Transforming Your Basement into a Functional Living Area

Many homeowners eventually find themselves feeling a little cramped and pining for more space. Maybe it’s because of a growing family, perhaps it’s a simple accumulation of stuff, or they may be among the 82% of recent buyers who have regrets about the home they bought.

But what if the extra square footage you want is literally right under your nose — or, more accurately, under your feet? With a bit of work, it’s possible to turn a neglected and underutilized basement from a storage area or laundry room into a functional, vibrant room.

And it’s not just an increase in usable space; a basement overhaul can also increase the value and desirability of your home when it comes time to sell, even if you opt to do it with a no-frills, low-commission real estate agent.

Let’s look at what you need to know about transforming your basement into an ideal new living area.

Do Your Pre-Planning:

Basement conversions can be much more complicated than renovating an above-ground section of your home. Before you start work, answer some basic questions about your basement. Do you have a concrete subfloor? If you’re digging down to make your basement ceiling higher, will you need to divert drains?

What kind of ground will you be digging into — is it sand, soil, clay, etc.? Is your basement easily accessible to contractors and heavy equipment? Answer these questions — and many others — to arrive at a realistic understanding of how long your basement conversion will take and how much it might cost.

Moisture Control is a Top Priority:

One of the most significant potential complications of a basement conversion is moisture. Since much or all of the basements are underground, it’s very easy for dampness to seep into the space, especially if the conversion creates fissures or cracks. Excessive moisture can lead to mold or rot, so you should take all possible measures to prevent it.

This likely means installing drains and pumps to move any water out of the basement, as well as a sealant or barrier to combat condensation. You’ll also want to waterproof the walls and floors. The amount of moisture you’ll have to deal with can be predicted in the pre-renovation assessment period by looking at things like the water table and other conditions; if necessary, consult an architect or engineer to get a sense of what you should prepare for.

Light is a Challenge:

Light is another obvious challenge with most basements, but the solutions can be fairly straightforward. Most local building codes require clear paths of entrance and exit (also known as egress) from the basement, which means you’ll often be adding windows when possible that can double as escape routes.

These should let in a good amount of natural light. Sunpipes (a light tunnel that uses mirrors and glass to reroute light) are also a novel way to bring the sun underground. On the other hand, simpler ways to light up the basement include installing bright lighting and painting the walls white to reflect as much light as possible.

Ventilation is Key:

Like any underground space, basements require special measures for proper ventilation and adequate air quality. Good ventilation also helps control dampness. Expanding your home’s HVAC system to the basement is the easiest way to ventilate it, though the cost could be steep.

Another idea is permanently installing exhaust fans and dehumidifiers. Your doors and egress windows can also be a big help with ventilation; consider installing extra windows so the basement can get a nice cross breeze.

Rental Unit Considerations:

Turning a basement into a profitable rental unit is a great way to bring in some income to help with your mortgage. But if you’re converting your basement into a rental, you have some additional considerations beyond basic livability and access.

If you’re renting the basement out as an independent unit, you’ll need to install a kitchen or kitchenette, as well as a bathroom, both of which require special hookups and additional plumbing work. You might also want to install a washer and dryer, which adds time and expense.

Before drawing up a lease, homeowners should also consider insurance and liability issues related to potential radon and mold exposure. And even if your basement unit meets your local code for habitability, you should confirm that it’s legal to rent out.

Get the Right Contractors for the Job:

A basement conversion can be tricky, as it requires expertise with moisture control, specialized electrical and drainage work, excavation, and a knowledge of local building codes. Don’t just hire the contractor who puts in the lowest bid; while 2% commission real estate agents are generally just as good as full-price ones, cut-rate contractors can cause serious, irreversible damage to your home.

Experts recommend seeking out contractors who have specific experience doing basement conversions. This can be especially thorny if you’re converting a basement into a house flip since you’re likely operating on a tighter timetable.

To deal with this, start conducting contractor interviews well ahead of your renovation window and secure the right personnel as soon as possible. Waiting around for your basement renovation after the rest of your investment property has already been redone can seriously scramble your house flip profit calculations.

Understand What You’re Getting Into:

Because of their complexity, basement conversions can take a long time and require heavy, noisy equipment, especially if the contractors have to dig through a concrete ground floor. If you have small children or work from home full time, you should understand that your basement conversion could seriously disrupt your life.

If you live in a rowhome or townhome, your basement work could also disrupt or even damage the adjoining homes, so discuss your work plans with your neighbors before you start digging.

If you need to relocate during the most disruptive phases of your basement conversion, plan your accommodations ahead of time and include them in your budget.

In Conclusion:

Transforming your basement into a functional living area can be a fun and rewarding project. With good planning, moisture control, and proper lighting, you can create a cozy space for your family.

Remember to check local codes and hire experienced contractors to ensure everything goes smoothly. Enjoy your new living area!