Making Your Basement, Well, Less Like a Basement
Most homes in the City of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland have basements. Sometimes they’re rented out, other times they’re used as ‘retreat’ areas for various activities.
Either way, they still often look like… well, like basements.
In other words, if they’re not looked after, they can look like they’re forgotten about or never got finished simply because they’re out of the main traffic areas of people’s homes.
Your Vancouver basement is now a major selling point for your home, rather than an afterthought. With real estate prices so high these days, you should make yours into a source of pride, not to mention a price booster.
Done right, a basement renovation will significantly increase the functional square footage of your home and be transformed into a space that could have you questioning if you’re even in a basement at all. Consider some of these basement renovation ideas.
Wine Cellar/Wet Bar
Few things can add a touch of class quite like a wine cellar can. Couple it with a wet bar and you’re on the way to a complete adult retreat. Use plenty of warmly-shaded wood and clever lighting. Recessed shelving within a glass enclosure can showcase the best of your collection. Meanwhile, a sophisticated wet bar with granite top, wood accents, pot or pendant lighting, sound system and wall-mounted TV will create an ideal location for spending evenings with good company.
Create a Walkout
Whether your basement is below ground or partly level with the backyard, try a renovation that couples the space with the outside. You could have a fresh, open and light-filled walkout space that seamlessly blends the interior and exterior. Think of easier access to gardening and BBQs. Combine it with the cellar and sip your favourite wines on a backyard patio in the glorious summer sunshine.
Media Room
A media room will certainly not look like a typical basement and will win you points with the whole family. The sky’s the limit when it comes to design, although it’s hard to argue with creating your own high-end movie theatre space. Think panelled walls, track lighting on dimmers, plush recliners, stadium seating, surround sound, and all your video game consoles integrated. Everything you need for a truly optimal viewing and/or gaming experience.
Game Room
Vintage pinball machines, a pool table, and darts are just a few of the games that could be played in your newly renovated basement game room. Rich dark wood, recessed lighting, and a fireplace can provide the look and feel of a timeless club room. Add a TV, sound system, full wet bar and a lounge area and your basement will be THE place for enjoying Canucks games.
Office
Whether you choose to work from home or work follows you there, a separate home office is so handy. If you’re lucky, you might be able to adjust the grading around your home to install large awning windows that will provide plenty of natural light and reduce that basement ‘feel’. Sound insulation in the walls and ceiling can ensure your office is unencumbered by the hustle and bustle of the house above.
Home Spa
Imagine your own steam room or sauna after a long day. Maybe your ensuite bathroom doesn’t have space, but your basement does. Include a yoga room or home gym space and you’ll guarantee your basement doesn’t feel like a basement.
These have been just a few ideas for basement renovations.
To find out what we can do for your basement, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to go over your project and give you a workable plan whether you use us or not.