If your basement resembles a concrete bunker built in the 1950s, you may be frustrated with its lack of purpose. However, the beauty of an unfinished basement is its ability to become absolutely anything you want it to. Hiring a renovation company to come in and finish your basement will open up a world of possibilities.
From home gyms to a family-friendly playroom, here are six different ways you can turn your basement into something useful for the whole family.
1. Booming Home Theatre
One of the best ways to utilize all that under-utilized space is by building a home theatre. This idea works best if your basement has little or even no windows. Plus, you can customize it any way you’d like. For larger families, consider building a second row that’s raised slightly higher than the front row. Dimmable pot lights are the best light source, and a projector and screen will complete the look.
2. Playful Playroom
If you’re tired of tripping on toys that are constantly being scattered across the living spaces upstairs, turn the basement into a playroom. Custom built-in cabinets can add toy and book storage. You can even add an indoor tree fort complete with a slide and climbing wall.
3. Worldly Wine Cellar
Living in the Okanagan means one thing: access to some of the country’s best wineries. If you enjoy sipping on wine, show off your collection of vintages in your very own custom wine cellar. Basements are naturally cool, so it’s the perfect place to store and showcase wine.
4. Convenient Home Gym
Are you finding it hard to find time to visit the gym lately? Solve that problem by turning your basement into a home gym. You can bring in all your favourite equipment, install floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and add a sound system. With a fully loaded gym located just steps away, you’ll be able to achieve that dream of working out more often.
5. Blissful Bunkhouse
Turn your basement bunker into a bunkhouse! If you’ve got kids, you can build a space for them to crash with their friends. Instead of lying awake all night listening to giggling kids during sleepovers, you can send them downstairs. Your kids will love the space for sleepovers, and it can also double as accommodations for overnight guests. And if you’ve still got leftover space, a bathroom would make a great addition!
6. Multipurpose Rec Room
A basement can be a great place to retreat to, especially on those hot Okanagan summer evenings. Instead of your family sprawling out on the main floor, head downstairs. You can watch movies, play games, or indulge in takeout pizza together. When planning this basement renovation, be sure to include plans for a wet bar too.
Still not sure if a basement renovation is a good investment? Our previous post has all the info you need to make the decision: Basement Renovations Create a Better Quality of Family Life.