In most homes, the basement is just a large storage unit where the rarely or never used items sit and collect dust. And that is such a waste of space. You can find better storage solutions out there. The basement has a lot of potential. There is usually plenty of square footage you can put to very good use. You can turn it into an apartment rental unit, for example, and earn back your investment within the first year. Turning a basement into a living space only takes a little creativity and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
A basement can function is many different ways. You can turn it into a man cave, a playroom for the kids or even a bedroom. You can rent your basement or make it a guest room. Besides, turning a basement into a living space can increase the value of your home.
Check with the city to see if any zoning laws can affect your plans to turn a basement into a living space.
Get as much light as possible
Basements are dark. It is not easy to let natural light inside, especially if there are no exterior windows. If you can install a window, make it as big as you can. Since you’ll probably need a second way to exit a finished basement, you can install an egress window. An egress window will let some natural light inside and it’s big enough for a person to exit through.
Choose the right kind of ceiling
Suspended ceilings make a basement look even more like a basement. Therefore, consider tray ceilings. They are more expensive, but they look much better and they’re high-quality ceilings.
What to do with the walls
Paneling is cheap and simple but looks dated and doesn’t last very long. On the other hand, drywall looks more sophisticated, lasts longer and pays off in the long run.
As we’ve mentioned, you need to make your basement as bright as possible since it lacks natural light. You can achieve this easily by using light-colored paint. If you are planning to sell, you can definitely use this kind of home staging hacks to attract buyers.
Furniture is crucial for turning a basement into a living space
When it comes to furniture, there is no right or wrong. This part depends on the purpose of your basement and how much you are willing to spend. If you want to rent out a fully-furnished unit, you should invest more in furniture. If you just need some extra space to chill, ask your friends/family members if they have old furniture they’re not using, hire movers who can transport and set up the furniture and voila – your basement is ready.
Plan your budget in advance. You don’t want to run out of money before your basement is finished.
Flooring can be tricky
A basement floor is usually dirty and cold, prone to moisture or flooding. Consider waterproof flooring when turning a basement into a living area. Vinyl, tile, and carpet are all good options. In case you want a hardwood floor, consider heating the floor. For an area below ground level, choose engineered wood instead of solid hardwood since engineered wood is more resistant to temperature fluctuations and humidity.