How to Put Your Basement to Use
The room or portion of a totally or partially below ground level is known as a basement.
It is usually used as the utility room of a house, where items such as the boiler, water heater, breaker panel, or fuse box are mounted. It serves as a parking lot as well as a cooling system. Other amenities include a cable television delivery point and an electrical distribution system.
However, the basement room can be used for other purposes depending on the family’s needs, shifts, and other unforeseen circumstances. In the winter, people spend more time indoors and use less space outside their homes. During the COVID-19 lockdown, most homes were converted into family recreation centers, worship centers, offices, classrooms, and several other locations. As a result, the basement has evolved into a desirable environment in which every square foot must be utilized.
If your basement were previously used for storage, you’d probably find a lot of stuff you don’t want to keep. Schedule a clean-out with the Junk Container Service Group as a dependable dumpster company or call for a free quote to get any junk or unused items hauled away before you start any major projects.
You’ll split the job into three parts after the clean-out: walls, floors, and ceilings. Here are some ideas for converting your basement into additional living space.
Obtain a Permit
Basements in residential properties can only be legally rented or occupied if they have adequate lighting, ventilation, sanitation, and exits. As a result, getting approval from the Department of Buildings before beginning any project is important.
Take Dampness Prevention Measures
Since most basements are damp due to their location, you should always test for high humidity or wetness before installing drywall. Before fixing your drywall, decide what needs to be done to fix the issue, such as installing a dehumidifier, a sump pump, and full basement waterproofing.
Selecting the Best Materials
Before you start the project, think about the materials and designs that you need. A dry or plaster wall, a drop or exposed ceiling, and a carpet or laminate floor are all options. Since supplies will account for the bulk of your spending, it’s best to plan ahead of time.
Gather your equipment
According to a popular proverb, “a bad worker always blames his tools.” As a result, make sure you have the right tools and that they’re in good working order before you start, and make sure all of the power tools are serviced. Some of the materials you’ll need to finish a basement are likely already in your possession (caulk gun, circular saw, hammer, ladder, drill and parts, nail gun, sawhorses). If you don’t own any heavy tools and don’t see the need to buy them, you can borrow them from a home improvement store or a nearby tool bank. Make sure you have all of your safety gear, including a dust mask, earplugs, gloves, goggles, and a work coat, before you start.
Bringing Creativity to a New Level in Your Basement
Living Room: Almost every basement will have a living or family room with a couch, television, and other decorative items.
The bedroom: This is one of the most frequently designed rooms in a basement and contributes to the overall value. A bedroom’s best feature is that it can be as big or as small as you want it to be, whether for visitors or children.
Theater: If you enjoy movies, the basement is the best place in the house to build the ultimate movie theater experience without leaving your home. The theater may be as small as a single room or as large as a full-fledged soundproof theater with seating for 6-8 people. You may want to consider adding a bar if you enjoy entertaining visitors.
Bar: You can make it in any shape or size you want, depending on how much you plan to use it. You have a fun place to entertain your guests when you have a bar in your basement.
Gym: With a home gym, you can stay fit and safe at home. It can be easier to keep in shape indoors if you set up your own home gym or private fitness studio. It will just take up about the same amount of space as a large bedroom.
Flex Space: The flex room design is flexible and can be used for various purposes, such as a children’s playroom, a home office, or a craft room.
Music Room: Soundproofing and using a drum shield or cage to enhance the acoustics of your identified space will help you create a stylish and functional home music room for practicing, recording, or even entertaining visitors.
Final Steps of Renovation
Add a few finishing touches to complete the look.
Finishing touches are all of the little extras that render your basement renovation complete. Painting the walls, for example, is something you may want to focus on at this point. The cabinet and fixtures should be mounted. When it comes to choosing drawer pulls and knobs, consider durable ones. Do not forget wall pictures, artwork, and lighting. Then vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning.
Hire a Contractor
If you cannot finish and renovate your basement on your own, hire a professional contractor to assist you. When you work with a specialist, the project is more likely to be completed quickly. You would probably feel less tired as a result of it. A licensed contractor is familiar with the rules in your state, can help you obtain the required permits, and hire others to handle specialized projects like electrical and plumbing.
Enjoy Your New Space
As you can see, your basement can be transformed into whatever you want. Only you have the power to restrict your imagination and dreams. You now have access to a whole new world of possibilities with your finished basement. The extra living space will make you feel more at ease in your own home, whether you want to use it as an office, a playroom for the kids, or something else entirely. Regularly visiting the underlisted social media for more tips and ideas will keep your newly finished basement looking its best and help it succeed.