If your basement has been a space that you’ve continually neglected over the years and you’ve decided that this year you’re finally going to do something to put that right and properly utilize that space, well done. In many, many homes across Toronto, homeowners are really missing a golden opportunity by not making the most of their basement. Do you know how much it costs to add extra living space to a property in the form of home additions? Typically tens of thousands of dollars. And the one thing that many homeowners in the area desire above anything else is extra living space, yet they choose to leave their basement virtually unused, often dark and musty, filled with old clothes, kids’ toys from a couple of decades ago and various other odds and ends.
A basement renovation is one of the best home improvement projects to undertake, not just because of the obvious practical benefits that can be achieved, but because it’s almost unrivalled in terms of return on investment. You see, you’re not creating anything new, you’re just tapping into an existing resource, which is much, much cheaper. Keep reading to learn about some of the most interesting ideas we’ve come across for basement spaces.
Turn a Damp, Dark Space into Anything You Want With a Basement Renovation
Transforming your basement doesn’t have to cost the earth. In fact, there are many basement remodeling ideas that can be implemented very cost effectively and create a new area of your home that you can enjoy. Use the following ideas to inspire and ignite your creative spark.
- Your Own Bar – Going to a bar after a hard day’s work can be a great way to relax, but rather than dragging yourself into town, why not go to your very own basement bar?! Not only a great space to relax during the week, but by doing your basement out as a bar area, whether with a sleek modern look or more of a vintage pub aesthetic, you have another area in your home which can be used to entertain guests. We’ve seen homeowners have a lot of fun during similar basement renovation projects, using strong influences from their past to create the perfect design.
- Entertainment Space – One of the most popular uses of a basement area nowadays (or at least one that has undergone a basement renovation) is as an entertainment area. Whether there’s only adults residing in your property or you’ve got several young children to amuse, during your basement renovation you can come up with a design that keeps everyone happy. The fact that a basement is underground means there’s very little natural light that enters the room and outside noise is dampened out too – ideal conditions for a home movie theatre. Put in a large flat screen TV, a surround sound system and some sofas and you’re all set for some fun Friday nights! We’ve seen other people install arcade machines and pool tables too.
- Home Gym – A basement area is often the ideal place to set up a home gym. It’s typically a large open space that’s tucked nicely out of the way. There’s no outside noise to content with or windows to distract you, and it’s very economical to heat during the cold winters we experience in Toronto. Whether you enjoy pumping iron or want to work on your mental strength through meditation, you can create the ideal space to achieve these goals during a basement renovation.
- A Storage Hub – Now we know what you’re probably thinking – “But didn’t you say earlier that home basements are often underutilized and do nothing more than store a bunch of long lost possessions?!” Yes we did, but that’s not storage; that’s opening the door and throwing this, that and everything inside in no particular order. And then you can never find anything when you come to look anyway. What we’re suggesting is that as part of your basement renovation, you either allocate most or at least a section of the basement to ultra-organized storage facilities. Incorporate built-in cabinets, sliding drawers and storage bins into the design to provide an area where items not needed in the main part of your home can be efficiently stored and easily accessed at a later date.
- A Hidden Wine Cellar – Have you got a passion for wine? If so, your basement area is a wine cellar waiting to happen. Basements are ideal storage areas for wine anyway due to the way in which they are naturally cool during the summer months. But a wine cellar isn’t just about storing wine. It’s somewhere to show off to family and friends and can also be used as an entertainment area with a rather special ambience.
- A Cosy Escape – When it’s freezing cold outside, nothing beats sitting in front of a nice, warm open fire with a mug of hot chocolate and a book by your favourite author. That’s a scene you could easily replicate during your basement remodeling by creating a second living room area. It’s quiet, out of the way and well insulated – perfect for relaxing during those long winter nights.
- Extra Sleeping Space – One issue that many homeowners encounter, especially those that entertain guests frequently, is a lack of bedrooms. Air beds and sofas are good makeshift solutions, but they’re no match for a good night’s sleep in a proper bed. The trouble is, when space is at a premium in a property, bedrooms are actually a bit of a waste since they’re hardly used when you’re awake. Tapping into your basement area to create an extra bedroom might not be as exciting as some of the other ideas we’ve mentioned, but it can often turn out to be a very wise choice.
Would you like more basement renovation ideas? Or perhaps you have a clear vision and you’re ready to get started? Whatever stage of the process you’re at, call us today for an informal chat to discuss your requirements.