If your home has an unfinished basement, it may have morphed into a shadowy place filled with years of clutter and broken items awaiting repair. Unfortunately, this under-utilization of the space does nothing to make the home more comfortable for your family or to make the house more valuable as an asset.
Homeowners who are growing tired of their unfinished basement spaces can use the following ideas to craft a remodeling strategy that will enhance its usage and help to strengthen the market value of the home.
Remodeling on a budget
If one of the reasons for living with an unfinished basement is due to concerns about project cost, you may want to consider small, more affordable remodeling projects, instead of one large one. For instance, homeowners can choose to divide the space into thirds or fourths and complete each one over a period of time to make the costs easier to afford.
Remodeling to create income
Another option for remodeling an unfinished basement is to gain space that will have the potential to earn income for the family. Some ideas to consider include:
- turning an unfinished basement into a home business space, such as a daycare, catering kitchen, or a place to tutor or teach music to kids in the area
- remodeling an unfinished basement into apartments or suites that can be used as long- or short-term rentals
- customizing an unfinished basement to serve as a retail or business space instead of renting a space in another location
Before beginning any type of renovation project for the purpose of creating income, homeowners will need to check with their homeowners association or planning and zoning board to ensure their plans are fully compliant.
Remodeling to accommodate special interests
Special interests can be a good clue for homeowners who are ready to begin planning their basement remodeling project. Basement spaces are especially suited for those interests where sound could be a problem or when large spaces are needed.
Budding musicians, martial arts students, home gym aficionados, or video game buffs are just a few of the special interests that work well in remodeled basement spaces. In addition to the natural insulation provided by concrete walls, soundproofing materials can be added during the remodeling process to ensure that sounds will not disturb occupants of the main levels of the home.
Basement remodeling projects are a great way for families to enjoy full use of their homes. To get started on yours, take a moment today to call a basement remodeling contractor in your area.
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