Many people think it’s great fun to scare and be scared at this time of year, and some go to great lengths to make their home look super spooky for little ghosts and goblins. But your basement doesn’t have to be a scary place.

Have no fear! While finishing your basement requires consideration of a few more construction details than other parts of the home, we have some tips that can get you through the process without waking up screaming in the middle of the night.

We’re pros at basement remodeling and have helped lots of homeowners realize all the possibilities of their basement space. So, here are some problems your basement might have and remodeling updates you can enjoy when they’re fixed.

Finished basement wet bar by Metro Building & Remodeling Group

Wet Boxes or a Wet Bar?

Often, the most challenging thing to deal with in finishing a basement is the presence of moisture. Does the stuff you have stored down there now get damp? Basements need to stay dry before you add any new building materials to the space. We’ll check that there isn’t any existing moisture damage or mold problem that needs remediation and inspect the foundation for places where it might leak. Once we know the space will stay dry, we can add that wet bar and a big flat screen for the enjoyment of your friends and family.

Exposed Pipes or an Extra Bathroom?

Finished basement full bathroom by Metro Building & Remodeling Group

That ceiling with exposed pipes isn’t very attractive, is it? Whether your home is old or brand new, if you want to use the space for your kids to play or to entertain guests, you’re going to need that fixed. And if you want a powder room or full bath, the proper plumbing needs to be added to bring hot and cold running water to the bathroom and to pump the wastewater up and out of the below-ground space. It may mean breaking the concrete slab and connecting it to an existing plumbing stack located somewhere else in the basement. But that bathroom in the basement will be worth it!

Cold Concrete or Cozy & Clean?

Finished basement by Metro Building & Remodeling Group

Temperature and moisture are 2 things that affect your choice of basement flooring. While a concrete floor might seem like a cool respite on a hot summer day, it’s not so nice in the middle of winter when your kids need to stay indoors to play. Hardwood floors aren’t recommended for use in basements but engineered wood or laminate flooring used with area rugs work well and look terrific. They’ll be much cozier and cleaner under foot (just watch out for stray Legos). And insulating the space is also important for maintaining a comfortable temperature and controlling condensation.

Gloomy or Bright?

Finished walk-out basement by Metro Building & Remodeling Group

The challenges of a typical basement include low ceilings, small windows, and poor natural lighting. If your lot allows for a walk-out basement door, you’re halfway to having the dark basement problem solved. Some additional planning and design are also needed to create a brighter space. Well-placed recessed ceiling light fixtures supplemented with task lighting and ambient light sources can make the space really warm and welcoming instead of cold and gloomy.

Finished basement by Metro Building & Remodeling Group

Then it’s time to explore the possibilities of utilizing all this new space! What can you imagine wanting there? A media room, workout room, wine cellar, kids’ playroom, maker space, or home office? How about some great-looking built-in storage for both frequently used items and also holiday decorations that only need to be accessed once a year?

Don’t wait another day to have your basement become your favorite place in the house. Get in touch with us today! We’d be delighted to take a look at the space, share some ideas, and help you discover all the basement remodeling possibilities waiting for you.