Renovating your basement is an exciting project - not only will your family get more living space, you will improve your home's resale value and marketability. The first step in any project is the planning stage - you need to decide what you are going to use the space for.
Office, home gym, family room, teenager's bedroom, or home theatre? Each space will require slightly different features and different considerations. Basements are often under height, which can be a problem if you are planning to build a gym, for instance. You need to have room to move - can you comfortably jump rope in the space? You will want at least enough space to stretch your arms above your head without touching the ceiling. A home gym would benefit from ventilation - either a fan or an outside window that can be opened. If your plan includes an extra bedroom, you may want to consider the location of the nearest bathroom. It may be a good time to add a basement bathroom - this will add even more value to the renovation.
Moisture can be an issue in basements and is definitely something you want to take care of before you begin the finishing. Sometimes the problem is a simple fix: redirecting your gutters and downspouts or adding some correct exterior grading can take care of rainwater drainage issues. If the problem is more serious you may need to install a drainage system. But remember, taking care of moisture issues now will prevent water damage to your finished basement and will protect the health of your family - you are saving in the long run.
There are several options for flooring your new space. If you are working with concrete, hardwood may not be an option unless you install a subfloor. Adding the extra inches may not be advisable if the ceilings are low, so one solution is to choose laminate. There are several options for a wood-like look that provide durability and warmth to your room. Although ceramic and stone work is visually appealing, it also presents a colder harder surface, which might not be the best choice for a below ground application. A better option might be vinyl or linoleum - they come in a wide variety of patterns and textures, including some authentic stone looks, are easy to walk on and fire retardant. Carpet is another great choice, as it adds a warm and cozy touch but it isn't great for family members who suffer from asthma or allergies.
With lower ceilings and underground spaces, light can be an issue for some basements. You don't want the space to feel cramped - it should be open and inviting, or warm and cozy. One strategy is to take out unnecessary dividers - remove walls that obstruct sightlines. This will achieve a more open, modern look. If your space suffers from a lack of natural light, choosing light colored options for flooring and walls can help the space feel brighter. Painting the ceiling white will also help. But you don't need to sacrifice color - use bright and bold shades in accents to spice up the room.
There are many options available to further enhance your decorating - get ideas from television or magazines and try out virtual design tools online. This may seem like a big project, but when you are finished you will have an inviting space that will give your home more usable square footage and greater market appeal. That basement holds a lot of potential!
