With your favorite sports season getting ready to start, why not consider using your lower level or basement as the main place to watch the games? If you are one of those people who still has a dark cold dungeon as a basement, it might be difficult to do that .
With home equity rates being as low as they are right now, it is probably the best time to consider finishing your basement so that you can use it for watching games, working out, playing games etc..! First, decide if it’s a do it yourself project or one for a professional to tackle, and then get renovations underway by following these simple steps:
Decide how you are going to use the new living space .
Deciding if the new living space is going to be an entertaining space for you and your friends, or is this space more a family hangout for the kids and their friends? When looking for ideas on how to use the space, try going to websites like www.builderbuddy.com and HGTV’s and TLC’s websites to get some inspiration and creative ideas. It is important to consider the practicul use of the space and not just build something that is really cool, but not something you will ever use. Just consider whether or not you really need a room for something like a pool table that will likely collect dust. After you determine the actual uses for the basement, then you are ready to get a layout created to help formulate a plan for the entire living space.
Lay the ground work.
The very first thing to consider is if the basement is waterproofed correctly to make sure you plan for appropriate heating and cooling for the space so that it is able to remove the moisture from the living space. If you live in a new home, then your basement floor should be built correctly to keep moisture out, but if it is older you may want to consider alternative options to carpet. This can be disastrous for carpet or wood, so look into a stylish laminate flooring instead. If your basement tends to be overly chilly or toasty, you may need to install extra cooling or heating ducts and appliances.
Appropriately use finishing techniques to maximize look and feel.
Unless your basement has lots of daylight windown, it is recommended to stay away from dark colors on the walls to avoid feeling like a dungeon, and consider using bright colors and mirrors if possible. These both create an illusion of a bigger, brighter space by reflecting light from even the smallest of windows. Adding a drop ceiling cuts out even more precious vertical space, making the height tough for a tall person to negotiate. Here’s a great idea: leave the original ceiling work exposed, and then paint it a dark color to create a camouflaged – yet modern – look. Support beams and other structural work can be treated the same way to craft an undone, contemporary, and urban feel. If you are working with a contractor, then you should ask them for some ideas of what they have done in the past for ceilings and even ask to go look at some of their past work. There is a Indianapolis remodeling contractor that we found online that has great ideas and products that they have used to help make the basement area feel open and bright while still keeping cost down.
Interior decorating.
This is an area where you can really express your personality and the options are endless! The most unbelievable basement I’ve ever been in included a game room, and when I say game room, I mean a wild African game room! The homeowner was an avid hunter and brought home many prize animals back from safari trips to display in his basement – including zebras, big cats, and antelope! Maybe that’s a little out of your element, but what about decorating according to your favorite sports team and adorning your walls with Fatheads of your athletes? Another thought: if the winter blues have you wanting to hit the links (and if you have the ceiling height and space), set up a golf net or even a virtual golf simulator. Include a putting and full swing mat, floor to ceiling net, vertical mirror, and chipping basket. Be careful of windows and stick to plastic golf balls: if my memory serves me correctly, I remember a certain family member of mine (who shall remain nameless) putting a golf ball through a basement window! Put in a home theatre, a music recording studio, a tanning bed… the options are truly infinite! In looking through websites of basement remodelers, we found an remodeling Indianapolis contractor’s website that showcased many different photos of different bars and theaters that were done with normal materials that are easily available at any home improvement center .
Don’t forget to consult friends and family for their advice if they’ve previously invested time and money in their basements. They will likely know the inside scoop, including names of remodeling pros, best places to shop, and construction guidance. Best of luck in fashioning the perfect underground habitat!
