It’s true that a majority of US households have unfinished basements. While there are a handful of reasons why homeowners choose to keep it that way, we’re going to delve into the benefits of turning the blank slate that is your unfinished basement into a beautiful and functional space that you can use daily. Below, the Harford County remodelers at Lynch Design | Build discuss why you should renovate your unfinished basement, and what to do if you don’t know where to start.
Why are So Many Basements Unfinished?
Basements are forgotten gems of the home. Many offer considerable square footage and tons of potential. However, you’ll find that the average basement is often unfinished, outdated or underutilized.
Five common reasons many homeowners leave their basements unfinished are:
- They don’t think it’s worth it to finance the remodel
- They currently use the basement for storage purposes only
- They don’t use or prioritize the basement as much as their main living area
- They don’t know what to do with their unused basement space
- They don’t see how a basement remodel could add value to their home
At Lynch Design | Build, we’re here to mitigate any concerns you have over redoing your basement. When working with our team on this project, we’ll be a resource for you and ensure that:
- You see how the initial investment into your basement will pay dividends towards your quality of life for years to come.
- You understand that strictly using your basement for storage enables clutter and takes up valuable space. You can still use your finished basement for storage purposes, but in a more efficient way that smartly utilizes space and custom storage solutions.
- Your basement can go from underutilized to the most used and favored place in the house.
- Our arsenal of basement remodel ideas inspires you to move forward with a remodel, even when you initially had no clue how to best transform the square footage in your basement.
- A quality basement remodel will improve your home’s resale value and—most importantly—the value it brings to your life.
What are the Potential Negatives to Leaving a Basement Unfinished?
At first glance, it may seem harmless to nix a basement remodel in favor of putting your dollars elsewhere. However, there are several downsides to leaving your basement unfinished apart from having the significant square footage go unused.
For example, neglected basements can house mold spores that lead to musty air. Breathing this in can lead to health effects such as respiratory problems or cancer. By remodeling your basement, any mold, rotting wood or moisture that is found in the drywall can be removed and the material can be replaced, therefore improving the air quality of your basement.
Additionally, unfinished basements can be a fire hazard. While your basement may be on the back burner in your mind, it is an incredibly vital part of your home that contains key piping, wires and utilities such as your furnace, fuse box, water heater and even your washer/dryer. If these utilities are not receiving regular maintenance, or if cluttered storage is kept too close to heat sources, this can lead to devastating outcomes.
Ultimately, remodeling your basement doesn’t always have to be for cosmetic or entertainment purposes only. Upgrading your basement may mean a higher chance of keeping your family safe and healthy, as well.
I Don’t Know Where to Start—How Can I Best Utilize My Basement?
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. There are a multitude of reasons why a basement remodel can be one of the best home investments you make. They can up the resale value of your home immeasurably (homebuyers love to see a finished basement!), you can turn dead space into potentially hundreds of usable square footage, and you can even build the dream entertainment space you’ve always wanted.
If you are keen on the idea of a remodel, but have no idea what vision to go with, here are a few ideas to jumpstart your creative thinking:
For the Entertainers: A Home Bar or Wine Cellar
For those who get joy out of hosting friends and family, basements are a blank canvas for boundary-breaking entertainment spaces. Wine aficionados would never tire of a wine cellar that houses their cherished collection; build a custom tasting room, and you always have a place to wine and dine. On the same thread, an at-home bar gives you the opportunity to refine your bartending skills, host memorable football viewings and expand your collection of cocktail ingredients. If you’re an entertainer at heart with a palette for fine wine and quality liquor, an epic basement remodel is perfect for you.
For the Homebodies: A Home Theater or Extra Den
Maybe your goal for your basement is to make it as cozy and comfortable as possible. Think: a fluffy sectional couch facing a restored fireplace, a library displaying your favorite novels, or even an at-home movie theater. The options are truly endless when it comes to transforming your basement into an extra den for unwinding at the end of a long day.
For the Workout Gurus: A Golf Sim Room or Workout Room
Especially during this “new normal” where at-home workouts are becoming more normalized, an at-home gym has never been more highly requested by clients. If you’re lacking space in your home for a workout room, but feel it would add immense value to your quality of life, consider turning part or all of your basement into your very own gym. The open space is perfect for a yoga studio, weight room, or even a sim room for the avid golfers out there. Baseball, softball and hockey have simulators that offer value as well!
For the Growing Family: A Guest Suite or Extra Bedrooms
This one may be a stretch, but a finished basement has the potential to serve as additional bedrooms for a growing family. It can also be transformed into a suite for in-laws or grandparents moving in. Mid-sized to large basements can easily fit a bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom and living space for guests or permanent residents. Often more cost-effective than building a separate guest house or addition, transforming your basement into a mini-apartment of sorts can bring value at an affordable price.
View more projects for basement remodeling inspiration here!
Start a Conversation with the Basement Remodeling Specialists at Lynch Design | Build!
We know it can be hard to take the first step towards remodeling your basement, especially if the space seems like an afterthought compared to heavily trafficked areas like your kitchen and living room. But we guarantee that, once you make the leap into getting the most out of your basement’s potential, you won’t regret the decision and the value it has added to your home. To inquire about how the team at Lynch Design | Build can transform your basement for the better, call 410-879-5510 or fill out a contact form on our website.
