Wendy Chastain Photography

While the basement is usually the darkest room in the house, that doesn't mean it can't be converted into living space. Converting a basement from just a storage area to one that adds value to your home requires that you put a little thought into the remodel. Besides the absence of light, moisture is a factor in basements that has to be addressed. You don't want to finish a basement only to have people feel it is halfway done or badly done.

Utility

Basements have been about storage for many generations. When you are thinking of converting it to usable space, you will want to figure out what you want to convert it to. If you try to add bedroom space, it's likely it won't add much resale value to your home. There are few people who would consider sleeping in the basement a good bedroom space.

However, many people think of basements as fun rooms. Adding a wet bar, entertainment area can help to enhance the feeling of fun. It can be converted into a family room or children's playroom, all of which have great appeal to today's modern family.

Plan your remodel with a professional to really nail the plan down. Have blueprints of your plan with measurements to scale. Create a budget and estimate the material costs. Get some estimates from contractors to find out the labor costs. In the end, you may need to hire a contractor if you have to get permits to finish your basement. Check with your local government offices.

Take Care Of The Details

Obviously, you can't just put a couch in the basement and call it a family room. You will have to make sure you've locked out moisture and added lighting. In addition, sound insulation may be needed if you have appliances like furnaces running in the basement. You will want to make sure there are sufficient outlets for whatever new appliances you want to add. The basement should be well ventilated too - no musty odors!

If plumbing is an issue for a wet bar or a closet bathroom, you will have to take these large expenses into consideration. Don't overdo the budget so that the value of the remodel when added to the value of your home brings it way above your neighbor's home values. You won't be able to recoup your investment if the value added is not similar to homes in your area. This is very important when you are planning your remodel. Don't add anything so extravagant that when it comes time to sell, the finished basement is considered an oddity rather than a sales feature.

Decorating And Remodeling

Here you can let your creativity flow. Paint, wallpaper, paneling, ceramic, laminate and a myriad of other home improvement products can help you convert your basement to usable living space. Don't try to make the basement match the rest of the house. Instead, let it have it's own unique character to give it the air of a secret hideaway.

For help with home organization, visit Get Organized for great deals on bathroom space savers and kitchen organizers

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