Ideas for Basement Renovations

Renovating a basement adds value to a home.

According to the National Association of Realtors, a basement renovation returns more than 72 percent of the original cost. Whether you are completing an unfinished area or just redesigning, remodeling the basement adds value to the home. Before designing, consider your family's needs, lifestyle and budget. Have fun with the space. Waterproof an unfinished basement before renovation.

Home Office

A basement home office.

Work like an executive with a basement home office. Splurge on a workstation with a large desk. Create a library with built-in book shelves. If you have more than one child, create a study area with built-in desks. Top desks with granite for a sleek look. Provide plenty of task lighting.

Game Room

Billards in the game room.

Create the ultimate playroom with a game-room-themed basement. Equip the room with a pool table, dart board, video game station, ping pong table, air hockey, fooseball and arcade games. Install easy-to-clean flooring, such as vinyl, tile or laminate. Paint the walls in vibrant colors. Include a wet bar for treats.

Media Room

The screen is the star in a media room.

Basements, especially those built below ground level, make perfect media rooms because of the lack of light. Sound-proof the room by adding carpet, extra insulation and upholstered panels to walls. Mount a large plasma or LCD flat-screen television on a wall away from the entrance. Convert a kitchenette into a concession stand with a theater-style popcorn machine and candy stand. If you wish to use this space for more than a movie room, furnish with a large, comfortable sofa instead of theater-style seating.

Fitness Spa

A sauna is the ultimate home spa.

Improve your mind, body and soul with a fitness spa. Install hardwood or laminate floors and floor-to-ceiling mirrors in one area. Add a treadmill, set of weights and exercise ball. A television with stereo can be used while on the treadmill or for playing exercise videos. Convert a small bedroom into a spa with massage table, comfy chair, tabletop waterfall and sound system to play tranquil music. Add a spa or rain-shower head to the existing bath. If you can afford it, build a steam room or sauna just outside the massage room. Rolled towels and bottled water complete the look.

Wine Room

Built-in wine rack.

Indulge your passion for wine by installing a combination wine cellar and wine tasting room. Use a sub zero refrigerator for chilling wine. Cover an entire wall with wine racks or have the rack built-in. Purchase wine-themed artwork. Paint a faux brick or stone finish on the walls. Hang artificial grape vines on candle sconces. Position a bistro table and chairs for tasting. Make sure the wet bar has enough cabinet space to store glasses and accessories.

Man Cave

Boys can be boys in a man cave.

Turn your basement into a testosterone zone. Include a card table for poker and slot machines. Install a virtual golf area with large screen golf simulator. Choose leather sofas and sturdy furniture. Display his model car or baseball card collection on shelves. Yeah, go ahead and hang those neon beer signs. Complete the man cave with a gigantic television and surround sound.

References

• Renovating the basement
• Basements add value
• Color schemes for basements

Resources

• Basement Ideas That Work: Creative Design Solutions for Your Home, Peter Jeswald, 2007