If you think about it, basements are weird little spaces. One minute they’re dark, cold hideouts for Christmas decorations, mystery boxes from 1997, and that exercise bike nobody’s touched since the first lockdown. The next, they’re begging to be turned into something magical. A snug movie den, a guest suite that actually impresses visitors, a massive master bedroom (which is getting popular), or even a swanky little flat for that grown-up child who keeps boomeranging back home.
But before turning to Pinterest boards or other inspiration, there’s a few things standing between the current creepy storage zone and that dreamy extra living space. It’s really not as easy as picking decor. Okay though, what all does it even entail in that case?
Deal with the Damp First
Okay, seriously, there’s nothing like a bit of classic basement damp to ruin all the best-laid renovation plans. It creeps in quietly, leaving behind that lovely “old swimming pool” scent and spots of mould that no amount of scented candles can mask.
Now, it can’t be stressed enough to look into basement tanking. So, it’s not just some fancy phrase people throw around to sound clever. Actually, it’s the waterproofing process that turns basements from soggy nightmares into dry, cosy spaces (since basements worldwide seem to have a thing for getting damp). So, without it, the freshly painted walls might peel, the carpets could start sprouting mushrooms, and the brand-new furniture could end up smelling like a wet dog.
You’ll Still Need Light
Have you ever noticed how basements can swallow light whole? Yeah, even with or without natural light, it’s still so eerie. Now, with that said, without some help, that converted space might end up feeling less “inviting new living room” and more “season finale of a crime drama.” Okay, maybe that was a tad bit of an overstatement. But pretty much, basements need light, and lots of it.
Here’s an example; if there’s a tiny window, treat it like gold. Ideally, you should squeeze every drop of natural light out of it with clever positioning of mirrors and light colours. Then go wild with artificial lighting, this can include wall sconces, ceiling spots, under-stair lighting, aand nything to make sure nobody feels like they’re about to get interrogated when they walk in. Okay, sure, seems simple enough, but you will need a lot of lighting, and ideally not too much overhead lighting.
What About the Temperature?
Cold feet are fine when tiptoeing to the fridge at midnight, but they’re less fun when sat in a converted basement for hours. Now, you have to remember that basements are notorious for being colder than the rest of the house, thanks to all that underground charm.
If you don’t have it already, then you need to look into proper insulation. So, just make sure the space feels warm and cosy, not like a bunker during a snowstorm. Now, this needs to feel like an actual extended living space, so heating options like underfloor heating or electric radiators will turn it into a space people actually want to spend time in, instead of escaping from with a blanket wrapped around their shoulders.
