Many homes in the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA metro areas have a basement. Unfortunately, that basement space is often unfinished. Unfinished basement space is most common in older homes, particularly the charming craftsman homes and bungalows found in local neighborhoods.
Many homeowners, especially as their families grow, look to find ways to take advantage of the extra space a basement offers. Unfortunately that often just means using the basement as storage space.
But unfinished basement space is wasted space!
There’s so much you can do with your basement. You can:
Many people think that turning a basement into a useful space is an overwhelming project and one that’s not worth taking on. But in today’s post, we’ll talk about how you can make a basement remodeling project more manageable and make the results something you’ll want to show off!
Plus, finishing and remodeling your basement can add value to your home. The ROI of a basement remodeling project might be almost 70%, according to some estimates.
The first step of any home construction or remodeling project should be planning. The more time you spend planning and preparing, the more ready you’ll be once you start getting down to work.
There are great tools like Sketch Up and Room Sketcher that allow you to make a model of your space and experiment with how different layouts will look. Home Depot even has an app that can help you visualize how different color paints can affect how a room looks and feels.
There’s a lot to think about once you’re actually ready to start your project. Keep reading and we’ll let you know what you should think about. Plus we’ll offer a few creative ideas to get the most out of your basement remodeling project!
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to remodeling a Portland or Vancouver basement is making your space warm, dry, and welcoming. There’s nothing worse than a damp, cold, and musty basement!
Remember, moisture can actually cause serious damage to your home! Foundation cracks, damage to the structure of your home, mold growth, and pest infestations can all result from excess moisture entering your home’s basement.
An active basement waterproofing system, like those we install in Portland and Vancouver homes, can help keep your basement dry and free of mold and mildew. Once waterproofed, additional insulation can help regulate your basement’s temperature, allowing it to hold in heat during the winter and stay cool during the summer. This can help reduce the electric bill for your entire home!
To really enjoy your finished basement, it should look and feel like an extension of your home– not just an afterthought. Start with high-quality drywall for the walls and think about luxurious options for the floor, like the stained and finished concrete floors we specialize in here at Rock Solid Waterproofing.
Concrete is a great material for a basement floor because it’s:
Also, think about the effect noise will have on your enjoyment of your new play area, man cave, or home office. Basements, especially those with low ceilings can be echo-prone. You can use rugs to reduce echoes or use acoustic tiles for extra soundproofing.
The cliche of a dark basement is a cliche for a reason: it’s hard to have a bright, cheery basement! If you’re remodeling your basement to convert it into a more functional, usable space, pay close attention to the lighting you choose!
No basement conversion project is complete until you’ve finished decorating. Just as a house doesn’t become a home until you add special, personal touches, your basement needs a little interior design and decorating TLC, too.
Depending on why you’re converting your basement into a more useable space, you may want to it to reflect your home’s style. You can go the other way, too, allowing yourself to be more creative and go in a completely different direction! Imagine the possibilities. How about a sleek modern basement home office while the upstairs retains its Arts and Crafts charm?
Some ideas to inspire you:
Remember, while it can be fun to think about what you might do with your basement space, you’ve got to follow through and actually do it!
At Rock Solid Waterproofing, we’re a great first call if you’re planning a basement remodel. We can help you waterproof your basement and install awesome flooring that will work for just about any basement conversion or remodeling project.
Photo Credits: Mosaik Design, Geoff Sloan (flickr), Kyle Murphy (flickr), Geoff Livingston (flickr)