VWB Blog Basements may not be the popular construction feature they once were, but they’re still considered a staple in some areas. Some think that rising construction costs are reducing the number of new homes built with basements, which was only 24.3% in 2018.
But, if you live in the north, you’ll know that almost all homes have a basement. You’ll also be more likely to have this bonus room if you purchased an older home. But what can you do with the extra space provided by your basement?
With a little hard work and ingenuity, you’d be surprised at how useful your basement space can be. Continue reading below to learn how to transform your basement bonus room into a usable space.
Insulate the Room
If you want to use your basement, your first step should be to insulate it. Good insulation is crucial because it provides resistance to heat flow and prevents a lot of escaped heating and cooling energy. Without good insulation, your heating and cooling bills would rise significantly.
Insulation serves other purposes, too. For example, insulation provides another layer of sound buffering, so the noises from outside (or other rooms) aren’t too disruptive. This, along with more efficient heating and cooling, makes any insulated room significantly more comfortable.
Waterproof Your Bonus Room
it’s crucial to address any potential basement leaks. Even if your bonus room is located on a higher level, water can still seep through the foundation and cause damage. By investing in professional basement waterproofing services, you can ensure that your bonus room remains dry and protected. Don’t let basement leaks jeopardize the comfort and functionality of your bonus room. Take the necessary steps to keep it safe from water damage.
Basements are generally below ground level, which makes them more prone to flooding than the rest of your house. For this reason, you should invest in basement waterproofing before taking further steps.
An excellent waterproof system will prevent water from sneaking into your home. This can be done in several ways, but these methods work best when used together.
Make It Brighter
Since basements are usually built below ground level, they tend to be dark. Therefore, you’ll want to make this space brighter and more welcoming if you want to use it as a bonus room. Thankfully, there are a few ways to do this.
Adding windows would be the first step in making a room brighter for most rooms. But, unfortunately, this isn’t usually an option for basements. So, you need to get creative.
Start by painting the walls of your finished basement white. White naturally makes a room appear brighter and more open. Then, you’ll want to add artificial lighting strategically throughout your basement.
For example, you could install two overhead lights and four sconced wall lights. The overhead lights could include ceiling fans, which can help make the room cooler during the hottest months of the year. Plus, many people enjoy the look of ceiling fans.
Remember, you can also add temporary lighting to areas you want brighter. For example, floor and table lamps can be great additions that add light when you want them to, but they can be left off when you want a dimmer atmosphere.
Redo The Stairs
Most basement staircases leave a lot to be desired. Not only do they tend to be unsightly, but they can also be unsafe. Redoing the stairs should be a priority, especially if you have pets or children needing to get into your new bonus room.
You don’t have to go crazy with the type of stairs you use – but, of course, it’s your space, so you can if you want to. But, at a minimum, you’ll want to reinforce the stairs and add a sturdy banister if there isn’t already one. Of course, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way, too.
Add Your Personal Finishing Touches
Finally, all the foundational work is done, and you can begin adding your personal finishing touches. What this part of your basement transformation looks like will depend on your final goals. What will you be using the room for?
We’ve included a few ideas to help you get started below. These ideas might also help you decide what your bonus room’s purpose will be.
Hangout Room/Bar
A popular use for a finished basement is a hangout room or bar. Consider using hardwood floors that make spills easy to clean up. Use thick piled rugs beneath the furniture in your seating area.
You may want to include an actual bar in the corner of your newly finished basement. You’ll also want to include comfortable seating and plenty of end tables for people to place drinks. Just remember that you’ll need to be able to get the furniture down into the basement, so choose your pieces wisely.
Office
More people than ever are working remotely, so home offices are in high demand. Your newly finished basement is the perfect place to get a quiet, distraction-free work area.
Either carpet or hardwood works great for a home office. You’ll need a desk and a comfortable chair. Consider adding bookshelves, a comfortable recliner for breaks, and a table to store things like your printer on.
Home Theater
You can easily create a home theater in your basement. Although carpeting sounds ideal, hardwood may be a better choice if you’ll be having theater snacks. Consider adding a small kitchenette or microwave area with a mini fridge.
Otherwise, all you need is a flat-screen television and comfortable seating. One way to maximize viewing capacity is to keep the main couch a little further back and include floor seating like bean bags or cushions nearby.
Learn More About Transforming Your Basement Bonus Room
Your basement bonus room has a lot of potential waiting to be unlocked. Consider how much extra living space your family could get from this bonus room renovation.
Do you have more questions about transforming your basement bonus room? Or do you want to learn more about home improvement in general? Check out our other blog posts to learn more on this and closely-related topics today.