Three Unexpected Basement Renovations

Homeowners who find themselves lucky enough to have a home with basement space may yet find themselves scratching their heads. Whether it's finished or not, how can the space be best used? For many, a basement turns into nothing more than glorified storage - a place to keep holiday decorations until they are needed, where over-sized pantry goods can be stored until they are called for, and where outgrown clothing can be stashed until someone makes a trip to a donation shop.

Basement renovations can turn all that around. A basement can add an astounding amount of living space to your home, giving your family a remarkable new lease on life. As an even greater bonus, when you're ready to sell your home it will have a huge leg up on the competition - homes with finished basements have a tremendous amount of resale value.

Here are three unexpected - yet completely usable - ways to turn your basement into the perfect spot for your family.

Mother-in-Law Suite

While you don't have to put your mother-in-law in it once it's done, a mother-in-law suite offers a prime retreat for house guests - whether temporary or more long-term. Mother-in-law suites are often laid out like small apartments, featuring kitchenettes and bathrooms as well as sleeping and lounging areas. Be sure to check your local city codes and requirements, as not all cities will allow for multiple living spaces in one house - something that a kitchen and bath in a basement would turn your home into. As an added bonus, a basement that has outside access could one day be rented out as an apartment! 

Rumpus Room

Got kids? Need a place for them to escape? Consider building an entire underground cavern for them to take over and go nuts in. There are many features that can turn a basement into a full-blown rumpus room, including a climbing wall, climbing ropes, and even monkey bars. Be sure that you include some new flooring options in your redesign - either movable thick floor mats that you can re-position, or even a rubberized composite flooring made from recycled tires. 

Wine Cellar and Bar

Want a gorgeous place to drink and store your favorite beverages? While basement bars aren't too uncommon, they often feature a sports bar element - a big screen TV, beer on tap, maybe some leather recliners. We propose a different kind of basement bar - enter, the basement lounge. Devote a portion of your space to storing your favorite vinos, and pick out some comfy and classy chairs and tables to go with it. An elegant wet bar makes a great addition, especially if you plan on mixing up some cocktails for later drinking. 

Looking for more inspiration? We're here to help! Contact us to get your basement reno going!

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