Basements tend to be ignored to a great extent in households. Generally, they are simply storage places or left unused. Having said that, with proper thinking and planning, your basement can be turned into a valuable part of your home. A properly designed basement can be a great gift for your family, as it can meet several needs. In case you are considering a basement renovation in GTA, the following are the ways that you can make your basement a lovely living area and a working place.
Plan the Layout
Prior to doing any renovation, map out how you would like the space to work for you. A basement has the potential of being a family room, a home office, a play area, or a gym. Look at the needs of your family. Determine the individuals who will make use of the space and what activities they will do. The first step to saving time and money, which is by not wasting them, is to make a definite plan.
Measure your basement thoroughly. You should be aware of the exact dimensions if you are planning to buy furniture or materials. Find out the height of the ceiling and make a note of those areas that have a low clearance. In addition, check out the position of windows, doors, and support columns. These pieces of information will help you in selecting the style of your room.
1. Address Moisture and Insulation
Basements have a tendency to be damp. It is very necessary for you to carry out a check on the leak update or water issues before you begin your renovation. It is very important to you to make your basement walls and floors waterproof. To regulate the moisture content in the air, one should install a dehumidifier.
As insulation is among the extremely important aspects, a properly insulated basement is definitely going to be a place that is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In this way, the area is comfortable to use at any time of the day or year. Besides that, it might also be an energy-saving way.
2. Choose the Right Flooring
Flooring has a huge impact on basement renovation. Go for floors that can stand the moisture and last long. Get in touch with floor refinishing contractors near you who can guide which one is better – Vinyl, laminate, or engineered wood. In terms of floor decoration, carpet is more comfortable and cozier, so make sure to have one with a moisture-resistant backing. Rugs will work well for both comfort and decoration.
3. Create Separate Zones
Many people use the basement to achieve maximum efficiency with its detailed sections. They can be separated by furniture or room dividers. One corner can be adapted into a play area for kids and another into a home office or reading nook.
When coming up with storage solutions, take into account each area or zone. Besides that, furniture like shelves, cabinets, and bins assist in the neat keeping of the space. In an area that serves various functions, it is very important to be in control of your storage, as it helps you to stay away from clutter.
4. Add Comfortable Lighting
Usually, basements are dark and have almost no natural light. But if the right lights are used, the space can be changed to a nice and cozy place. It is possible to use various lighting sources, including ceiling lights, floor lamps, and wall lights, to get a desired result. LED lights are bright, but they can still use a little amount of energy.
If it is possible, try to use mirrors in order to reflect the light and also make the basement seem bigger. Walls and ceilings in light colors can also help to brighten the area.
5. Include Seating and Furniture
A family room certainly has to be equipped with cozy seating as its main feature. Select sofas, chairs, and ottomans that are in line with your way of living. Family movie nights will turn out to be amazing if you have a sectional sofa. Besides that, a coffee table and side tables will serve the family well.
Furniture needs to be adaptable. Items that have wheels or small chairs make it possible to change the room for various events. Think about using foldable tables or benches to add more flexibility.
6. Incorporate Entertainment Options
A basement can really be transformed into an ideal entertainment area. Think of how great it would be to have a TV or a projector for a home cinema setting.
When it comes to the basement, the possibilities are endless. For example, if you have hobbies you love and you want to celebrate them in a new way, then you might want to consider creating a specific place for them. Your basement might be the ideal place for all your hobbies, such as playing video games, crafting, or exercising. Thus, every member of your family can easily enjoy the area.
7. Make It Safe
Safety in the basement is a must, no matter whether or not the kids are going to use it. One of the things you have to look into is to ensure that the electrical outlets are childproof. Apart from that, you can also have a non-slip floor installed, and if you think furniture can be a problem, you may want to secure it to the walls. Also, make sure that walkways are free from any potential.
Finishing Touches
After the major renovation is completed, transform the space into a reflection of you. Use warm or neutral shades to paint. Put up curtains or blinds. Embellish with paintings, family photos, or plants. These are the small things that make the basement a place that is not only warm and bright but also comfortable and cozy.
With smart planning, a basement should not be considered just a place for storage. For your family, this area has the potential to become a combination of different spaces. A good basement renovation contractor in GTA will turn the home into a versatile little world that can be used as a leisure place, a work area, or simply a way to relax.
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