How to Plan a Basement Makeover

This is a collaborative post

Does your home have a basement? Having a cellar provides so much potential to add extra space to your home. For most family homes, space is at a premium, and the cost of moving to a larger home makes it impossible to afford. So, it is vital to make the most of the space in your current home. Many people with basements never get around to making full use of them. But, if your basement has enough head height to make it useable, you could transform it into a brand new living area. Here are some basement makeover tips to give this underused space a whole new lease of life:

Decide on a Purpose

Before you start work on your basement, it is a good idea to plan ahead and decide what you want the room to become. Are you hoping to make the space a playroom for the kids, or perhaps a home office? Deciding on the purpose will enable you to make the best use of the space when you start renovating.

Start With the Basics

Before you can begin the fun part of the project and start decorating the space, you will need to prepare the room for the makeover. To make the space as useable as possible, you may want to consider having a radiator installed to keep it warm. You will also need to check the electrics as there may not be powerpoints in the room. 

Along with supplying the room with power, it is also crucial to ensure that it is protected from the elements. Basements can become damp, so you may need to treat any concrete areas with RIW cementseal to ensure they are waterproof. 

Depending on the nature of your basement renovation, you may need to gain planning permission to carry out the work. You may also be required to meet Building Regulations, so it is worth checking this out to prevent issues if you sell your home in the future.

Pick a Colour Scheme

Choosing the perfect colour scheme for your basement is an important consideration. As basements are naturally dark places without much sunlight, you will need to compensate for this with your choice of paint colour.

If you want to make the room fresh and spacious, then selecting a white, pale yellow, or cream shade of paint is a perfect option. Keeping the accessories in the room equally light in colour will prevent the space from feeling crowded and cramped while still ensuring it looks stylish. When choosing furniture, you may want to select lighter coloured woods or painted furniture to prevent it from dominating the space. Heavy, dark furniture can feel oppressive in a basement, so choosing pieces that are lighter in colour could be a better option.

Once your new basement is ready to be used, you will probably wonder how you survived without this useful space in your home. As an added bonus, it is likely that you have also helped add value to your home.