Basement Room Basics

Having a basement room can expand the living space in your home and increase its value tremendously. Homeowners across the country are revamping these lower levels creating usable space that is functional yet stylish. Basements can be used for everything from offices, guest rooms and media rooms to den-type spaces where kids can hang out. Renovating an unfinished basement is a great project that will pay off over the years.

Game Rooms

One way to update a basic basement is by turning it into a game room with pinball machines, video games and perhaps even air hockey and a pool table. A unfinished basement that was once used only for storage can also be turned into a media room with large screen TV, comfortable furniture and even computers and desks for surfing the Internet.

Entertaining Room

By updating flooring and adding a Pullman kitchen with a small refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and prep area, your basement can serve as the perfect entertainment area for dinner parties and the like. If your basement has access to a backyard with a swimming pool, it can also serve as a changing room where guests and family alike can put on swimsuits and take showers.

Sauna/Darkroom/Hobby Room

A number of homeowners across the country have remodeled their basements to include a sauna, darkroom or hobby area. Contractors can divide a large open basement space into one that has several smaller rooms to accommodate a darkroom or sauna. Do-it-yourselfers with basic carpentry skills can often take on a build-out themselves.

Spare Bedroom

Basements can also serve as spare bedrooms for older children who may want some privacy or for the occasional aunt or grandparent who stays overnight. Be sure to add a comfortable bed, lounge or day bed, paintings, wall art and other accessories to make the basic basement feel more like an actual bedroom upstairs. A fresh coat of paint or mini-blinds on windows and door walls can make also it feel homier.

Two Rooms in One

A basement can serve dual functions such as a spare bedroom and media room or play area for kids. Basic room dividers like Japanese or wood screens purchased at home stores can easily make two rooms out of one. Another way to divide rooms is by using furniture like large sofa sectionals to separate functional areas.

Installing a Bathroom

Whether you use the basement as a spare bedroom, entertaining area or media room for the entire family, installing a half or full bathroom will really increases the functionality of the space. It will also add value when you're ready to sell your home.

Most people bring in contractors for a basement remodel. If you decide to do it yourself, be sure you understand the plumming, electrical and venting needs before you begin the project.