How to Create a Basement Apartment
A basement apartment is a small, livable area in the basement of a home, meant to mimic a full-size apartment that may or may not contain a kitchen, though most contain a bathroom at minimum. Many homeowners supplement their incomes by remodeling and renting out all or part of their basement to tenants. This apartment downstairs will also add considerable value to a house when attempting to sell. Before adding an apartment or even a single bedroom to a basement, it must meet certain safety requirements, and there are a few basic construction upgrades to consider. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Ensure basement windows are large enough for a legal bedroom, that the ventilation system is up to code, and that fire safety requirements are met. The requirements for converting a basement into a room or apartment vary by state, so check with your local courthouse or city hall for state specifications.
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Locate or install a power outlet capable of handling an electric stove, as well as a non-GFCI outlet to plug in a full-size refrigerator, if you desire a kitchen in your basement apartment. A full-size refrigerator running on a GFCI outlet runs the risk of frequent shutdowns and loss of power. Keep in mind, all electrical work should be performed by a trained electrician.
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Lay down carpet or laminate flooring. Most unfinished basements have a cold and unappealing concrete floor, less than ideal for an apartment. Pergo and other ready-made flooring is easy to install, attractive when finished, and far easier to clean and upkeep than concrete.
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If your basement has no additional walls or rooms set up, and you are unable to put up drywall, separate the basement into smaller rooms with folding walls, screens, or drapes hung from curtain rods attached to the ceiling. By creating several separate areas, you give the illusion of more space, as well as creating more usable room, since most large pieces of furniture are commonly placed against a wall.
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Install any large appliances, such as the stove, washer and dryer, or refrigerator. Portable counters, cabinets, and islands create a more traditional looking kitchen when placed appropriately, and provide ample storage and prep space.
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Install a sink if plumbing hookups allow one. Kitchen and bathroom sinks are fairly cheap at almost any chain hardware store and will bring both the functionality and value of your kitchen up.
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Paint the walls, hang drapes, screw in switch-plates and take care of all other minor aesthetic details. If desired, hang lanterns or lamps from the ceiling to provide additional light, as basement apartments generally have less natural light coming in than upper floors.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are unable to include a full-size refrigerator or stove in your apartment's kitchen, consider purchasing a miniature fridge and hotplate or electric griddle as replacements.
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