Sometimes, a home's basement is the area that gets the least attention. It is frequently solely used for storage or for washing. However, this space can serve multiple purposes if it is properly refurbished and constructed.
One of the finest ways to expand the usable space in your home is to remodel the basement. You may build a home office, a game room, a home theater, or even an art or music studio. It is adaptable and useful. Additionally, converting it into a more functional space might raise the value of your home.
Here's how to make your basement a second living area.
1. Perform an initial basement inspection and repairs.
Inspecting and making repairs come first in every refurbishment. Your basement's current state will help you estimate how much you'll spend. You can undertake a preliminary inspection on your own or contact professionals from a basement remodeling business to carry out a comprehensive assessment and make urgent repairs.
So, here are a few things to consider when you inspect.
- Mildew and mold: In places where there is a lot of moisture, mold often forms. It can build up over time since the basement frequently lacks appropriate ventilation and sunshine. It's critical to address mold and mildew in every area of your house because they may have an impact on your comfort and health.
- Pests and Rot: Remodeling your basement might provide serious issues with rot and pest infestation. It's best to address these problems first before moving on. If the rot affects structural components, it is advisable to contact professionals to remove it and fix the harm it causes. After that, speak with pest control to deal with the infestation. Although these actions may delay remodeling, they are essential to avoid further issues.
- Crack: Cracks in the walls, floors, and other components of the basement may be signs of a larger issue. The expert will determine whether these damages are structural or aesthetic during the inspection. When it comes to the foundation of the house, it needs to be fixed and maintained right away. On the other hand, if it's just a superficial problem, you can fix them afterward.
- Water Damage: The main cause of basement deterioration is water. Look for indications of water damage as you investigate your basement and consider what might have caused it. By solving this issue, you can make sure that your basement serves as a secure and cozy living area.
- Electrical and Plumbing: The safety of your property depends on having any wiring and plumbing issues fixed. For instance, fixing broken and leaking pipes can prevent serious water damage to your property. Electrical connections that have been fixed can also reduce fire dangers.
2. Calculate the total area of the floor
It's time to calculate the total floor area after a thorough inspection and any necessary repairs. Defining your available area will enable you to design a layout that is both effective and efficient. You may use every square inch to your advantage in this way.
The best method for calculating the entire floor area is to utilize a laser range finder. Compared to using a tape measure manually, this instrument is more accurate. Coordination with the basement renovation business you've chosen is a smart option as well.
3. Make a thorough floor plan.
Functionality, comfort, and aesthetics are all ensured by creating a thorough basement floor plan. It needs to be comfortable and pleasant because you're turning it into a living area. As you begin your planning, take into account the following:
- The Area's Main Purpose: Your plan for how your basement will serve you serves as the foundation for everything else. It can be changed into a living area to fit your requirements and way of life. You might include a kitchen and bathroom for convenience, especially if you're making a guest room or office. However, you can also add more functionality to your basement.
- Placement Of Switches And Outlets: It's easy to do a quick drawing on where to put furniture. However, a professional should only draw out a thorough floor plan, especially when it comes to electrical work. Identify the locations where outlets and switches are required for your convenience while designing the layout of your basement.
- Plumbing: Plumbing can be really difficult to think about. It is advisable to leave the pipes in place and modify your plan rather than move them because doing so can be pricey. Place them closest to the water source and drain pipes if you're building a small kitchen or an extra bathroom to save money on plumbing.
- Room dividers: If your basement is already small, adding walls inside of it may make it feel much smaller. To maintain a space open and bright in a room with limited floor space, consider creating an open floor plan. You can use space dividers in place of a whole wall to create privacy and efficiency while preserving openness.
4. Enhance water resistance
Water damage is a problem for basements. If the walls and floors aren't water-tight, moisture can leak in because the exterior walls are exposed to the soil. It's advisable to improve your waterproofing before making any pricey cosmetic changes to your basement.
Repairing the cracks in the walls and flooring is the first step in upgrading your waterproofing. Before coating them with a waterproofing sealer, fill them in with suitable putty. A second waterproof barrier layer will keep the wetness out and maintain the security of your basement.
The greatest basement waterproofing work is done by experts. To guarantee the outcomes, they must have access to the relevant tools, knowledge, and resources. A drainage system might also be put in place to prevent water from accumulating.
5. Improve the insulation
A basement with good insulation is ideal for converting into a multipurpose living area. Increasing insulation helps control the room's temperature. If you're transforming it into a music studio or a home theater, you can also increase the necessary acoustic barrier.
6. Boost Ventilation
The majority of basements are poorly ventilated. Being in an environment with little fresh air is uncomfortable and dangerous. Therefore, it's critical to take the following actions to guarantee that your basement is properly ventilated:
- Make The Ducts Clean: To ensure that the air in your basement is clean and safe, complete air duct cleaning is essential. Without routine cleaning, dust, filth, and mold can build up, especially in places that are susceptible to moisture. It's better to hire a professional for this step as with any other.
- Change the air filters: It is advised to change the air filters at least once every six months. If you reside in a region where dust is a problem, you might need to replace it as frequently as every two to three months. Cleaning the air filters with a dry vacuum is sufficient if they are still in good condition.
- Set up Egress Windows: By adding windows, you can provide natural light and preserve optimum ventilation in your basement. Egress windows, however, also function as fire emergency exits. It's necessary for basements that have been turned into a bedroom or a standalone apartments.
7. Setup A Sump Pump
Homes situated in flood-prone zones must have a sump pump. Flooding is a given during heavy rains, especially in areas that are below sea level. It is better to have a system in place to ward off water and safeguard your investment.
A sump pump is a device used to release water from a building's basement or lowest level. It recognizes the water levels and releases pressure to keep them low. It keeps your basement dry and secure even during prolonged periods of severe rain.
8. Improve Walls and Floors
You can now furnish your basement after taking care of its essential components. The basement might look cozier and more livable by sprucing up the floors and walls. It needs to be equally cozy and lovely as the rest of your house.
The best basement floor options are sealed concrete and epoxy resin. A heavy-duty carpet is nevertheless appropriate, particularly if you want the area to feel cozier. Paint the walls a light hue to give the space a feeling of brightness and space.
9. Step Up The Stairs
The majority of basement stairs are not designed for heavy foot activity. Your basement should be easier to reach if you plan to use it as a permanent residence. Having a broader, safer staircase is therefore essential.
If you anticipate more individuals using the basement stairs to ascend and descend, widening them is recommended. Family houses are also ideal since they provide a safer environment for kids and pets. Install a suitable handrail to increase safety.
10. Determine the Proper Lighting
Lighting has a significant impact on the atmosphere of a space. A brightly illuminated basement is cozier and more welcoming than a dimly lit one. Since there are no windows in the space, choosing the right artificial lighting is essential.
One of the greatest solutions for a modern-looking basement is LED strip lighting. A remote control or a mobile app can be used to adjust the color of the lights. To create a nice ambiance, you can also use conventional lights that emit warm white light.
11. Design Your Space
It's time to decorate the basement now that it has been fully furnished with furniture and appliances. It requires styling and design to become a welcoming and lovely living area. By achieving a balance between the design elements, you can alter the appearance and mood of the space.
It's preferable to go with a certain theme and color scheme, much like when decorating other areas of your house. You may preserve a unified home design in this way. Use this chance to show off your artistic side and add decorations that make you smile.
Takeaway
Creating a multipurpose living area out of your basement is a great way to make your house more energy efficient. Even though planning and refurbishment will require time and money, it will be worthwhile.
4. Enhance water resistance
Water damage is a problem for basements. If the walls and floors aren't water-tight, moisture can leak in because the exterior walls are exposed to the soil. It's advisable to improve your waterproofing before making any pricey cosmetic changes to your basement.
Repairing the cracks in the walls and flooring is the first step in upgrading your waterproofing. Before coating them with a waterproofing sealer, fill them in with suitable putty. A second waterproof barrier layer will keep the wetness out and maintain the security of your basement.
5. Improve the insulation
A basement with good insulation is ideal for converting into a multipurpose living area. Increasing insulation helps control the room's temperature. If you're transforming it into a music studio or a home theater, you can also increase the necessary acoustic barrier.
6. Boost Ventilation
The majority of basements are poorly ventilated. Being in an environment with little fresh air is uncomfortable and dangerous. Therefore, it's critical to take the following actions to guarantee that your basement is properly ventilated:
- Make The Ducts Clean: To ensure that the air in your basement is clean and safe, complete air duct cleaning is essential. Without routine cleaning, dust, filth, and mold can build up, especially in places that are susceptible to moisture. It's better to hire a professional for this step as with any other.
- Change the air filters: It is advised to change the air filters at least once every six months. If you reside in a region where dust is a problem, you might need to replace it as frequently as every two to three months. Cleaning the air filters with a dry vacuum is sufficient if they are still in good condition.
- Set up Egress Windows: By adding windows, you can provide natural light and preserve optimum ventilation in your basement. Egress windows, however, also function as fire emergency exits. It's necessary for basements that have been turned into a bedroom or a standalone apartments.
7. Setup A Sump Pump
Homes situated in flood-prone zones must have a sump pump. Flooding is a given during heavy rains, especially in areas that are below sea level. It is better to have a system in place to ward off water and safeguard your investment.
A sump pump is a device used to release water from a building's basement or lowest level. It recognizes the water levels and releases pressure to keep them low. It keeps your basement dry and secure even during prolonged periods of severe rain.
8. Improve Walls and Floors
You can now furnish your basement after taking care of its essential components. The basement might look cozier and more livable by sprucing up the floors and walls. It needs to be equally cozy and lovely as the rest of your house.
The best basement floor options are sealed concrete and epoxy resin. A heavy-duty carpet is nevertheless appropriate, particularly if you want the area to feel cozier. Paint the walls a light hue to give the space a feeling of brightness and space.
9. Step Up The Stairs
The majority of basement stairs are not designed for heavy foot activity. Your basement should be easier to reach if you plan to use it as a permanent residence. Having a broader, safer staircase is therefore essential.
If you anticipate more individuals using the basement stairs to ascend and descend, widening them is recommended. Family houses are also ideal since they provide a safer environment for kids and pets. Install a suitable handrail to increase safety.
10. Determine the Proper Lighting
Lighting has a significant impact on the atmosphere of a space. A brightly illuminated basement is cozier and more welcoming than a dimly lit one. Since there are no windows in the space, choosing the right artificial lighting is essential.
One of the greatest solutions for a modern-looking basement is LED strip lighting. A remote control or a mobile app can be used to adjust the color of the lights. To create a nice ambiance, you can also use conventional lights that emit warm white light.
11. Design Your Space
It's time to decorate the basement now that it has been fully furnished with furniture and appliances. It requires styling and design to become a welcoming and lovely living area. By achieving a balance between the design elements, you can alter the appearance and mood of the space.
It's preferable to go with a certain theme and color scheme, much like when decorating other areas of your house. You may preserve a unified home design in this way. Use this chance to show off your artistic side and add decorations that make you smile.
Takeaway
Creating a multipurpose living area out of your basement is a great way to make your house more energy efficient. Even though planning and refurbishment will require time and money, it will be worthwhile.
