The Secret to More Living Space for Less Expense: Basement Remodeling

Updated Oct. 2020 originally published September 2015:

If you are looking for more elbow room in your home, one of the first places we suggest you should look is down…to your basement. It’s space you already have, so finishing or refinishing it to meet your family’s needs is often more economical than building an addition. In fact, basement remodeling is almost always the lowest cost way to add living space to your home. If you have two floors and a basement in your home, finishing off your basement can add up to 30% more very nice, usable living and storage space to your home.

So where to begin?

1. Identify what you would like to use your basement for. For example to add a playroom, bedroom, home office, home gym, family room, game room, bathroom, guest room, workshop, fitted storage, etc.
2. Create a target budget.
3. With our help, look at your basement’s condition, footprint, structural elements, mechanical systems, egress options, and more. We’ve helped lots of homeowners look at their basement’s condition, footprint and help them visualize all the possibilities.
4. Discuss your target budget with us and see if it is appropriate for what you want to do. We can then design what can be done within your initial target or a revised budget or work with you to come up with a realistic budget for what you want to do so you get the most of what you want within a budget you are comfortable with.

Here are just a few of the ways basement remodeling can work for you.

Room to Play Safely

Homeowners with school-age children often dedicate one area of the finished basement for playtime. Built-in shelving and cabinetry will give you a place to put away games and DVDs and keeps clutter to a minimum. If you have teens, you can make it a true game room with a pool table, ping-pong table or a pinball machine. Don’t forget a flat screen for the video games. You’ll keep them close to home, safe and maybe get to know their friends better too.

And the Oscar Goes To…

Homeowners who love watching the latest movies or sporting events may opt for one area of their finished basement to become a media center with a wide screen television, high tech sound system and comfortable seating for viewing. Whether you all gather together for quality family time, or you host the neighbors for the Super Bowl, you’ll enjoy having a space with the latest in sight and sound.

Invite Your Friends to a Night Out

When was the last time you hosted poker night or book club? If you’ve never had a good place in your home to welcome friends for a night out, a finished basement can provide the perfect set-up. Some of our clients install a beautiful granite-top bar complete with its own sink, refrigerator, comfortable barstools and even racks for hanging glasses. A high-top game table or larger card table completes the scene so you can welcome everyone into your home for a night of fun.

Be the Overnight Host with the Most

If having an overnight guest means having to rearrange the kids or put your guest on the couch, consider including a dedicated guest room with its own bathroom. Your guests will get extra privacy at night and you’ll really feel like a gracious host!

No More Wait for the Weights

If you are tired of schlepping to the gym in the rain or snow, think about turning one area of your finished basement remodel into an exercise and weight room. Whether you prefer a treadmill, an elliptical machine or simply free weights, a mirrored exercise room right downstairs will help keep you right on track to achieve your fitness goals. Your workouts will be even more enjoyable if you wire this room for audio or television.

So don’t wait another day to have your basement become your favorite place in the house. Call us today or contact us through our website. We’ll help you discover all the basement remodeling possibilities waiting for you.