The potential found in using an unfinished basement space runs a gamut limited only by your imagination. It includes not only turning this area into a valuable asset when it comes time to re-sell your home, but in the meantime, a basement can become a wonderful living space for family and friends.

For Recreation or a Child’s Bedroom

Do you have a hobby or craft you’d like to pursue? Why not consider using an unfinished basement space for that? You’ll need to think about wiring and possibly plumbing, plus the more elaborate a workspace you want, the more you’ll want it to be finished like a “real” room. This means comfort and convenience as well as at least a modicum of aesthetic appeal. Just remember: The nicer you make the room, the more it will be used and the more value it will add at resale time.

Many homeowners go forward with using an unfinished basement space for a recreational area. You can put in exercise equipment, a television, stereo equipment, a billiard or ping-pong table, perhaps a gaming table, a wet bar… the list goes on. Whatever you need or desire for entertainment purposes can go in the basement.

Perhaps the costliest and most time-consuming way of using an unfinished basement space is when turning it into a bedroom with a bath. Of course, you’ll want to make the very best use of the space to accommodate the needs (and wants!) of a child whose use of the room will continue on for many years. The room will need to be cozy and comfortable, so any water or dampness problems will need to be resolved.

The walls will need to be redone to seem as much like the upper part of the house as possible. The floor will need to be one that’s not only “kid-proof,” but attractive, as well. And as for the bath, you’ll need to make sure the proper plumbing gets done along with everything – bath included – getting decorated to suit a child’s personal tastes.

Know What You’re Getting Into

Before using an unfinished basement space, it’s almost always necessary to do quite a bit of work. For instance, the floor may slope toward a sump drain system and before you can practically make use of the room, you’ll need to re-floor it. The easiest way to do this is to build a “false” floor over the concrete floor.

You may also want to do the same with the basement walls by building separate walls framed and with drywall set a few inches in and away from the original walls. When you build new walls and floors, you’re essentially building a “room within a room,” but the cost and effort almost always pays off – once again, in use and in resale value.

Using an unfinished basement space makes good sense and renovating one does hold lots and lots of potential. But it will take time and money to get it to where it’s not only usable but also comfortable. So plan far in advance for what you want, how much it will cost, and how to make it all happen. And then plan on enjoying a valuable, practical living space for many years to come!