If you are lucky enough to have a basement in your home, it might be time to utilize that space. Whether your basement is finished or not, there are lots of ideas to make your basement something special.
Storage or perhaps a weight room is about the only thing an unfinished basement can be used for. Once your basement is finished though, the possibilities really open up.
Some good ideas for a finished basement are: game room, gym, living space for your teen son or daughter or you can create an apartment to rent out each month.
Game Room
Turning your finished basement into a game room is quite popular these days. You can build one room to house your big screen TV, gaming system, music system and other electronics. You probably want to think about some extra insulation or soundboard to help control the noise.
You can then build a second room to house a pool table, darts and pinball machines. You can even set up an air hockey table in this room.
The last room should contain at least a small kitchen area with the basic appliances, so you can eat and drink while you and your friends hang out.
Finally, don’t forget to have a basic restroom available to keep your guests or family from having to go upstairs all the time.
Put in some new carpet and fresh paint and you are done.
Gym
If you want more than concrete floors and free weights, then you may want to set up your basement as a gym. Why pay money to join a gym when you can install the same equipment yourself in your very own basement?
Basement gyms can be built with the machines you like. The floors should be designed in order to get heavy use. Also make sure you have plenty of space between each piece of equipment, so you or your friends don’t get hurt.
Just like with a basement game room, you will want to have separate rooms for a kitchen and bathroom, which should include a shower for after workouts.
Teen Hangout
If you have a teenage son or daughter who can’t quite make it on their own, then a nicely finished basement might just be the place for them. Your son or daughter can have their own TV or game room in order to have all their own friends over.
Make sure there is a separate entry to the basement. This way you can keep the upstairs from being invaded by your son or daughter’s friends. The basement should include its own separate bathroom and lots of windows.
New carpet and paint can make it feel like their own home for your teenager who want’s a little privacy.
Basement Apartment
If you decide that some extra income would be nice, why not turn your finished basement into a one or two bedroom apartment that you can rent out. You can offer fresh paint and new carpet to your first tenants.
If you have a stairway leading up to the main floor, you will want to block that off and provide your tenants with their own entry for privacy and security purposes.
Also, make sure you provide lots of windows so natural light can get in.
Of course, you will need a separate kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities for your tenants.
Tags: Basement, Basement Apartment, Game Room, Good ideas for a finished basement, Teen Hangout
