Remodel Like a Pro: 5 Tips for a Basement Renovation
Utilize the basement space you have.
Renovating a basement is a wise move when it comes to adding value and square footage to a home. Even turning spaces like an under-used garage into a livable space can be a game changer. From slumber party destinations to movie rooms, a basement can become invaluable for the entire family. It only takes a good amount of planning and a willingness to be flexible when it comes to the challenge of working within the limitations of a home's walls. It's a project that can pay off in big ways. Here are five tips for renovating a basement.
1. Consider Your Needs
The idea of taking on a basement renovation can seem daunting. Though it can be tempting to jump in immediately, it helps to live in the existing home for a while. It's beneficial to think through what the space would be used for, and this can assist in wise planning for the future.
Start by planning a space that can change and grow with those who live there by considering what the rest of the home lacks. Simple moves like marking the floors with chalk or painter's tape can help in visualizing the space before putting the actual measurements and plans on paper.
2. Consider the Best Layout
An experienced renovator knows that when working with an existing home, you simply can't have everything. When working with “first timers,” sometimes this is the biggest surprise. It may seem confusing, but the walls, supports, and mechanics dictate what the space can and cannot be used for. Obviously, factors like budget and existing limitations influence the design process. Consider the best layout for the basement based on the list of needs determined above. It's also wise to consult the experts on potential obstacles such as water issues, so they can be properly handled before moving forward with the design.
The key to a successful project is the ability to be flexible and a willingness to work with those obstacles that will undoubtedly arise. Thinking outside the box can help with working around the unexpected. In working within limitations like support poles or surprises like moisture beneath an older house, it helps to be flexible. Our sample homeowners decided to work around an obstacle with the ceiling. This was a great way to work with ceiling height, even though they clearly had to manage the existing HVAC. It's all about flexibility. It makes the renovation process an entirely different experience.
Windows: If the space is lucky enough to have window placement in a basement, utilize natural light in as many ways possible. These homeowners included wall-to-wall windows to keep the space light and bright in the bottom level. They broke them up into smaller windows, and the fact that there were once a pair of old metal garage doors in their place is no longer evident.
Lighting: Just because it's a basement doesn't mean it has to be a drop-down ceiling with sterile lighting. Utilize canned lights and lots of style with your lighting to warm up the space in great, unexpected ways.
5. Bring in the Style
Once you are finished with the basics of the building process, use various pieces to add warmth and make your basement feel like home. Bringing in personal style is the best way to tell a story of the homeowners themselves along with pieces that can grow with the space and a family's needs. Consider sleeper sofas for guests, bookshelves for storage, wallpaper for personality, and more. It's the best way to add storage while bringing in character in really fun ways.
The process of taking on a basement renovation is a wonderful journey for the homeowner. It can pay off in big ways with a little planning and patience. Happy designing!
Jamin and Ashley Mills are the design duo behind The Handmade Home design studio in Nashville. They help clients locally and nationally achieve realistic, attainable homes while living by their mantra of "we don't believe in the dream home we believe in your home." They've been recognized nationally by numerous TV and media outlets as well as named as two of the most creative people in the country by Country Living Magazine. Check out their designs and creations at thehandmadehome.net as well as on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
