Remodeling a basement can make a house feel much more spacious. It's important to take certain considerations into account, such as keeping it warm enough for daily use and making sure it won't flood. With careful planning, though, you can overcome a number of common problems. Your cluttered, dreary basement could become a wonderful office, rec room or family room once you've remodeled it.
Remodeling a basement can make a house feel much more spacious. It's important to take certain considerations into account, such as keeping it warm enough for daily use and making sure it won't flood. With careful planning, though, you can overcome a number of common problems. Your cluttered, dreary basement could become a wonderful office, rec room or family room once you've remodeled it.
Concept
A remodeled basement can take many forms, such as a home office, game room, workout room, guest room, movie room or bedroom. It could also become a family room used for many purposes. If you decide to use a large basement as a combination room--for example, a family room with a desk in the corner--keep each section separate and well-defined, yet maintain a continuous flow by using common design elements such as rugs and similar furniture.
Lighting
Lighting can pose a challenge for some basements, since many have no windows. If your basement has windows on one wall, you could place mirrors across from them to reflect the light, making the room brighter, suggests Louis Wampler in his book "Underground Homes." When choosing lighting options, consider the purpose of the room. If it will be a workout room, standing lights may not be the best idea. Instead, choose overhead lighting options.
Color Scheme
Choosing light or bright colors will also help to lighten the room and make it feel more inviting. Warm colors can also make it feel more welcoming. Darker colors can make great accents, adding contrast, but they should be used sparingly. You could paint the walls beige and apply red borders, for instance, with a light wood floor, furniture in brown tones and a rug that incorporates a mix of pale yellow, reds, oranges and browns.
Warmth
In most basements, warmth poses another primary concern. Adequate insulation, using standard as well as more creative methods, will help to keep a basement warm. In addition to sealing cracks and insulating windows and doors, thick, heavy rugs will help to insulate a room. They also make it more comfortable and inviting. If many people will be using the room, a thick rug and large cushions scattered about will provide extra seating. Heavy wall hangings can bring warmth to a basement as well. A space heater can also be an efficient way to add heat to a room--just be sure to use it safely.
Fire Safety
Make sure you have an exit strategy for your basement in case of fire. This could be an accessible window, if one is large enough, or a door to the garage. And test the fire alarm regularly to make sure it still works.
Other Considerations
Despite your best efforts at ridding your basement of clutter, there may be a few things you can't move, such as a water heater. If so, consider building a closet around it to keep it hidden from view.
