Creative Basement Remodeling Tips
With NBA finals and the NFL season set to kickoff, why not consider your basement as a great hangout spot? It is hard to do that if it looks like a dark dungeon with cold concrete floors .
With home equity rates being as low as they are right now, it is probably the best time to consider finishing your basement so that you can use it for watching games, working out, playing games etc..! First, decide if it’s a do it yourself project or one for a professional to tackle, and then get renovations underway by following these simple steps:
Decide how you are going to use the new living space .
Is it going to be your new home gym, your game day sports bar, a man cave for the guys, a second living area with guest bedrooms, or perhaps something totally different? When looking for ideas on how to use the space, try going to websites like www.builderbuddy.com and HGTV’s and TLC’s websites to get some cool ideas and some inspiration on how to use the space. It is important to consider the practicul use of the space and not just build something that is really cool, but not something you will ever use. Most people think it would be fun to have a pool table, and then once they have them they sit around and collect dust, so make sure you are firm on how you are going to use the space. Once you’ve set your idea in stone, create a layout with a detailed plan.
Lay the ground work.
It’s time to consider waterproofing options, as well as determine necessary electrical, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing work. As far as flooring goes, consider that your basement is likely to attract unwanted moisture. This can be disastrous for carpet or wood, so look into a stylish laminate flooring instead. If your basement tends to be overly chilly or toasty, you may need to install extra cooling or heating ducts and appliances.
Appropriately use finishing techniques to maximize look and feel.
Unless your basement has lots of daylight windown, it is recommended to stay away from dark colors on the walls to avoid feeling like a dungeon, and consider using bright colors and mirrors if possible. Both mirrors and light colors help make the space feel larger by reflecting light. Drop ceilings may be less expensive and allow flexibility for the future, but it also lowers the ceiling and makes the space feel smaller. Here’s a great idea: leave the original ceiling work exposed, and then paint it a dark color to create a camouflaged – yet modern – look. Support beams and other structural work can be treated the same way to craft an undone, contemporary, and urban feel. There are many different options out there, and many contractors will have great suggestions for you. There is a Indianapolis remodeling contractor that has been doing this for twenty years and has come up with some very unique ideas and products to help make the basement area feel like an extension of your home.
Interior decorating.
This is an area where you can really express your personality and the options are endless! One of the most unique basement themes we have seen was a Star Wars theme with lots of metal surfaces and bright colors to look like the light sabers that where used in the movie. They even had full size statues of the different characters from the movie all around the lower level! Maybe that’s a little out of your element, but what about decorating according to your favorite sports team and adorning your walls with Fatheads of your athletes? Another thought: if the winter blues have you wanting to hit the links (and if you have the ceiling height and space), set up a golf net or even a virtual golf simulator. Include a putting and full swing mat, floor to ceiling net, vertical mirror, and chipping basket. Be careful of windows and stick to plastic golf balls: if my memory serves me correctly, I remember a certain family member of mine (who shall remain nameless) putting a golf ball through a basement window! Put in a home theatre, a music recording studio, a tanning bed… the options are truly infinite! In looking through websites of basement remodelers, we found an Indianapolis basement remodeling contractor’s website that has some great pictures and ideas that are worth looking at .
It is a great idea to talk to friends and family to see what they have done and learned while finishing their basement so that you are able to learn from their good choices or bad. They will likely know the inside scoop, including names of remodeling pros, best places to shop, and construction guidance. Best of luck tackeling this fun project!