How to Remodel a Basement

Basements can offer you a way to extend the living area of your house. Decide what type of room is lacking in the home. You can remodel the basement into an office space, a recreation room, a gym, a theater or a guest room, or a combination. Many homeowners make additional income by renting out their basement, but make sure that you contact your local authorities to ensure that your basement is properly zoned for a rental if that's your intention.

Step 1

Remove all the furniture out of the basement to get a clear idea of what your new room will need. Make sure that there is no mold growth in the basement by lifting up any carpeting, inspecting walls and opening cabinets. Mold is a common threat to basements, because damp underground walls and floors provide fungal spores a hospitable humid environment.

Step 2

Draw a diagram of your basement and measure the wall space and height. Decide how much of the basement you want to use for your room. Many basements have separating walls that divide the basement into rooms. You can consider using the largest room for your remodeling project and any smaller rooms for storage.

Step 3

Examine the flooring. Cement flooring is effective for an unfinished loft style look; however, if you want a polished look for the basement you may consider other flooring. Tile, wood and carpeting can suit a variety of needs depending on the intended purpose of the room.

Step 4

Find out how much light you can bring into the room. You can create more windows or add additional lighting as a cost-effective plan. Lamps are less expensive than installing ceiling lights; however, ceiling lights can shine more light into a dark room.

Step 5

Check the plumbing in the basement to determine the possibility of adding a bathroom or kitchen. You will have to be able to include at least one bathroom and a kitchen if you intend to convert your basement into an apartment. Likewise, entertaining guests is easier when you can prepare food and drinks downstairs. Have a plumber check the pipes to see what is possible for the remodeling project.

Step 6

Use the drawbacks of the existing basement to your benefit. A basement with low lighting is optimal for remodeling into a home theater. Also, basements with cement floors do not need new flooring if you turn the space into a gym.

Step 7

Create a budget for the remodeling project. The complete remodel may not be within your financial grasp right away; however, you can determine your ultimate goal and slowly change the look of the basement room by room over time.