Refinish a Basement for a Warm Winter Retreat

If you’ve ever considered a basement remodel, now is one of the best times. Creating a versatile space for your family to enjoy can both increase your square footage and add value to your home. Plus, it makes a fun escape from the winter weather and you can shop after holiday sales for some good deals on supplies. 

To transform an unfinished basement into a liveable space can range anywhere from $6,500 to $18,500 on average, according to an analysis by Home Advisor. What are the major factors that drive the price differential? Setting up plumbing for a new bathroom or kitchen can be expensive as well as any mold removal, leaks, or general structural issues that need to be taken care of. 

Mold and moisture are common basement problems that you’ll need to look into if remodeling is in your future. Most professional finishing specialists can advise on waterproofing to ensure that your space isn’t going to have any unexpected issues. Many basements are generally underinsulated and have leaky windows so if you’re going to improve the space, these basic updates are well worth the cost. Plus they’ll help the energy efficiency throughout your entire house. 

Once the basics have been considered, you’ll need to think through what you’re using the space for. Do you envision a home theatre or a mancave for Sunday football? Would a playroom for the kids be the perfect addition or is a teen hangout more your speed? No matter what you decide to do, think long-term. Little kids grow quickly and teenagers will soon be out of the house, so design for flexibility and change.

Whatever you decide to use your space for, one of the most important considerations will be low ceilings and light. Recessed lighting is a great option as it gives the illusion of height and it’s easy to install, especially if you’re working with a drop ceiling. Speaking of drop ceilings, you won’t believe how many stylish options there are to make those squares pop. From clean modern lines to pressed metal, basement ceilings can actually be a lot of fun to design. There are even acoustic absorption solutions to help control noise from televisions and home theatre systems. 

Next, consider your storage needs. Most people use their basements to keep clutter out of sight, but once the space is remodeled, where will all that stuff go? I am a big fan of creating zones in the basement that can be used for different people with different needs. I always recommend keeping at least one section available for those old clothes, holiday decorations, and air conditioning units as storage space is a valuable commodity in every family home. The key is to keep the clutter to a minimum. 

With all the basics considered, it’s time to have fun designing your space. A basement is a great place to experiment with an aesthetic that’s more daring than the rest of the house but the key is to keep it comfortable and transitional. Lastly, if a real estate transaction is in your 10-year plan, think about the next family that might be making memories in the home. A basement remodel can add serious dollars to your list price if it’s done appropriately.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visithttp://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Inspiration for Creating the Basement of Your Dreams

Last week we talked a little bit about the logistics of a basement remodel, so now it’s time to have some fun. A basement is a big, open space that can be transformed into a quiet sanctuary or a spectacular play place for everyone to enjoy. All you need is a little imagination to create an exciting space for everyone in the family to look forward to coming home to. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

Games Galore

The Gamers

Traditional rec rooms conjure up images of big screen TV’s for movie nights and some serious video game competition. These are fantastic ways to make the most of a winter day, but I also like the idea of keeping active with Wii Sports or enjoying some downtime without a screen. The ideal game room should have a mix of digital entertainment and old school board games, checkers, or chess that can be enjoyed by both kids and grandparents. Of course, a foosball or pool table makes for great family fun all year round.

Craft Corner

The Artists

Designing a space for creative kids is a great way to allow them to explore art without making a huge mess of the house. It’s also a versatile idea that can be updated and upgraded as the young ones grow. A simple table with coloring supplies can easily be replaced with easels for the budding Picasso or even a pottery wheel for the ceramicist in training. Best of all is that art spaces don’t need a lot of fancy renovations and can be kept rawer for easy cleanup with no stress.

Party Time

The Entertainers

This one is for the adults. If your house is the go-to spot for a fun Friday night, a custom bar and entertaining area is a great way to keep the party going without spending the weekend cleaning the whole house. I’d suggest installing a kitchenette with a refrigerator, sink, and mini dishwasher to keeping running up and down the stairs to a minimum. A small wine storage unit adds a sophisticated touch and be sure to design plenty of storage to keep bottles and glassware off your countertops.

Work It Out

The Fit Fam

A home gym is a great way to stay in shape all year round, but exercise equipment is bulky, unsightly, and not exactly a home design dream. Luckily, the basement is the perfect place to create a fun fitness retreat that can be enjoyed by the whole family. My own home gym occupies a good part of our basement and I can go downstairs to get my morning workout in without disrupting everyone else in the house. Plus, no one gets upset if I forget to rack the weights.

A Quiet Retreat

The Zen Masters

While most rec rooms are used for fun and festivities, many people like the idea of using the extra space as a retreat to get away from the world. With yoga and meditation rooms gaining in popularity, designing a zen space for quiet contemplation can offer huge mind and body benefits. Best of all, it can be easy to transform a dull nook into an inspiring oasis. Giant floor pillows and warm Moroccan lanterns add ambiance while candles and curtains create a warm intimacy that can help the day melt away. Up your relaxation game with an infrared sauna and you’ll be far away from the real world in no time.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.