If you’re lucky enough to have a basement, you have access to lots of extra space for your family. Unfortunately, most of us are slightly guilty of neglecting the basement. We just leave it as it is or use it as storage for old boxes and things we never use. You never even go down to the basement unless it’s to check something.
Well, why don’t you take advantage of this extra space and renovate your basement? There are so many great examples of basement conversions that absolutely rock. It can give you an extra room or two in your home, which will create more space and allow for more comfort. Before you decide to do this, here are some key considerations:
What do you want to do with it?
What will you convert your basement into? It all comes down to personal preference, but I think it makes sense to make this space more practical. For instance, you could turn it into a washroom so you can move the washing machine out of the kitchen and into the basement. Right away, you’ve opened up more space in the kitchen. It could also be a new bedroom, meaning you can let your kids have a room each instead of sharing a bedroom. Alternatively, consider adding a stylish home bar where you can mix up your favorite cocktails, like an amaretto sour drink, to entertain guests. Effectively, this decision is based on your own personal household needs!
How much will it cost?
Generally, this varies depending on what your goals are for the conversion. Also, the size of your basement and the amount of work required will play a role. If your basement is in good condition and just needs to be re-designed, it won’t cost as much as if you need to make structural alterations. Still, work out what you want to convert your basement to and then get quotes to see how much it costs.
Do you need planning permission?
Before making any alterations to your home, it’s worth checking if you need planning permission. I know that some attic conversions require planning permission because you can drastically alter your home’s appearance. On the basement side of things, the general consensus is that you won’t need any permission to carry out your conversion. It might be necessary in some cases, but the majority of conversions can be done without it. As always, do your own research to be 100% sure.
Are there any pests down there?
Mice love to sneak inside basements and turn them into their home. You might not notice this as you can’t see or hear them from the upper levels of your home. Still, you may need to hire a mice exterminator or pest control expert if some animals have nested in your basement. There’s no point converting this area if it’s full of rodents and other pests. Get rid of them and find ways to stop them from returning. Basically, you want to make sure your basement is liveable!
After considering these four things, you should be in a great place to decide if a basement conversion is right for you. As long as it fits your budget, I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to give it a go!