7 Tips to Help You Upgrade Your Basement in 2023

One of the biggest goals people make in the new year is to do some work/remodeling on their home. For instance, your basement. Right now, you're just using it to store old boxes and things you can't think of anywhere else to put. Wouldn't it be nice if you could turn it into something fun or functional for your home? Here are a few ideas for your basement this year.

1. Second Living Room
   Your basement typically has more space than the rooms on the main floor, so if you're looking for a place to relax and spend time with your family, or entertain guests, try turning your basement into a second living room. Add some carpeting, a couch, a lounge chair, and a TV on one side, and on the other side, shelves for board games, a large table to sit around, a play area for the kids, and more. It's also a perfect place for a Big Game party or movie marathon. Think of all the things you'd like to put in your main floor living room but don't have room for, and add them to the basement instead.
   
   
2. Home Theater
   Instead of a TV, try getting a large screen and a projector. Add in some speakers and a few comfortable recliners with cupholders, and you can get the theatrical experience with any movie you watch. The lack of natural light in the basement means the room can get nice and dark when the lights go down, adding to the experience. And if you really want to go all out, put in a snack bar with a popcorn maker and a fridge for drinks. You may never go out to see a movie again.
   
   
3. Home Gym
   If you like to work out and keep in shape, the basement is a great place for a home gym. Put in some rubber or vinyl flooring and add whatever workout paraphernalia you use: treadmill, dumbells, rowing machine, etc. You can install a rack for towels and even put in a shower for afterward.
   
   
4. Wine Cellar
   If you're a wine lover, the basement is the perfect place to keep your collection, as the temperature below ground is perfect for wine storage. You'll need good ventilation and air circulation, as well as plenty of shelves and racks to put your bottles on display. If you really want to get fancy, portion off part of the basement as a tasting room, with tables and chairs and a rack for your stemware.
   
   
5. Laundry Room
   This may seem like a mundane use for your basement, but it doesn't have to be. First, upgrade to a high-quality, energy-efficient washer/dryer combo. Add some ambient lighting to make the area brighter, and paint the walls a cheery color. Put in some shelves for your detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, and other paraphernalia, and a cabinet for the ironing board. Then install a laundry shoot to get your dirty clothes downstairs more quickly and easily. With just a few minor additions, you can make this boring chore a little less drab.
   
   
6. Bedroom
   Maybe you have a child who's getting older and wants more independence. Maybe you have a parent, sibling, or other adult living with you, who needs a space of their own. Maybe you just want a guest room, so friends and relatives can come for a visit. Whatever the reason, a basement bedroom is a great way to give someone staying with you some extra privacy.
   
   
7. Hobby Room or Studio
   The basement is a great space to accommodate just about any hobby. Soundproof it, and it can be a music room or even a recording studio. Add a few large tables and some extra shelving, and you've got the makings of a craft room. Put in an easel and space for canvases and/or a sculpting wheel, and you have an art studio. You could even put in a stage and curtains and create a performance space. Whatever you're interested in, make a space for it in your basement.

There are plenty of other things you can do with your basement. Be creative and consider what you'd love to have in your home but don't have room for. Then think about how you can convert your basement into a space for that thing. The sky's the limit!

Our real estate agents can help you find the right home with the perfect basement to meet your needs. Contact us, and let us get you into your dream home.