Converting a Basement
In the times of recession, it isn’t always practical, or financially viable to buy luxury items such as leather couches let alone to move into a larger home. But there may be a way to get the most out of your property, without having to do major building works or spend large amounts of money. If you have a basement in your house you may be able to make use of this area to add both value and space to your home with a minimum of outlay.
Firstly you need to decide what type of space you want, if you wish to use it as a bedroom, you may need to undertake further minor building works to ensure the space is waterproof, that the drywall is not damp and that it will be comfortable. As this is an underground area with no lighting, you may wish to use it as an area for sleeping, or ensure that the lighting in the room will be sufficient for your requirements. For those with teenage children, privacy and leisure time for them may be beneficial for the whole family. Providing them with a room away from the family space that they can bring their friends to and entertain themselves is ideal. You could provide a pool table, a television and a refrigerator. Locating a music system in a basement area could keep noise pollution from being a problem, particularly with neighbours. Soundproofing is easy to install, and if you or your family are musically inclined then a music room in the basement could provide and entertaining family space in which you can play to your heart’s content.
For those with younger children, this space could be used as a playroom to keep toys contained to one area and reclaim the home as an area for the whole family. Children love the idea of having their own space and provided there is sufficient lighting they could let their imaginations run free.
A home office is another option for a basement space. It is suitably removed from the home to provide minimum disturbance and noise, but again you must ensure that the lighting is sufficient for your working environment.
A basement may not seem the most obvious choice for extending your home, but it is one worth considering. In times of austerity we need to maximise the use of the whole of our homes, and the more living space for us and our families, the better.
