You may not have gotten the memo, but creepy basements are now a thing of the past. Gone are the days of the dark, cold space beneath your house where unwanted objects go to be forgotten about. For many, this comes as a relief because even if we do love our families, sometimes being crammed into a house with them makes them a little hard to bear. Especially if you’re a little short on space.
Some people don’t buy into it, though. They think that a basement is just a basement and there’s no point in remodelling it. They’re stuck in the past when dwelling in the basement wasn’t desired. But whether or not you believe it, your basement is brimming with potential and if you happen to be in the unfinished basement department, you’re missing out on it.
The first thing that you should know is that finishing your basement can drastically increase the value of your home, especially if done nicely, and even more so if you add legal bedrooms downstairs. If you’ve never heard the term ‘legal bedroom’ before it means that the room must meet certain requirements for you to be able to advertise that room as an extra bedroom while selling your home. The requirements vary from location to location but in most places, it involves a minimum window size and the existence of a closet.
But home value isn’t the only reason to consider basement development. When it comes to extra space in your home, there’s something for everyone. If you have more children than bedrooms, the ability to give everyone their own room can be life-changing. Not to mention another bathroom downstairs could reduce the line for the bathroom in the morning and quell any subsequent arguments.
Do you work from home, or have you ever had a desire to do so? The basement can be an excellent place to put an office. If it’s away from the natural foot traffic in your house the extra quiet can really help you get some work done? If that’s not your thing but could kill for some peace and quiet, a playroom or a family room could be a great option for you. A place to send your kids or teens and their friends, giving you back the space they’ve probably overtaken.
Alternatively, the basement could be for the grown-ups. Add the fitness room you’ve always dreamed of so you no longer have to trek to the gym to get in a decent work-out (and say goodbye to those monthly gym fees!). Or you could have a bar to entertain your friends, poker or pool table to boot. Or maybe you just need a (wo)man cave where you can go to kick your feet up, to get away from everyone and wind down at the end of the day.
You could always go for a mix of options. Create a family space. A home theatre. A game room. Somewhere to come together as a family. And if you do opt for a basement renovation, it doesn’t mean you’ve got to bid your storage farewell. It can be trimmed down and neatly organized in a smaller space with shelves bins.
When it comes to an unfinished basement, the potential is endless. And while no two people are the same, I can say for certain that a finished basement can be right for anyone one. You just have to put your own spin on it.