Finished Basements: Bright & Airy Rooms

The den pictured here is light and bright in this remodeled basement: it looks like part of the home’s main living space.

Is it finally time for you to finish your basement? Whether you just bought your home or have lived there for decades, finishing your basement is a wonderful way to increase your square footage without changing the footprint of your existing home or moving. It is best to hire a qualified contractor for this sort of project, as there are complex building needs and considerations; for example, changing the location of electrical or plumbing and obtaining all of the proper permits. Depending on the type of basement you have, combatting any potential moisture before it causes problems may be an issue that needs to be addressed as well, especially here in Alabama.

A secluded office with a window and recessed ceiling—a perfect use for once unfinished space.

Consider what sort of space you need for your home. Whether it’s a mother-in-law suite for a parent, a custom home office, or a game room and bar, you want your space to serve whatever function, or functions, you need. A finished basement can be like your very own “room of requirement” (for those versed in the lore of Harry Potter). Depending on the amount of space you need, you may be able to accommodate multiple functions in your finished basement, like a home gym and guest suite.

You have the opportunity to create an entire floor of your home from scratch when you take on a basement refinishing. Creating a dramatic recessed, or coffered, ceiling can make the space look more expansive, especially when your basement has a low ceiling. Configuring the layout gives your contractor the freedom to place walls where they’re needed. Architectural details can make the space layered and give it a more polished look, as well as marrying the style with the rest of your home. It is unquestionably better to have a basement refinished these days, than in the past. Current lighting choices, window and door placement, and careful design can create an airy, customized space, rather than the dreary “make-do,” or DIY, designs from decades past.

Additionally, if you aren’t sure whether or not you will be remaining in your home for the foreseeable future, a basement remodel is a fairly safe investment for resale. There are plenty of buyers who may also be considering future or current needs to accommodate their parents, or who want to work from home in a private home office, separate from main living areas. You can even have a separate entrance designed for your home office or guest suite.

At ELM Construction, LLC we have experience refinishing basements and attics, whatever our clients need to have the spaces they want to improve their lifestyles! Take a look at some of our past basement refinishing projects here. Contact us today to get started on your remodeling project.