Tackle a Basement Remodel this Fall!

By Karen L. Chandler

When the leaves are changing colors and the temperatures are dropping this autumn, you know it’s almost time to turn your mind indoors for the cozy and warm hours of winter spent in your home.

For some of us, that suggests peaceful memories of gathering with family and friends. For anyone who has a space crunch in their home’s upper levels, the memories are of cleaning up messes, refereeing arguments, and trying for a bit of sanity in a crowded house.

What is the answer? A pricey addition that costs tons of money? Or -- call a trusted Home Builders Association professional, head down the stairs, and tackle a basement renovation!

Instead of just using your basement for stacking boxes and housing your furnace and water heater, clear the space and make some plans to bring some life to the seldom used square footage.

Calling an HBA professional is key for a successful basement reno that truly makes downstairs a livable space.

Managing Moisture

The most important aspect of a quality basement remodel is getting the moisture under control. Once your pro has managed that with the appropriate techniques, get ready for the basement of your dreams.

A Basement with Purpose

Not every basement will work for every use. Some basements just don’t have high enough ceilings for a home gym with tall equipment and a sun-loving family member may not feel that any number of added windows and lights are quite bright enough. But -- the basement can score big points as a cozy home movie theatre, a fantastic game room, a creative craft space, a moody adult spot for socializing around a gorgeous bar, or anything else you like!

Plan Your Wall Placement

If you have enough square footage, now is the time to dream up how to divide your basement living areas. You may even be able to section off a spot to retain a storage area for any boxes remaining after you downsized before the big remodel!

Insulation, wiring, outlets, and an exhaust fan if you plan to add a bathroom, are installed at this stage, and will make the basement just as comfortable as your upstairs rooms, with supplemental heating and cooling a necessary piece of your reno puzzle.

Exit Strategies

An exit from your basement other than the doorway from upstairs is an important safety consideration that most building codes require. If you need another way to escape the basement in case of emergency, your professional contractor can advise you on using a window to meet the code.

Light it Up

Recessed lighting is usually the best choice for basements, especially since lower ceilings making some hanging pendants impossible. When you think about your lighting, plan for more than you think you may need so everyone can enjoy the new space no matter what its new functions are going to be. Adding extra lamps and some mirrors as final touches will add more warmth to any dark spots.

A Financially Savvy Renovation

Not only is a basement remodel a big savings over building an addition to your home, but recent surveys also show that finished basements can add about $50,000 to your property value.

And how about that pricey gym membership? Cancel it and head downstairs to work out in your own home gym. Love to get up close and personal at a football game? Add a huge TV, some comfortable seating and save the money on expensive event tickets. Do you love to sample wine and whiskey? Create a beautiful bar in your own home, complete with a wine room and array of liquors to enjoy with your friends.

Zone in on Décor

Your basement reno will be a big winner, whether it’s a small open space or a large space with a multitude of uses.

Flooring options are endless, with luxury vinyl plank scoring big points with many homeowners for its durability, comfort, and its appearance so close to wood. Tile is another great choice with similar attributes and a broad spectrum of colors and designs. And carpet is still a contender to warm up a basement remodel.

Many homeowners choose light neutral wall shades for their new downstairs spaces, but a game room with a bright accent wall to delineate the kid zone, or a dramatic accent color behind the new bar can be great options to customize the renovated rooms.

Build Up Some Built-Ins

Still tight on storage? Think built-ins for an upstairs look that solves your downstairs dilemmas. A wall of cabinets and shelving can go a long way toward getting messy games, paperwork, and party supplies both out of sight and ready to use. Multi-use furniture can also be a key player in ending your stockpile woes -- storage ottomans and occasional tables with drawers add even more space to help with de-cluttering.

Your options are endless when it comes to boosting your property value and enhancing your living space with a renovation of that unused downstairs square footage. No matter what your game plan is for your basement remodel, partnering with a trusted Home Builders Association contractor will ensure a big win for seasons to come.