It’s long been disregarded as a dark and damp place to store all the clothes, souvenirs, and other stuff you don’t usually need to look at or think about. But in recent years homeowners have seen basements step out of the literal shadow to become bonafide living spaces on par with the rest of the house.
There are a variety of ways you can transform your basement into something new and exciting. Let’s take a look at four of the best ways to optimize that space in ways that it was never intended to be (but should have been).
Convert your basement into a den.
Easily one of the most popular uses for finished basements, dens can come in several forms. You can make it into the tried-and-true man cave, a sitting room where you can quietly read with a cup of coffee in hand, or a playroom for the kids. If the basement isn’t the most comfortable place for these kinds of activities, you could always add comfort features like rugs, cushy chairs, or even a fireplace.
Add a kitchenette.
Many homes already sport the backup fridge and freezer in the basement for auxiliary or long-term food storage. You can take that to the next level by turning your basement space into a full-blown kitchenette. A small stove, sink, and dishwasher will make your life easier (particularly if your existing kitchen space is often overwhelmed). And, it will add value to your home to boot.
Install another bathroom.
Let’s face it: unless you live alone, there’s a good chance you’ve been in a situation where the number of bathrooms in your home is exceeded by the number of people who are in desperate need of them. You can mitigate the likelihood of these crisis situations by adding a downstairs bathroom.
Generally speaking, it’s not a big deal if you don’t have the space to turn it into a full bathroom. If you’re short on space for the bathtub and cabinets, a half bathroom will do the job just fine. Of course, if you’re already installing a kitchenette and bathroom, you might want to consider going the full nine and…
Build a basement apartment.
Much like the den, this can take many forms, all of which will add both practical and property value. For one, you can turn it into a revenue source by renting it out as a basement apartment. If you or your spouse have elderly parents who need a place to live, it will make an excellent place for them to stay. A lot of people also use it as a starter home for newly-married kids to give them the chance to save their money for a down payment on their own home.
Conclusion
Far from the grimy storage spaces they’ve long been regarded as basements have proven to be some of the most versatile parts of the home. There’s no reason not to take advantage of the chance to flex your creative muscles and turn your basement into a marvel that will rival any Lake Tahoe homes for sale you’ll ever see! Thanks to SpinFeed for collaborating!
