If your growing family or changing lifestyle patterns mean you require extra space at home, you don’t necessarily need to buy a new house. Instead, you can renovate your damp, dark basement into anything you need, such as a study area, a playroom, or a workout area. If you can’t do all the work yourself, hire experts to handle the tough jobs. Here are some things to take care of to make your basement usable.
Start your project by decluttering the basement of everything that won’t be needed, like old furniture, books, and toys. Remove old carpeting or curtains that you plan to replace. When the room is bare, sweep down the ceiling, walls, and floor using a broom or vacuum sweeper to get rid of the dust and debris. Wash the windows and open them to air out the space or use a large fan to circulate the air. Check for signs of insect or rodent infestations and set traps to eliminate the pests.
Check your basement for signs of water leakage or mold, and clean those areas as well. Patch any cracks or damage in the rafters or walls for a smooth finish.
Then, seal the basement against future moisture by hiring a professional basement waterproofing company or doing the work yourself. If you don’t have experience with this, it is often a good idea to have it done professionally. Unprevented water damage can do a lot of harm to your house and could even be a health hazard. Ventilate the area well during the waterproofing to avoid strong fumes.
Make any necessary repairs like replacing broken floor tile, cracked windows, or damaged light fixtures. Check the electric outlets to ensure they all work, and update them as needed. If the area is too chilly, consider adding a portable space heater or a built-in wall unit. You can also install an electric-powered fireplace that looks like blazing logs. You may want to add a door to enclose the finished basement for daily activities if you plan to use part of the area for laundry or other functional necessities.
Finally, paint the walls a light or bright color for a lively effect. You may want to get new carpet or flooring for comfort and aesthetic appeal. Update the room with track lighting or another style of illumination to keep the area well-lit for various activities. You can find second-hand furniture in your favorite retro design or inexpensive casual pieces for leisure or a home office. Arrange your new room in a comfortable and welcoming style.
Redoing your basement for added living space will save money while enhancing your home’s value. Take a good look at your unfinished basement area to see how it could be put to better use.
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