5 Basement Renovations That Pay Off

By Sabrina Biehl Published Jun 14, 2016 03:35 am Updated May 31, 2016 01:44 pm

With homeowners using their basements for laundry, exercise and storage, aesthetics are usually a secondary concern. How can you update the looks of your basement? Here are a few ideas worth exploring:

#1 Enhance the Floor

Floors in busy areas eventually end up in bad shape. A new floor will tremendously enhance the appeal of your basement. The costs of a new floor are less expensive than most homeowners assume. Vinyl floors are affordable, tough and require little upkeep. Apply an epoxy coating for an even cheaper flooring option. Several coats of epoxy make even the roughest floors look new.

#2 Add Shelves

Clutter undermines the look of any basement. Adding shelvesto your basement walls will help organize clutter and contribute tremendously to its overall look. Varnished wood shelves add an additional shot of style to your basement.

#3 Utilize Waterproofing Strategies

The presence of water in your basement causes rotting wood and corroded plumbing fixtures. Cracks in your basement wall can also expand, potentially damaging your foundation. Call a waterproofing professional if you notice leaks in your basement. Failure to address a leak can result in major damage and costly repairs to your home.

#4 Improve the Stairs

Change the look of your basement staircase for a dramatic improvement in looks. If the stairway is enclosed, knock down the wall to create an open staircase. Replace the old stairs with newer wood and install a decorative banister for an added shot of style.

#5 Build a Small Kitchen

A basement has water, electrical and gas lines that are useful in a kitchen remodel. Generally, a kitchen by itself would seem odd in a basement. But, if your basement is already designed as an entertainment room, the addition of a kitchen makes perfect sense. A stove and a refrigerator will cut down on going upstairs for snacks.

Conclusion

All of these basement improvements will make your space more livable and boost your property’s value.