Amp up your square footage by going underground
Your home deserves better than an unfinished basement. Remodeling your basement gives you additional space to explore your hobbies, support a growing family, or even boost your income. If you'd like to glam up your underground space but aren't sure where to start, these basement remodel ideas will give you a head start.
Whether you're doing a basement remodel on a budget or have money to burn, consider creating an entertainment area in your cellar.
Many basements lack natural light, which is a good quality for a home theater. Install a large, flatscreen TV or purchase a projector and pull-down screen to transform part of your basement into a screening room. Comfy couches and recliners will provide the finishing touch.
Are you tired of picking up kids' toys off the living room floor? Transform part of your basement into a dedicated playroom for them. How far out you go with your playroom plans depends on your budget. You can build a separate room for their toys or add built-in features, such as a playhouse or slide.
Maybe your kids are grown or, at least, too old for a playroom. You can create a rec room in the basement instead. Consider setting up a pool table, ping-pong table, or both and adding space for playing board games or video games.
Are you the host with the most? If so, a cocktail lounge downstairs may be just the thing. Consider installing a wet bar, a wine refrigerator, and some seating, and get ready to whip up creative cocktails for all your friends.
Perhaps giving full-scale dinner parties is more your thing. In that case, transform part of your basement into a formal dining room, with a large table for hosting lots of guests and a small prep area. When you're not entertaining, the table can double as a game space or work area.
Create a special area just for breakfast when renovating your basement. That way, the early birds in your family are less likely to disturb the folks who prefer to sleep in. Add a coffee and tea station, plus pretty storage containers for cereal and other breakfast options. A small fridge and sink are also must-haves.
Make space for pampering in your basement with an at-home spa. Install a sauna or steam room to give yourself a place to relax and enjoy the benefits of warm, moist air. If you want to keep your basement remodel costs down, skip the sauna and set up a space for at-home pedicures, facials, and other forms of relaxation.
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Whether you're an art collector or have budding artists in your family, the basement can be the perfect spot for an art gallery. Just make sure you've taken care of any moisture or waterproofing issues beforehand, to protect those precious works of art.
While it might be tempting to remodel your space based on the latest trends you've seen on social media, it's best to wait out that urge. Fads come and go quickly, so try to avoid trendy styles that you might regret in the future.
Since it's tucked away, the basement can be the prime spot for storage. If your home is bursting at the seams, here are a few ways to take advantage of your basement's extra space.
You don't need to be a full-on prepper to benefit from having a decent pantry. Stocking up on canned goods and other non-perishable food items means you're ready for whatever comes your way. A basement pantry space also means you can take advantage of store promotions and stock up when things are on sale.
If you know your Bordeaux from your burgundy, turning part of your basement into a wine cellar can be a good use of your time. Consider building storage in the space under the stairs are part of a staircase renovation.
Where do you put your family's out-of-season clothes? Instead of tucking them into boxes under beds or leaving them in bedroom closets, consider creating a dedicated seasonal storage area in your basement. Line the storage space with cedar to protect clothes from moths and other pests.
Your home may have been the perfect size when you bought it. But a few family members later, it's getting pretty cramped. A basement remodeling company near you can help you transform the space into liveable quarters.
When your parents visit from out of town or your kids boomerang back home after college, they'll need a semi-private space to stay. An in-law suite lets them stay with you while still enjoying their own bathroom and kitchenette.
There's no reason to consign your houseguests to the living room pull-out couch. Create a guest room or two downstairs and let them have their own space. To maximize privacy and limit long lines, consider adding an en-suite to the guestroom.
Depending on the size of your basement, local regulations in your area, and your budget, consider transforming the space into a rental apartment. You can try to find a long-term tenant or create a vacation rental based on permitting and local laws.
Maybe your kids are tired of sharing a room, and you're tired of trying to keep the peace. Build separate bedrooms for them in your basement, so they each have a quiet, private place to do their homework, hang out with friends, and sleep.
Finished basements aren't just for fun or storage. You can transform yours into a functional space that maximizes the use of your home.
Whether you work from home or not, an office space in the basement can come in handy. During the work day, it's a private location where you can take calls and concentrate, without worrying about your family members barging in. It also gives you a dedicated space to tackle administrative tasks such as paying your bills and planning your family budget.
If you're looking for an excuse not to work out, this isn't it. Create a home gym in your basement so you're always ready to hop on your exercise bike, lift a few kettlebells, or try a yoga class online.
Your remodeled basement can be the perfect place for a home library as long as it's waterproofed and doesn't get too humid. Consider adding built-in bookshelves during the renovation and setting up plenty of cozy places to curl up with a good book.
Do your kids find it difficult to concentrate on homework in their bedrooms or at the kitchen table? A dedicated study room gives them a place to read and learn. Install desks for each of your children and a reference area with things like a globe, calculator, and dictionary.
A basement craft room gives you a place to build your side hustle or just relax while you work on your knitting, sewing, or other crafty projects. Include plenty of good lighting, counter-height tables for cutting, and storage drawers for all your yarn, paintbrushes, and other craft supplies.
Your child may be learning the drums, but that doesn't mean you want to hear drum beats all day long. Turning part of your basement into a sound-proof practice room means they have a place to learn their instruments while leaving the rest of the family in place.
A basement with a separate entrance can be the perfect spot for a mudroom. Your family can remove their shoes, coats, and other outdoor accessories without having to drag them through the house. A mudroom can also be the perfect space to tuck away sporting equipment and other gear you use outdoors.
One kitchen may suffice during most of the year. But when you're planning on hosting a big holiday dinner or entertaining guests, having a backup cooking and food prep space can be ideal. Your bonus kitchen can also be used by any guests who may be staying with you.
Take some of the stress out of busy weekday mornings by adding another bathroom during your basement remodel. As a bonus, an extra bathroom can help give your home value a boost, meaning you're likely to get more and better offers should you ever decide to sell.
Give your family the space they need to show their wardrobes a little TLC. With a dedicated laundry area in your basement, you can create a space for folding and ironing clothing and for storing linens. A dedicated laundry room also gives you an area for hanging delicate items and for stashing garments before they head to the dry cleaners.
