How to Upgrade Your Basement, According to the Experts
Often underappreciated and underused, your basement space has endless design potential. With the sage advice of four Scouted experts, we discovered how to maximize your loweest level to meet your household’s needs. Whether you’re considering an elevated in-law suite or entertainment area fit for a soiree, read on for their tips for subterranean success. Need help making your basement design dreams come true? Check out our Scouted Directory to find an expert in your area.
Focus on function. If you’re considering an upgrade to your basement, Sarah Moore, owner and lead designer of Sarah Catherine Design in Birmingham, Alabama, shares that the first step is to pinpoint what purpose the area will serve. Whether it be a space to watch football and host game days, a hang out zone for teens, or a playroom to corral all your children’s toys, she urges clients to focus on its function before taking action.
Maximize potential. “When it comes to home upgrades, more and more basements are being considered as additional living spaces, rather than an uninviting destination where unused items go to be forgotten,” Julia Kleyman, designer at Ulrich, Inc. in Ridgewood, New Jersey, shares. Jennifer Hinesman, design director at Meadowlark Design+Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan, agrees, adding that clients are now approaching their basement with the attitude of ‘What spaces are you missing in your other levels?’ and ‘What would best round out your home?’. Rather than moving or building an addition, homeowners are opting to utilize the square footage of their lower levels to their full potential.
Build a budget. Another important factor to consider is the practical issues that arise when morphing a generally underground environment into a functional living area. Things such as lower ceiling levels, proper lighting, egress and waterproofing options, can all be complicated and costly to address. Kleyman advises giving particular thought to your budget prior to beginning any upgrades. “Many people are surprised at how expensive a basement renovation can be, so be realistic and stay flexible,” she says. Adding that it’s okay to start large and refine the plan.
Invest in time well spent. When it comes to your return on investment, Amanda Miller, design director at Northern Woodworking Design Studio in Wexford, Pennsylvania, explains that adding functional square footage to a home is rarely seen as a negative. However, she urges homeowners to think of basement upgrades as an investment in less tangible metrics, like enjoying your home to the best of your ability. “Our clients are most focused on investments in their home that support their values, like spending time with family and friends,” she shares.
Hide the eyesores. From plumbing and electrical to structural systems, your basement is usually the site of a multitude of practical albeit unattractive things. In order to disguise the less sightly features and make the space feel more considered, Hinesman suggests adding built-ins. Pretty and practical, built-in bookcases, shelves, and other furniture can serve the dual purpose of covering up pipes and appliances, while also making up for any lost storage space that may arise from the area being repurposed into living space.
Details matter. Whether you’re starting from the studs or just looking for simple ways to upgrade your basement, Moore urges homeowners to consider the design details as they would throughout the rest of their home. “Paint can go a long way,” she says. “Using a pop of color or something other than white can easily enhance a space.” The basement is the perfect place to get outside your comfort zone and try that fun color you may be hesitant to use in your living room. Another easy and cost-effective way to add a dose of design? Moore touts the merits of area rugs and draperies to make the space feel fully finished and inviting.
Pick a professional. A sometimes tricky and overlooked area, designing a basement to its full potential is often best left up to a professional that has experience with similar projects. “Working with a design-build firm allows clients to fully realize their spaces, from concept to completion,” Miller explains. “It allows for the luxury of a beautiful, cohesive space, without having to worry about every decision and detail that goes into execution.” A major bonus for those of us busy keeping the house above that space up and running!
TSG Tip 468 from Sarah Moore, owner and lead designer of Sarah Catherine Design in Birmingham, Alabama; Julia Kleyman, designer at Ulrich, Inc. in Ridgewood, New Jersey; Jennifer Hinesman, design director at Meadowlark Design+Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Amanda Miller, design director at Northern Woodworking Design Studio in Wexford, Pennsylvania. Sarah Catherine Design appears in The Scout Guide Birmingham. Ulrich, Inc. appears in The Scout Guide Bergen County. Meadowlark Design+Build appears in The Scout Guide Ann Arbor. Northern Woodworking Design Studio appears in The Scout Guide Pittsburgh.
