How to Plan a Basement Remodeling Project

Today's realtors have renamed the formerly humble basement. These decked-out spaces now are more frequently called "lower levels." The most dramatic lower levels generally are found in newly constructed homes, where builders can design higher ceilings to create a more spacious environment. But even your remodeled basement can earn the "lower level" moniker if you take some time to include a few higher-end features.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Emphasize natural light. Aside from ceiling height, a lack of natural light is one of the biggest reasons basements feel like, well, basements. Look for any way to add a connection to the outdoors. If your house offers walk-out possibilities, ask your contractor if the structure will allow new sliders or French doors to boost natural lighting.

2. Maintain finish continuity. To help raise your lower level above second-class status, make sure your hardware, trim pieces and other finish elements are just as high quality as elsewhere in your home. And you may want to carry the color palettes from the rest of your home into this space, as well, to create a seamless transition—this includes products like doorknobs and hinges, too.

3. Let space flow. Consider replacing solid doors leading down to the basement with a glass-paned French door. This move will allow first-floor lighting to flow down the staircase, and minimize the claustrophobic feeling many basement staircases can create.

4. Invest in lighting. Those vintage fluorescent fixtures advertising popular beer brands have no place in today's upscale lower levels. Instead, shop for fixtures that provide warm, adjustable illumination. Recessed can fixtures are a great option for basements, since they sit flush with the ceiling to allow maximum head room.

5. Don't over-specialize your space. People often remodel basements to serve specific needs their above-ground space doesn't currently meet, such as for crafting or woodworking. If that's your intention, remember that potential buyers might not share your interests. Make sure any custom touches you've added can be easily reversed or re-used for other purposes, such as storage or custom bookcases.