Ideas for Transforming Your Basement

Before you decide on the style or look of your transformed basement, you will need to take a few design and construction elements into consideration. First, you will want to make sure the staircase leading to your basement is inviting. You may need to replace your stairs and handrails with high-quality materials that match the design of your home. Have any doors or walls that prevent easy access to the basement removed. Make sure your basement is receiving plenty of natural light. You may need to install egress windows for more light and to use as an emergency exit. Egress windows are large windows used in basements that are set partially underground. Finally, make sure you and your guests will have easy access to a bathroom from your basement. For convenience, you may want to consider installing a small bathroom in your transformed basement. There are many great uses for this area of your home, including the following creative ideas:

Wet Bar

You can install a wet bar into your basement to give it the feel of a sports bar or an old-fashioned pub. Beer and soda taps can add style to your wet bar. You will want to make sure you have professional bar tools, including shakers and shot glasses, on hand. You will also want to have an ice-maker and dishwasher installed for added convenience. Foot rails, custom cabinetry, granite countertops and glass holders can provide a high-end feel to your wet bar. You may also want to install a pool table to entertain guests as you mix drinks. A big screen television will also add entertainment to your basement wet bar.

Wine Cellar

You can transform your basement into a wine cellar without having to spend a fortune on adding a bathroom and windows. In fact, a very dark and cool basement will make an excellent wine cellar. Make sure there is little or no natural light in your basement. You will want the temperature of your wine cellar to be around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Wine is best preserved at this temperature. You may need to add some heating and cooling to your basement in order to achieve this constant temperature. In addition to temperature and light control, you will want to install shelving to store your wine. Wine bottles need to be store at a 45-degree angle to prevent the bottle cork from drying. You can buy wine storage shelves online. If you are handy with tools, then you can build your own wine storage shelves.

Home Theater

An old basement can be transformed into a home theater experience. For an authentic look to your theater, home movie theater seats can be purchased at your local department store. For your screen, you can use a large flat screen television or a projection television. The key to a successful home theater is the sound system. You will most likely want your sounds system professionally installed. If you decide to install the sound system yourself, make sure you understand the acoustics of your space and have a good grasp of electrical wiring. Keep in mind you may also want to include soundproofing in your as to not disturb anyone else as you use your theater. A popcorn machine can also be a fun addition to your basement home theater.

Office

If you are running a business from home or just need a space for the kids to do their homework, then you may want to transform your basement into an office. If your basement is unfinished, then you will need to install sheet rock to finish your walls. Make sure you have plenty of access to natural lighting and that the space is properly heated and cooled. There’s nothing worse than trying to work in a very hot or cold office. Build shelves into your walls to hold your books and materials. Make sure you add all the electrical plugs you will need for your computer equipment and position the plugs close to where you will have your desk.

No matter how you decide to repurpose your basement, it is sure to add value to your home.