Basement finishing is just as important as the work you do in every other room in the house. When done, you can make your basement as comfortable as your bedroom (You probably will not). But it is possible. The basement is an essential part of the house, which has more to offer than a place where equipment and other menial utilities used in running the home is kept.

There is so much you can do to your basement wall, ranging from insulation to framing of the walls and ceilings, to framing partition walls and even framing around an obstruction. Thanks to innovations in architecture and interior design, basement finishing means you can turn your basement into a game room, a den, an extra bedroom, anything you want.

While the basement finishing in Toronto has become very easy over the years, many people still get things wrong. They take the wrong steps, do the wrong things, and in no time, this results in an unfinished basement.

Hence, this article is geared towards exposing you to all you need to know, do, or avoid in the course of finishing your basement. Keep reading to find out the best steps you should take for expert basement finishing.

Related article: BASEMENT FINISHING: WHY NOW IS THE TIME TO DO IT

WHY YOU NEED BASEMENT FINISHING IN YOUR HOME

For most homeowners, basement finishing is not on the list of priorities, but they are missing the point. Without finishing, the basement is reduced to dark, dinky storage space. However, once you add lights, heat, flooring, and insulation, you can transform your basement finishing.

Below are the advantages that you will enjoy with the basement finishing in your Toronto home.

YOU GET SOME MORE LIVING SPACE

Perhaps your kids are growing, and fast, you need more space where they can hang out and do kids’ stuff. Your basement can be convenient in this case. There are also some cases where you need to make space in the living room. There is no need to have it crammed up when there is ample space just lying in wait for colonization.

With the proper basement finishing, you can bring out decency from the extra space, resulting in added space for your activities. You can either make it into a gym or a home movie theatre. In the case where you need some more space to serve as a bedroom to an extra visitor, basement finishing can work here. When you finish your basement, you end up saving costs for all the various uses it was improvised.

YOU CAN BRING IN YOUR AGING FAMILY MEMBER

Family is best when everyone sticks together, and your basement can help you foster that needed closely-knit family. The elderly folks need companionship more than ever as they grow old, and with your finished basement, it becomes easier to take them in.

With this renovation done, you get to have them closer and still somewhat on their own, to an extent. While they live, there may be times they need a healthy exclusion from the kids and other relatives, basements make this easier.

YOU CAN TAKE IN TENANTS

Have you ever thought of making some money off your house while you live in it? This is one thing finishing your basement can offer you. This separate area of the home can efficiently serve as a standalone part of the house for tenants.

Though, this move is still subject to local rules governing per rental units. But, once your basement qualifies to be a rental space, you just found yourself a source of residual income.

THE RESALE VALUE OF THE HOME INCREASES

It may not be in your plan to sell your home. However, if it ever comes to that, and you have your basement adequately furnished, the value will inevitably be higher. If you are lucky to have executed the finishing of your basement in an area where people rarely do, you just hit the top-dollar jackpot.

DOS AND DON’TS OF BASEMENT FINISHING

While it sounds so good to finish your basement, there are some things you need to know. You may be lost at the various things you need to do to make the most of the space you have. Don’t worry, we have got you covered.

Below is a list of all that is expected of you to make the most of the basement space.

DO: UTILITY SHOULD BE FIRST CONSIDERED.

The utility is still one of the main things to consider, even though you are making your basement better. The current use of your basement space may be for storage, laundry, or home office. You may decide to use the area for another thing, or continue with the function it serves you. Whichever way, in considering your new layout, the rules are;

• Create a wall around space that needs privacy: In case of leaks, water heater areas should be left bare
• Make sure plumbing remains in place, this helps you cut down on cost.

DON’T: UNDERESTIMATE THE CONSTRUCTION

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that because it is just a basement that the development will be as easy as cheese. You can always customize the basement as you want, but some other things need to be put in place. This is more reason why it is advised to submit the project to a contractor.

Basements are close to the foundation of the building. You will want to leave hammering, framing, and other construction activities that are a part of the basement finishing to the professionals.

DO: BE VAST IN THE ART OF OPEN-CONCEPT SPACES

During every basement finishing job, there is always an iota of open-concept arrangements involved. Hence, you need to be well-versed in how to set up installations.

The very first thing you need to do is the marking out of what you need the various portions of space for. If you want a TV area or a dining area, or where the kids can gather to play cards. You need to mark all those places out.

If all the markings and measurements get too cumbersome, you need to reach out to the contractors. When done correctly, you can make your basement even more attractive than the living room.

DON’T: DISCOUNT AESTHETICS

When one hears of the word basement, the very first thing that comes to mind is bare walls and other rugged furniture. This narrative is changing. However, basement finishing in Toronto has taken a whole new turn, and so much aesthetic planning goes into the design.

Don’t mince how much you spend on getting the space as beautiful as it can be. Go the whole extent of the budget you can foot to make it stand out. Maximize colour, furniture, design, and accessories. You can use a cohesive colour to span the whole room.

Don’t also limit the accessories, wall arts, bedding, furniture, vases, etc.are all important. Make the basement a world away from home. Make it the perfect escape from the stress of work. If you are wary of spending so much on renovating and furnishing your basement, think of the various advantages stated above. 

Related article: HOW MUCH DO FINISHED BASEMENTS COST?

CONCLUSION

Basement finishing is now as crucial as adorning any other part of the house. There are so many benefits you get from taking the time out to do this, especially the fact that it increases the value of your house.

Interior décor can make your home look magical, and the basement is one area of the house where this can be experienced. Follow this guide carefully on what you should and shouldn’t do. Make the most of your basement space.

If you have any questions about basement finishing in Toronto, our experts are on hand to answer them. Contact Basement Renovations Now today!