When done correctly, finished basement renovations can add a tremendous amount of value to your home. With project ideas ranging from small, simple upgrades to large full-room or floor remodels, there are a variety of ways to improve the utility and livability of your basement. That said, basement renovation plans aren’t always easy, and ensuring that you’ve selected the right areas of focus – and have approached them in a proper way – will be critical to guaranteeing success.
In this article, we’re going to explore the top basement ideas and renovation upgrades that add value to your home, as well as some best practices to ensure that renovations proceed without a hitch.
Additional Bedroom
One of the most sure-fire ways of increasing property value through renovations is by creating an additional bedroom space in your basement. Although there are legal limitations that you’ll need to consider prior to jumping into a project of this nature, having an additional functioning bedroom will completely change the capacity limitations of your home, opening it up to a completely new set of buyers. Be sure to implement bedroom essentials, such as a closet and nearby bathroom, to ensure quality of experience.
Additional Bathroom
Adding an additional bathroom to your home can be an incredibly effective way to increase property value, as bathrooms are often seen as a ‘more-the-merrier’ home essential. This cost associated with a complete bathroom addition will vary depending on a few key factors, such as size, materials, and whether or not the plumbing is already set up for such a project. Regardless, finishing a basement bathroom will be a sure way to add value to your home.
Wet Bar
For basements designed to entertain, there are few upgrades better than a wet bar. Combining functional counter space and cabinetry with modern appliances – including bar fridges and a sink – will allow you to serve guests without ever having to step away from the action. Not only are wet bars incredibly functional, but they also provide plenty of character to your basement, helping to create an inviting atmosphere that you’ll be able to enjoy throughout the years ahead.
Kitchen
Adding a kitchen to your basement is an incredibly effective way of creating space flexibility and increasing home value. A fully functional basement kitchen not only allows you to host events with ease, but it gives you the opportunity to create a guest or in-law suite. This additional living space can be used for personal stays or rented out to tenants for additional income. Regardless of the route you take, adding a full kitchen – equipped with a fridge, oven, microwave, sink, and dishwasher – will provide tremendous value to your home.
Good Lighting
Although not necessarily at the top of most homeowners’ basement upgrade lists, proper lighting throughout the space will have a profound impact on the experience and living quality of your basement. Given the limited amount of natural sunlight that makes its way into the basement, finding ways to properly light the space through artificial installations is important. You should make use of under-cabinet lights, pot lights, pendant lights, and more throughout the space. In addition to having multiple sources of artificial light, you’ll want to install dimmers. Having the ability to brighten and dim lights on demand will allow you to create a warm, welcoming basement experience.
Storage Space
When considering how to finish a basement renovation project, most homeowners overlook the importance of storage space and the impact it has on both living quality and home value. When considering project alternatives, be sure to factor in enough space for storage and organization, ensuring that you can adequately maintain the overflow of your belongings. Whether it be separate storage rooms, or a dedicated cellar, finding space for the nagging Christmas decorations, sports equipment, bulk food and cooking utensils, and extra furniture should be top of mind.
Egress Window for the Bedroom
In addition to completing finished basement renovation ideas that are functional, stylish, and timeless, you’ll also want to ensure safety and security. In addition to installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and testing the radon levels of the space, you should also be sure to include an egress window. An egress window is one that can be easily opened from the inside without the use of tools, and it’s an incredibly important evacuation route in the event of basement emergencies. If you intend to create a living space in your basement, an egress window will be required. If not, it’s still a great idea to include one in your plans for the sake of ensuring stress-free living.
Home Office
Now more than ever, home has become a place of work – primary for some and secondary for others. Creating a dedicated workspace is an incredibly important step in ensuring you can do meaningful work while at home, and there’s no better place than the basement to integrate one. Designed for separation from daily at-home activities, a dedicated office space will allow you to disconnect and engage in work like never before, and it will also open you up to a series of tax write offs and benefits. In addition to being just a home office, this space can also include a pull-out couch, allowing it to double as a guest room.
There are few home renovation projects more exciting than a complete basement remodeling. When approaching your finished basement project, be sure to consider what spaces your family will benefit from and create a roadmap that ensures as much value is created as possible. From kitchens to bedrooms to bathrooms and beyond, the number of ways for you to improve living quality and increase home value are endless.
To ensure that your project goes smoothly and stays within budget, you should rely on an experienced basement renovation team. Harmony Basements has been helping clients across the Greater Toronto Area with their home renovations for several years, bringing to you the professionalism needed to generate a return on investment through renovation projects. To learn more about our team, process, or to obtain a project quote, please contact us today!
