Homeowners are increasingly rediscovering their basement, so to speak, and coming up with the idea of converting this otherwise little-used area of the house into a cozy living area. And in our opinion that is a great idea. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when doing this task so that you really achieve the result you expect. In this article we would like to give you some tips that will help you convert the basement into living space correctly and perfectly.
The basement room can be converted into any type of room. As long as no independent apartment is being built, no permits are required. Planning in advance is very important. First, think about what type of room you want to design and then what kind of budget you have available. If you convert the basement into living space, you can expect a not very low sum. You should consider and calculate all of this in advance so that no surprises arise during the renovation.
Light and ventilation systems
Basements are usually very dark. Whatever room you want to design, ensuring there is enough light is very important. After all, you want to feel comfortable like in a normal living space and not like in a basement. Windows are an important point here for sufficient daylight and are even required by law for rooms of a certain size. Permanent habitation is not permitted without windows. Otherwise, ventilation can be installed.
What to do with the basement?
The fact that you should consider the type of room in advance is also an important point because necessary installations are often missing in the basement. For example, if you want to set up a bathroom, the necessary pipework may be missing and will have to be added first, which will incur additional costs. The requirements for heating or electricity are often not met.
Insulate basements
Insulating the basement is one of the first important steps if you want to convert the basement into living space. You can get this quickly with thermal insulation panels. The advantage of this construction measure is that you can reduce future energy costs. Insulation on the ceiling also insulates the basement very well. Depending on the type of ceiling, it is either attached directly to the ceiling or achieved in the form of a suspended ceiling.
flooring
The ground also needs to be prepared. A sealing coat is necessary, followed by board or bulk insulation. A subfloor then provides the necessary basis for possible underfloor heating. If you haven't planned one, this will follow immediatelyscreed. Now you can attach any floor covering. There are no limits here.
How can I furnish my basement?
Once you have transformed the basement into a livable space with all the necessary installations, you can start furnishing it. Of course, this varies depending on the type of room. You should furnish the basement sensibly. This expanded room can be used as an additional bedroom when new offspring are expected. Again, it should be noted that in this case there must be sufficient windows.
Great ideas
If you haven't really decided what you want to use the newly designed room for, then below we have a list of popular ideas that are most often implemented. Maybe you can use it as inspiration if you also convert your basement into living space.
Design a party room
The basement can also be converted into a party room. This is an advantage if there is no space for a bar and games such as billiards in the upper living rooms. The room can also be used perfectly in the cold and rainy seasons. If you convert the basement into living space in this way, it is recommended to have a toilet and a sink in the basement so that you don't always have to run upstairs.
Idea for a library
The isolated space in the lower part of the house offers peace and relaxation. That's why setting up a library after converting the basement into living space is a great idea. Think good lighting to protect your eyes. If the basement is too large for a single library, divide the room into two areas. A lounge should not be missing. There you can read the book with the necessary comfort.
Set up office
A study is also very suitable for the basement for the reasons mentioned above. If you work there all day, this idea for converting the basement into a living space is more suitable if there are also windows. The desk should also preferably be located by the window. If you have a small basement, use space-saving office furniture to furnish it.
Set up guest rooms
If you often have guests who stay with you, you will probably want to offer them something more comfortable than the sofa. Don't you have a free room on the ground floor? In this case, the basement is again a perfect option. The area can really be made extremely comfortable, as you can see in this example. This way you get a practical result.
Children's room design
Whether it's a children's room or a playroom, your child will feel wonderful in their new space provided you follow the tips mentioned above. A playroom is not only useful for the children because there is a lot of space. The parents can now also relax better, because the romp in the basement is not nearly as loud as when the children are romping above them.
Sauna
The cellar can also serve as a wellness oasis after it has been expanded. And admittedly, the idea is really tempting. Don't have a bathtub in the upstairs bathroom but really want one? Then design a new bathroom in the bathroom that you can only use for bathing. For the perfect spa atmosphere and relaxation, a sauna is of course also recommended. Entire sets are offered that are installed quickly and easily.
As a workshop
If you don't have a garage but like to do crafts, you may have already thought about the basement or even stored your tools there. Make your personal workshop perfect by insulating the room well, equipping it with heating and refurnishing it. Distribute shelves and set up a workbench. This makes the work easier and much more fun. An extra entrance from the garden is also an advantage.
Set up home theater
Who hasn't dreamed of their own cinema hall? The basement is a suitable room for this, especially if it is soundproofed. Of course, this is a very expensive idea. It doesn't have to be so luxurious. After converting the basement into living space, a simple home theater system and a large TV are enough to make watching movies a better experience. Comfortable seating is also a must.
Design a fitness room
Why spend the money on the gym when you can put good equipment in the house. However, since these are quite large and take up a lot of space, there is usually no room for them in the house. And this is where the basement comes into play again. A solid floor, good ventilation, possibly mirrors and high-quality equipment are all you need to get started with your fitness program. Follow the rules.
Setting up a laundry room
Or you can simply use the basement again after the renovation for what it is intended for in most cases. A spacious laundry room is a dream of many housewives. Not only the washing machine but also a dryer can easily be accommodated there. And many cupboards for bed linen, detergent or other cleaning products can also be stored here. As you can see, you can design the basement according to your wishes and now use the unused space in a meaningful way.
