you’ll likely still need space to store a decent amount of your belongings. The interior design industry generates $10 billion in revenues annually, and instead of keeping a stack of cardboard boxes in a corner or behind a curtain, make your storage space look appealing and keep your belongings more protected by looking into various storage options.
One innovative and space-saving solution is to transform the area under your staircase into a shelving system complete with organized drawers. I’ve seen a lot of folks creating drawers in their staircases, and I have to admit, I love that idea.
Ultimately, keeping these tips in mind can help you make a well thought-out plan when it comes to transforming your basement into a functional and inviting space. I’m excited to see what we come up with for our basement redesign – we are still working on mapping things out and making sure our end results are just as we planned.
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These are great ideas for basement remodeling. I like the first photo design and hope to someday get our basement done too.
Very helpful post Carolann. Basements can be a wealth of storage space for us who tend to have too much but they can be so much more than just that.
Thank you, Mary. I’ve been wanting to redesign my basement for ages now and we are finally going to go for it. Have a great weekend!
Carolann