The basement is, without a doubt, one of the most under-utilized areas in the house. In fact, many homeowners avoid their basements as much as possible, missing out on the opportunity to create a gorgeous living space in the process. While some homeowners simply do not have the budget or time for a basement makeover, others simply feel completely overwhelmed by the prospect of transforming the dull and dreary space into something fabulous. If you have always dreamed of renovating your basement but just never got around to it, a few guidelines may make the task at hand seem less daunting.
Make sure the basement is waterproof
Before you start physically transforming your basement into a beautiful living area, you have to make sure that it is waterproof. Unfortunately, basements are more prone to damp than other rooms in the house because of their below-ground location. While it may be tricky, it is very possible to give even the dampest of basements a complete makeover. A good starting point is to determine whether your basement needs waterproofing or damp proofing. If you live in an area where the water table is high or other ground-water conditions exist, full waterproofing may be necessary. Alternatively, you may get away with simply damp proofing the space to keep the moisture out. Once you have eliminated the damp in your basement, you can commence creating the living space you’ve been dreaming of.
Choose a theme to suit your lifestyle
While not every room in your house has to have a theme, you might find that a themed basement is exactly what you’ve been looking for. Sticking to a theme will also make it easier to coordinate color schemes, furniture, and decorative elements. There are virtually countless themes to pick from, although it is generally a good idea to stick to one that suits your lifestyle. If your family loves movies, a home cinema may be a great idea. A games room complete with big-screen TV and a pool table is another popular theme. Alternatively, you might want to turn your basement into a bedroom or a home office, in which case you will choose your flooring, furniture and decorations accordingly.
Don’t be afraid to seek professional help
As much as you may consider yourself a DIY pro, and regardless of how badly you want to renovate your basement on your own, there is no shame in requiring professional assistance. When it comes to electrical and plumbing renovations, in particular, it’s often best to seek out a qualified plumber and electrician to complete the task. Other tasks that are probably best left to professionals include any structural alterations, tiling, and window renovations. Even if you do have to bring in multiple professionals to perform the bulk of the work, you can still be in total control of both the final look and feel of the remodel.
Great joy can be derived from turning a dull and dreary basement into a great living area. As long as the area is properly prepared before you start decorating, you’re bound to be left with a space that’s both beautiful and functional.
