Making Basements Livable
Basements have an interesting place in homes that have them. During wars, like the Second World War, basements were useful as bomb shelters. The more upscale homes use them as wine cellars. For many, they often serve as storage rooms for hardware stuff and consumables ready for use.
They are also reserved for stacking old, broken down furniture, toys, books, appliances and all useless knick-knacks the family has accumulated over the years, mostly waiting to be disposed off or just kept gathering dust for nostalgic reasons. The attic is another like it.
But these days, basements are emerging beyond being the least livable space in the house into a cozy space for another bedroom, home entertainment, study or recreational game rooms. Basement ideas from architectural and interior decorating magazines have opened many opportunities not just to add to a finite living space of most homes, they are getting very functional and even a focus for family living in many homes.
Making the Basement Livable
Making the basement livable requires some basic construction treatment that starts with the walls for waterproofing. It’s not uncommon to the see flooding in the basement during rainy days or getting them damp and mouldy. Some are deliberately damp and cool which make them excellent wine cellars.
But apart from that, basements suffer neglect that is not known in other parts of the house. Waterproofing basements is the first step to doing interior decorating to transform it into a livable space for the homeowner and the family to enjoy.
Second is providing some form of ventilation or air flow, either naturally from air vents or using air conditioning. Basements generally suffer from air circulation problem which has made them unappealing as a livable space all this time. After getting rid of the dampness, providing for comfortable ventilation and heating is the next step.
Making the Basement Useful
Households needing some added income can transform a basement into a bedroom they can sublet to professionals or tourists visiting the town or city. Homeowners who have been dreaming of having a dedicated home entertainment family room can transform the basement into one.
A game room with a billiard table and a bar set can be just right in a basement. A hobby room with all your collections of paintings, books, collectible toys or even as workroom for painting isn’t a bad idea. If you’re a musician or writer, the basement can be your quiet corner at home away from the noise of the kids. The possibilities to make your basement functional are just endless.
