It’s a brand new year, and that means it’s time to once again reconsider your existing home improvement projects and think about implementing some new ones. Just like kitchens and bathrooms, basements are an especially popular part of a home to renovate for any number of reasons — peeling wallpaper, bug infestations, floods, etc. — and the statistics prove it. According to Built By Design, basement remodels can grant homeowners returns equal to approximately 68% of their investment, if and when a person decides to put it up for sale.
MarketWatch estimated last year that home renovations in the United States created a market worth roughly $450 billion and that this sum will only increase over the next few years. Home improvements have long accounted for most of remodeling expenditures.
With this fact in mind, here are five basement remodeling ideas to consider for 2020:
Create a Home Gym
Some people like to install bars in their basement, others prefer a home gym.
This is obviously an excellent plan for a new basement for anyone who is remotely interested in staying in physical shape. You can add a treadmill, a weight rack, a bike and as many fitness machines (elliptical, leg press, Bowflex®) as you have space for so that you can get some cardio in while supervising your kids or watching television. You can even add a white board somewhere to mark down all your workout goals!
Carve Out an Extra Bedroom
An extra bedroom can also help increase your home’s value while serving as extra storage space or simply a room for guests. Some states and homeowners associations require a basement bedroom to include a closet and an egress compliant window in order to be considered a true “bedroom.” In Virginia and the greater DC metro area, this basement remodeling option can potentially raise the value of your home by several thousand dollars, so don’t discount it!
Create a Small Apartment to Boost Income
Renting out an area of your home — either through Airbnb or via a similar company — can also generate substantial income for you, even if it is only rented out on an occasional basis. Just be sure to equip this “apartment” with all the basics (bed linens, towels, mirrors, etc.) and you’ll have a brand new revenue stream heading your way. Also, check to ensure nothing is broken or in disarray if you want to make a strong impression on potential tenants.
Make a Magical Playplace for Tiny Humans
Children need a space to play and be happy too, and what better area than the basement for kiddies to roam free and have fun with all sorts of toys and games like LEGOs and tiny cars? If any of your children are prone to injuries, guardrails and other similar boundaries can be added in order to clearly designate the area in which your little humans can play. A pool or ping-pong table can also be added for older children if there is room for one.
Build Your Own Home Theater
Much like a gym, a home theater can be a great way for you to enjoy a popular pastime without ever needing to leave the comfort of your house (e.g. if you’re tired from a workout or the weather is just plain atrocious). This is bound to make movie nights with friends and family infinitely more entertaining. With major events like awards shows or sports game finals, you can even see what viewers are saying on social media, so what are you waiting for? If you have the budget for it, set up your own home theater today.
Consult With a Monumental Contractor Today
Speak to the experienced consultants at Monumental Contractors to learn more about these ideas for renovating or remodeling a basement for the modern age. With Monumental, the basement remodeling process involves an initial consultation and design agreement, a plan for paint colors, flooring, lights and any permits needed. Afterwards, a prep and pre-construction meeting should be scheduled and a construction and quality check should be performed (an inspection walk-through) before the final touch-ups are made.
Although they are based in Chantilly, Virginia, Monumental is dedicated to serving clients throughout the DC Metro Area. Their four main values are integrity, quality, respect, and accountability, and they strive to embody these tenets with every job they perform. Monumental’s business is nearly exclusively based on referrals. Call Monumental Contractors today at 703-552-9626 or contact them online to schedule a free design appointment or to learn more about their services.