Basements are one of the most underused areas in a house. However, you can renovate your basement to extend your living space and create a much needed work room, recreation room or bedroom apartment. Renovate your basement to create a living area you can enjoy and possibly make additional income.
Basements are one of the most underused areas in a house. However, you can renovate your basement to extend your living space and create a much needed work room, recreation room or bedroom apartment. Renovate your basement to create a living area you can enjoy and possibly make additional income.
Home Office or Work Room
Renovate the basement to meet your career needs. Maybe you want to start your own home-based business or telecommute to your present job. Or maybe you just need more space for the family computers. Paint the basement a soothing light color that will put you in the mind-set to work. Buy a desk and a comfortable chair that you can sit in without hurting your back. Use organizational furniture and storage to hold your files and documents. Place a mini refrigerator in the basement so there are no excuses to run upstairs and get distracted. You want your workspace to be somewhat homey, but not too comfortable.
According to business coach Pamela Slim at Open Forum at Openforum.com, you should create a distinctive workspace that sets itself apart from the rest of the home. A business atmosphere will promote a professional attitude that will help you make your freelancing or career succeed.
Recreation Rooms
Billiard tables, video game consoles and dart boards can find a new home in a basement recreation room. Plan a space the resembles your favorite waterhole hangout. Hang up posters, set up a large television and install a bar area. Recreation rooms do not have to include just games. Bring back the music of your youth by building a disk jockey station. Pick up old records that can be bought at thrift or music stores. Use turntables and speakers to play some of your favorite music. For those who prefer compact discs, you can also include a stereo system. By using some strobe lights, a disco ball and a hard floor dance area, you have a recreation room that doubles as your own personal dance club.
Bedroom Apartment
Clean out your basement to create a money-making bedroom apartment. The price of renting out your basement can help pay for mortgage payments or utility costs. According to Julie Sturgeon for Bank Rate, the first plan of action is to make sure that your residential zoning laws will allow rental properties in your home. Inspect the basement and check for an emergency exit that doesn't require for the occupant to go up the stairs and install if needed. This may involve cutting through your basement wall to install an egress window.
Check the plumbing, and decide if you want to include a small kitchen. Putting numerous amenities in your basement apartment will allow you to charge more. In addition, years of collecting rent could easily pay back your initial investment. Use a light or neutral paint in the basement to make it appear larger than the actual square footage. Leave most of the decorating to the occupant, who would want to decorate according to his own taste.
