So, it’s finally time. Time to tackle that unfinished, misused basement. It’s a space of pure possibility! And while that’s an exciting prospect, it can also be overwhelming.
Let’s face it, basement renovations aren’t cheap. In fact, on average, basement remodels cost anywhere from $6,500 to $30,000, depending on the depth of your desired projects.
That said, if you have a vision and execute it well, a finished basement can add a great amount of value to your home, making it worth the investment in the long run. Not to mention, some of the best ideas for basement renovations will give you a deeper enjoyment of your home for years to come.
If you’re looking for some basement remodeling inspiration, you’ve come to the right place! Listed below are 7 ideas for basement renovations, including functional, creative, and everything in between.
1. Create an Additional Bedroom
Perhaps the most obvious answer to what to do with a basement remodel is to create an extra bedroom. This is a great idea for those who are tired of hearing their children fight over a side of their shared room and those with teens looking for a little privacy.
Even if you have a small basement, you can use built-ins to create a bed and shelves that leave most of the floor space intact.
2. Build an In-Law Suite
If you have more space, consider taking your basement bedroom idea up a notch by making it a full in-law suite. Now, despite what the name implies, an in-law suite can be useful in a variety of situations, not just for your spouse’s parents’ visits (although giving your in-laws a space away from your own is never a bad idea).
An in-law suite is essentially a small apartment created somewhere in or around your home where your out of town guests (or grumpy teenager) can have their own home within yours.
If your basement suite includes a kitchen, you can even rent it out for a bit of additional income!
3. Design the Ultimate Home Gym
Did you know that adults are recommended to get a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity per week? Many of us are guilty of falling short, but with a home gym, a quick walk down the stairs is all it takes to get started on your fitness journey.
The best part about building your own gym rather than purchasing a gym membership is that you can tailor it to your interests. If you hate the treadmill, don’t include one! Making your home gym a place you want to be in is one of the best things you can do to encourage yourself to get active.
You can go simple with hardwood floors and a cushioned area for yoga, or go all out with a sauna and advanced heavy equipment. The choice is yours!
4. Have Fun With a Home Theater
Is there anything more fun on a rainy day than to watch movies with your friends and family? If your family are movie buffs, what better addition to your home than a theater in your basement?
You can deck it out with cushy recliners, video game consoles, in-wall speakers, and LED lights. It can be as cozy or as professional as you like.
Regardless of what you put into your basement, you need to ensure that your basement is waterproofed like this. However, this is especially important when you create something that uses as much electrical equipment as a home theater.
That said, as long as you have your basement professionally protected from the elements, you can enjoy your home theater free from the worry of flooding.
5. Make a Kids Zone
If your kids have a habit of tearing through your home like a tornado, why not give them a designated space in the basement? You can stock your kids’ zone with a play area, an indoor camping space, and plenty of built-in shelving to store their books, toys, and games.
Not only will the kids love having a hangout room of their own, but you’ll love having a little bit of peace and quiet on the main floor.
6. Build an Adults-Only Hangout
On the flipside, if you’d rather have a space for yourself, you could build an adults-only hangout. This can be whatever you find entertaining, but a great idea for an adult basement space is a bar.
All you need is some cabinets and your favorite drinks to get started. However, you can also add a sink and a mini-fridge to make it a wet bar, or even a few beers on tap!
Not a fan of beer? You could always create your dream wine cellar. Keep in mind that this will require a specific air system and insulation to be a true wine cellar, but every wine enthusiast needs a place to store their favorites.
7. Move Your Laundry Room Downstairs
Last but not least, whether you’re working with a small basement space or are planning to break a large basement into multiple rooms, a laundry area is the perfect addition. This can free up space on the main floor of your home for more useable space, or just keep dirty laundry smells away from places you and your family spend the most time.
This can be an expensive addition if you don’t already have water running to your basement, but worth it if you’re in need of a larger laundry area.
Use These Ideas for Basement Renovations to Take Your Home to the Next Level
Finishing or remodeling your basement can be exactly what you need to turn your house into the home of your dreams. Because basements are typically large open rooms, the possibilities are endless.
To make the task easier on yourself, it’s important to have a few ideas for basement renovations before you get started. And every idea on this list is a better addition to your home than the next!
Looking for more home renovation tips and tricks? Be sure to check out our blog for ideas on all things home improvement.
