Home improvement is on every homeowner’s mind at some time. We all love our homes, but there are always one or two parts of it that don’t quite work for the lifestyle we want to live. It may be that your living room is too small for that corner suite you have always fancied. Perhaps you want a free standing range in your kitchen, but the current room layout doesn’t allow for it. And who wouldn’t want a big enough bathroom for a roll top bath!
As our families grow we find we need more rooms to fit everything in. We need separate spaces to pursue hobbies and more bathrooms for the morning rush. Not everybody fancies moving house, so we look to altering or improving what we have to better fit us. Sometimes it is possible to extend out. Others like to make use of the loft space by extending up. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, you might want to convert your basement into a more useable space.
Basement conversion photograph from Flickr.com
There are countless things we can use basements for. Storage here is common. Laundry rooms are usually placed in the basement too. Others never venture down into their dark and dingy lower rooms. The basement can be converted into a useable room with a bit of planning and some professional help. Of course, you will have to take action to prevent your basement from flooding if you are using it full time. If you are satisfied the room is safe, dry and well ventilated, it could become anything.
Some people like to use their basements as gyms. You should make sure there is plenty of light and fresh air coming in. The floor may need an extra layer to create the right surface and spring for all your equipment and activities. If you are planning on installing a steam room and shower down there, check with your local regulations office. Most families like to use the larger basement space as a games room with a pool table. Others set up a little cinema room as there is little disturbance from natural light.
Hobbies and crafts can make their home in the basement too, although any use of chemicals, glues or other toxic products should only be used when there is full ventilation. Musicians like basements because they can fit more people and instruments in for jamming sessions. In the basement, the sound is less likely to intrude on the rest of the household or the neighbors. Power supplies should be set up and checked by qualified electricians, and protected from any damp that may get in.
Whatever you are planning to use your basement for, it can be a highly versatile place. With so many different uses, it can also be a very valuable space if reclaimed and treated properly. The extra room in the house can add value to your property when it comes time to sell. Make sure to retain all certification for damp-proofing, plumbing, electricals and flood prevention.
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