Planning Your Basement Space

June 21^st, 2012

Have you been somewhat puzzled in trying to come up with a design concept that will bring life to that dark, dank concrete space under your home? Well, before you can even think about the colors of the paint, the placement of furniture or carpet in your Basement, you need to evaluate the space in question first. Don’t get discouraged though, your basement no longer has to be the dungeon and creepy, unused space it once was. With a little inspiration and creative planning you can soon realize a warm, inviting and truly awe-inspiring extension to your home.

 First, stand at the bottom of your Basement steps and take a look at the space available to you. Try to get a preliminary visual picture of how you want to use the space and what the functionality is in which you want to achieve. Imagine what it might look like and store that image away in your mind. Also utilize the many examples available to you on the Internet as well as in magazines. Remember to be budget conscious and prioritize your most important aspects of the design.

 During your inventory, you have to take into account a few necessary evils. For example, by identifying the items that will have to stay no matter what. These items include the heater/AC unit and associated ductwork, water heater, sump pump and crock, electrical panel and wiring, pipes, support columns, and beams. All of these things are necessary to the function of the home and their location cannot be changed without incurring monumental costs. If you have a very large budget then moving these items may better serve your new floor plan. In the majority of cases it is wise to use your budget for other things that might serve your needs in a more functional way. Although the original builder/owner of the home did not take into account the future use of the Basement as living space as they were placing the utilities, with a good design these items can be hidden in a way that can make them become part of the design and even add visual appeal.

Some Common Ideas

• Office: With the right lighting and organization you can create the office or work environment you’ve always wanted. Again, if you have a separate entrance you can even capitalize on operating your business from home while saving thousands a year on Gas.
• Game Room: Most basements have more than enough space to accommodate a pool table, darts and other family games. Add a bar and turn the game room into a classy, welcoming neighborhood retreat.
• Childs Playroom: A perfect haven for children or grandchildren … consider using softer furnishings such as carpet in children’s play areas as the entire floor need not be the same for all areas of the design.
• Gym: No excuses not to hit the gym when it’s right there in your own home! Mirrors, TV’s, a juice bar and of course exercise equipment, will give you the motivation to actually stick to your Fitness goals.
• Guest Quarters: Perfect for overnight or extended company. They will feel right at home with the extra privacy and Creating a cozy bedroom makes guests feel welcome and comfortable, even though they may be far from home
• Extra Living Space: Maybe you simply want to utilize the extra space for the whole family? One of the many benefits of a well-planned basement is that can cater to the whole family’s needs. Plenty of open space means everyone can do what they enjoy, all at the same time. To me that is a  win-win situation for any family. Also with the extra space you gain in a basement remodel you’ll have more than enough room to host all the family holidays.

Reclaiming that dungeon may seem like a daunting task, but the rewards you’ll reap will be pay you back ten-fold.

If you are interested in remodeling your basement call Artisan Construction and Remodeling today for a Design consultation and estimate.

Happy Remodeling!

Next Time… The Construction process