Guest Post: 5 Tips on Making Your Basement the Heart of your Home

5 Tips on making your basement the heart of your home

One of the most neglected areas of modern homes is the basement. It tends to be dark, dull and needlessly grungy. However a basement renovation is an amazing opportunity to turn this neglected area into the heart of your home. Redeveloping your basement is an excellent way to add living, storage and family space – not to mention thousands of dollars in added value – to your home. Below are a few ways to make it a reality.

1. Wet Bar

Lets not kid ourselves; the kitchen is where the action’s at. So why not add the next best thing to your basement. Wet bars create a functional area for entertaining guests, storing drinks, food and even appliances. With the added benefit of plumbing you can make your wet bar the “kitchen” of your basement. Now all you need is the Margarita glasses and you’re ready to entertain.

2. Home Fitness Room

Looking to lose a few pounds but don’t want the hassle of a community gym? Consider adding a home fitness or workout area to your basement. The cooler temperature makes for the perfect workout environment and for those of you who enjoy a good steam consider adding a sauna for post-workout relaxation.

3. Home Theater Room

There is nothing more distracting than light rays flashing across the TV screen during a movie’s most dramatic scene. That’s why a dark basement is the perfect place for a killer home theater system. Consider incorporating stadium-style seating or leave space for a sectional. For the real “movie theatre” experience a projector and drop-down screen can be built into the ceiling during the renovation process.

4. Home Office

Say good bye to traffic jams and gridlock. Quiet, comfortable and a place to be inspirited the basement offers an ideal location for a home office. To not be disturbed during your “on the clock” hours consider sectioning off the office with French or pocket doors.

5. Recreation Room

Devote your downstairs space to family time and socializing. Choose a pleasing color scheme or theme to go along with your renovation ideas. You might consider adding a pool table, or games room. And for people that have toddlers the recreation room can very quickly be converted into the playroom.

Your basement is a blank slate; and you are the artist. Once you've decided how you want to use your space, you’re ready to start designing. It is reassuring to note that no matter what you do, you'll be adding value to your home and a space you and your family will appreciate for years to come.

*Andy Hall is an online marketing manager for Cornerstone Homes. He writes about Calgary home builders, interior design, and home improvements*