Basement Renovation Design Ideas
Looking to add more living space to your home can be tricky, but if you can, look to your basement. Get design ideas for basement renovation in this video by House & Home:
Consider what’s missing from your home. Basements are good for work, play, sleep and utility spaces like an office, nanny suite, kids play zone, laundry, bathroom, bedroom, or family room.
The biggest challenge in basement renovation is making the space feel like a continuous flow from the rest of the house. You don’t want your renovated space to feel like a basement. Use the same color palette and trim profiles throughout the house. Experiment with bold accents to add a wow factor.
What is the biggest challenge when renovating a basement? You want to make sure you have enough ceiling height – aim for about seven feet. Be aware of bulkheads. Make sure you can fit a standard door plus surronding trim. If you don’t have enough ceiling height, you may need to dig down, which can be a great expense. Excavating costs approximately $40 per square foot. If you decide to excavate, consider adding in-floor heating at approximately $15 per square foot.
How do you get around the lack of natural light? You can compensate by using glass doors, a light ceiling color, bright wall paint, faux drapery treatments and neutral decor. If your budget allows, consider blowing out the back of your basement, dropping the floor down and creating an entrance to your garden.
What types of lighting are best for a basement? Recessed light is preferable to hanging fixtures, but don’t overdo it with landing strips of recessed light. You should include task and accent lighting such as floor lamps and sconces.
What about flooring? It’s best to stay away from hardwood due to the potential for water damage. Practical choices are tile and laminate flooring as they are affordable and easily replaced. Concrete is a great choice as well and can look stunning if properly polished.
What types of furniture should you think about? The logistics of moving furniture can be challenging if the stairwell is tight. Look for modular pieces or condo-sized furniture that can be easily transported. Low-lying furniture helps create open sight lines.
If you can find the budget to renovate your basement, you’ll find that you can get so much additional living space. The basement is untapped real estate and finishing it will add to your home’s value.
