You have more space in your home than you realize. If you look carefully, there are probably 500 to 1000 square feet of unused expanse in the form of your basement. You might not realize it, but the area can become an important part of your home.
Today, 9% of new homes in the U.S. market have finished basements. You can make this happen inside your property with the right guidance. Here are a few recommendations on how to totally transform your basement space.
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Repair Any Water Issues
Water is the biggest problem when it comes to shifting your basement from storage to living space. Seeping concrete, foundation cracks, and other situations must be investigated and rectified before any renovation is done.
This isn’t only to prevent damp areas. It’s also critical to avoid dangerous mold spores. If this is undetected during the basement renovation, those who spend a lot of time down there can get sick.
Install Moisture Resistant Drywall
The best way to prevent the growth of mold is to install moisture-resistant drywall in the basement. Its special design denies mold spores the required air and moisture to generate. Some mold-resistant drywall features a thicker paper front and back. It’s heavily coated with a waxy substance to prevent the ingredients for mold to attach themselves.
To add an extra layer of protection to your transformed basement space, use mildew-resistant paint and primer to cover the drywall. On top of protecting it from mold, it also helps to reduce odors.
Clean Your Air Ducts
Another way to ensure your basement has a healthy environment is to clean the air ducts. Regardless if you regularly replace your air filters, dust and dirt can still accumulate in these spaces. When mixed with humid air the ducts are a breeding ground for mold spores.
So, before the ceiling is put in, have a professional clean the air ducts in the entire home. On top of this, replace old and rusted vents. Furthermore, when they are all clean, never shut the events completely. This allows humid air to collect and potentially generate new instances of mold.
Consider Sturdier Wall Decorations
Once a basement is transformed, some homeowners decorate the walls with posters. This isn’t a good idea. During humid days, the dark space behind them is a prime area for mold creation.
Thus, if you want to adorn your walls with prints, then put them in frames. This closes gaps where the air gets through. Better yet, consider custom metal prints. These pieces of art from locations like Gloss Metal Prints are hardier decorations that have minimal risk of rust. Plus, they add a burnished shine to your walls.
Add Proper Lighting
A finished basement is still a basement. It’s below ground, thus natural illumination is at a minimum. If the right lights aren’t installed, a beautifully redone basement feels dark and claustrophobic.
This is the reason why proper lighting is a necessity. Basically, there should be a light for every 25 sq. ft. of space. Also, don’t focus solely on overhead lamps. Mix it up with free-standing models, table lamps, and decorative hanging lights.
Utilize Bright Paint Colors
The lack of proper lighting makes a finished basement seem dull. Painting the walls with dark colors enhances the oppressiveness. To correct this, cover the walls with bright and airy hues.
Those in the blue, green, yellow, and purple spectrums have the ability to make a basement feel larger no matter its size. Additionally, warmer colors create a sense of calm. As a result, your family members become frequent visitors.
Separate Spaces
Your transformed basement doesn’t have to be one large area. You can create separate spaces to accommodate all interests. For instance, place vertical bookshelves and a comfortable chair in one corner to create a reading nook. Add a pool table to open space for a game room. Basically, the combinations are endless.
The above suggestions should help you get a start on totally transforming your basement space. The best advice for this remodel is to take it slow. Take care of the infrastructure first — repairs, cleaning, mold prevention, etc. Then concentrate on the decorative additions. You’ll have an inviting basement space before you know it.
