Creating that dream basement space

Your basement could be a great functional room for you and your family to enjoy..

Most people view their basements as a dark, dingy storage area for seasonal items and other things that do not get frequent use. Many people only set foot in their basements when it is absolutely necessary, such as to store away more unwanted items.

Your basement could be a great functional room for you and your family to enjoy. Think about all the extra living space you could have if you simply remodeled your basement. There are almost endless possibilities of what to do with the space, a guest room, game room, office, or craft and sewing area.

Here we will give you five steps to creating that dream basement space:

1. Fix Basement Water Problems
You want to deal with any dampness or water issues prior to beginning your remodeling project. This is true even if the problems are only sporadic. Your first step should be to have your basement inspected by a home inspector who specialized in waterproofing problems. Be aware that this step could take some time to complete.

2. Determine the Purpose of the New Space
Think about using the basements negative qualities to your advantage, for instance dark rooms make great home theatres and isolated spaces make great teenage hangouts or band practice spaces. Figure out what activities your family enjoys and let your creativity run wild.

3. Think About Hiring a Professional
You want to end up with a space you will enjoy for years to come that will really add value to your home. One way to be sure you get the best possible design is to hire a professional designer or architect. They can work with you to make the space practical and comfortable for your family.

4. Think About Air Circulation
The air circulation in your basement is an important thing to consider when planning the space. You will probably need to add in registers and vents to make the air in your basement enjoyable to breathe. It is also a good idea to install a carbon dioxide monitor so that you can be aware of any venting problems associated with the furnace or other appliances.

5. Use Natural Light When You Can
You may need to add additional natural lighting, depending on how you have chosen to use the space. Enlarging your windows is the best way to do this, and has the additional advantage of providing fire escape routes in case of emergency. If you have areas that posse a risk of thieves entering your home, you may want to consider adding glass bricks instead of windows to add light into the space. A great idea is to place window between the interior walls of the basement space to allow natural light to penetrate into those interior rooms. .

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