DIY Hacks to Make Your Basement Less Boring

Basements are not just for storage, water heaters, and heating systems. You can make it an exciting addition to your home, and a great space where your family can have fun. Perhaps you will make it a man cave, art studio, or game room. The possibilities are endless.

How do you make it look and feel, less like a dungeon?

If you don’t already have them, consider adding windows to your basement. This will let some natural light in. By adding more window wells, your basement will feel less like a dungeon and make the space more livable. They don't have to be ugly metal wells, as decorative window wells are available too, and you can easily install them yourself. You can also add fun, scenic liners to your window wells. Consider a forest or beach scene to make the space more exciting.

Why not can change the appearance of the concrete walls, and floors?

By covering up the concrete in your basement, it will feel less drab and more like an above-the-ground room. You can easily add wainscoting to the walls, and add tile or carpet to the floors. All this can be done much cheaper yourself, and there are plenty of internet resources to help first-time home renovators!

Get your basement inspected.

You will need to inspect for condensation before starting this project. This is to ensure that your basement is sealed, and or needs dehumidifying. If you don’t fix this, you may end up with mold. Have a professional check your house's heating and ventilation system to make sure there will not be carbon monoxide buildup. You may also want to invest in a double sump pump system. As everyone knows, basements tend to flood, especially in older homes. A flood may not be a big deal if your basement is unfinished. However, if you choose to invest in your basement, pumps will save all your hard work.

Some good tips, for use of a basement

If you have a large basement with multiple areas, consider adding several rooms. Do you need extra bedrooms for a growing family? Maybe you need an additional bathroom. Make sure to have the bedrooms located near the windows, for access in case of an emergency. If you feel you have plenty of living space upstairs, a large, open space can be great for a game room or entertainment room. With enough space, you can set up a ping-pong or pool table. Basements also make great theater rooms, as they tend to have plenty of room for a large screen and projector.

Make money with your new basement.

Even if you don’t want to use the basement, try renting it out for some extra cash. This is, if you are allowed to do so in your city. You may have to get a permit for this, then have it inspected by your local city or country officials. This will ensure that everything is up to code, and in line with safety laws and regulations.

Make it convenient.

Now that you have your basement redesigned, it's time to make good use of it. Buy a mini fridge, so you don’t have to go up and down the steps for food and drinks. Install a few shelves for necessities and games. Buy a tray, or basket to carry things up and down the stairs.

No matter what you choose to do, whether rent it out, or just make it a fun hang-out spot, you will love your new and improved basement. Don’t let your basement be wasted space!