Transform Your Basement into Functional Living Space in Brentwood

Having a basement in your home at Brentwood makes you a special homeowner. According to the National Association of Home Builders’ analysis of the Survey of Construction (SOC) in 2022, only 19% of homes were built with basements. If you have a basement, this makes your home part of the special 19% with an additional living space. It’s time to upgrade your basement with a remodel to make it more unique. To get the most out of your basement remodel, here are some essential pointers to guide homeowners in planning, designing, and decorating a stunning basement.

1. Planning Your Basement Remodel: Layout and Design Tips

Proper planning of your basement remodeling starts with the right design and layout. Here are some tips to keep before you design your basement space:

a. Define the basement’s purpose.

Before you start the layout of your basement, consider whether it aligns with its purpose. It is important to note how the basement will be used to maximize your space. Each basement’s purpose has different requirements. If you want your basement to be a relaxing space, design it to be spacious and less crowded with stuff. If the basement is to be an entertainment area, ensure adequate soundproofing.

b. Ensure accurate measurements.

Correct and accurate measurements of your basement space are key to a successful layout. Measure the length and width of walls, floors, openings, and the clear height of the ceiling. Precise measurements will also help you decide on the size of the furniture or appliances to place in your basement space.

c. Create Zones.

Proper space partitioning can help you zone your basement. Zoning depends on its purpose, such as cooking, dining, sleeping, entertaining, or working. Zones will help you understand your basement’s space flow.

d. Design the Basement Floor Plan.

While many samples of basement floor plans are available online, it is best to personalize your space. The layout may be based on the zones you have initially decided. You can be creative and play around with different layouts for many options. Choose the best from these options based on your taste and its functionality. Keep the basement layout open so as not to restrict airflow and maintain a comfortable ambiance.

2. Common Upgrades: Flooring, Lighting, and Insulation

You can transform your basement in any way you want it to look based on your taste. For a significant transformation both in aesthetics and functionality, here are some essential upgrades that can magically transform your basement into an exceptional living space:

a. Flooring

There are many flooring options to style your basement, but the ability to handle moisture should be your top consideration. Unlike other parts of your home, the basement floor is the most exposed to ground moisture and indoor humidity. Consider using the following materials for your finished basement flooring:

• Vinyl Tiles and Planks

Vinyl and planks are PVC, which is best suited to handling moisture and floods. In case of basement flooding, they can be pulled up and re-installed.

• Synthetic carpet

Carpets are best if you want a wide variety of color choices and something soft underfoot in your basement living space. Synthetic carpet fibers, including nylon, polyester, olefin, triexta, and proprietary mixtures, are moisture-resistant but not necessarily waterproof.

Fig. 1. Remove and replace existing carpet due to moisture at basement

• Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood gives the aesthetic appearance of solid wood, but it won't warp and buckle under moist conditions. It is also environmentally friendly since it uses wood scraps and can be refinished if the surface is thick enough, which makes it a more sustainable flooring material.

• Waterproof Laminate

Laminate is protected by a transparent covering, which makes it easy to clean and more resistant to wear and tear. The top layer is water-resistant, with less seepage from its surface to handle liquid spills.

• Floor Tiles

Tiles are the best flooring option for durability, various styles, or water resistance. While tile installation can be more expensive than other types of flooring, its lasting benefits are top-tier.

• Finished Concrete

Finished concrete slabs can be durable, easy to clean, and affordable. Although their appearance may be simple, they offer a modern look and are still customizable. With proper painting and polishing, finished concrete flooring can give your basement the unique aesthetic vibes you want.

b. Lighting

The basement has less natural light than other parts of your home. Lighting can significantly transform any basement. However, proper planning for your basement lighting is essential to ensure safe and practical consumption while enjoying its aesthetic value. Here are some basement lighting options to choose from:

• Ceiling Lights

Ceiling lights provide general lighting for your basement. While they are common and practical, they are the least option if you want to create light zones in your basement.

• Recessed Lights

Recessed lights are ideal for low-ceiling basements. If you don't want to light up your whole basement, you can install them with dimmer switches to control and tone down the lighting in certain areas.

• Wall-mounted Lights

Lighting fixtures on your basement walls create a unique modern ambiance for your living space. You can point the lighting upward or downward, depending on how and where you want it to focus.

• Lamps

Lamps are best if you want an ultimate flexible lighting system. They are movable; you can plug them anywhere you want to light up. You can put them on your bedside table, your living room floor, or anywhere else for added lighting.

• Track Lights
  

Track lights can illuminate pictures on walls, paintings, or home decor. They can be placed on the sides of the wall to minimize visual obstructions, especially for lowered ceilings.

• Tray Lights

Tray lights, usually rope or LED lights, may be hidden on the perimeter of your ceiling cove. Their dimmer effect can magically set the mood of your basement living space.

c. Insulation

Poor ventilation and insulation make the basement feel stuffy and musty. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, efficient and durable construction practices are critical for basements because basements can account for 10% to 30% of a home’s total heat loss and provide a significant risk of moisture problems due to extensive cold surfaces at the walls and slab. Two factors are key to keeping a basement dry and warm: choosing the proper insulation and installing it correctly. There are five basic ways to do this:

• Conduct Moisture Test

Conduct a moisture test on the walls and slabs of your basement to assess its existing moisture level. A moisture test will help determine the proper insulation for your basement and prevent future moisture problems.

• Seal Tie Rods

Tie rods from construction are entry points of moisture in structures. Properly seal these points using the correct repair mortar and its proper application.

• Apply Insulation Panels

Choosing the right insulation panel is key to a successful basement insulation. Many insulation panels, such as Polystyrene, fiberglass, and foam board, are available in the market. It is important to choose the insulation that best suits your basement walls or floors.

Fig. 2. Installed insulation panels on walls, ceiling and flooring at basement

• Create a Framing System

Install a stable framing system made of wood or metal to hold your insulation and exterior panels. This will also keep your basement's electrical and plumbing systems intact and hidden from view.

• Finishing Touches

After installing the insulation and framing system, it’s time to cover it with drywall. For a seamless appearance, finish it with your preferred moisture-resistant paint.

3. Popular ideas: Home Offices, Playrooms, or In-Law Suites

Creative basement remodeling can transform your living space. There are many options for transforming your basement into a fully functional space, but the most popular choices are home offices, playrooms, and in-law suites.

a. Home Offices

The basement is a great place because it offers a serene environment, which enables you to focus on your professional tasks and achieve maximum productivity.

b. Playrooms

You can create a cheerful cave in your basement through playrooms uniquely for the leisure of your friends and loved ones.

c. In-law Suites

The basement is the best place to care for your aging parents or in-laws, as it is close to home. Accessibility is not usually an issue, like long staircases.

Fig. 3. A comfortable basement living space remodeled by Modern Handymen

4. Managing Moisture and Temperature Control for Comfort

Basement tends to attract humidity, which is affected by high moisture levels and temperature. A safe relative humidity level ranges from 30% to 50%, while temperature should ideally be maintained at 60–65°F. A humid basement feels uncomfortable due to its muggy and stinky atmosphere. But how do we keep the moisture and temperature low in the basement? Here are three simple steps:

a. Improve ventilation

Let air flow in and out of your basement through open windows, fans, air vents, or purifiers.

b. Seal leaks and cracks

Water can pass through even the smallest gap in your basement. To prevent moisture from entering from outside, ensure all gaps are sealed, and any cracks are repaired.

c. Clean drains and gutters

Clogged drains and gutters may cause water ponding or flooding in the basement. Regular cleaning of your drains and gutter lowers the risk of water seepage affecting your basement structure.

5. The Value a Remodeled Basement Adds to Your Home

Any dry-looking basement may transform into a fully functional and aesthetically appealing space with a remodel. Although basements are usually below grade and under our main floor spaces, your basement must be equally competitive, which may affect your home’s overall value. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) in their 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, the conversion of the basement to a living area has a cost recovery of 86%, which makes it the Top 4 interior projects with the highest Return of Investments (ROI). Basement remodeling is a great way to increase your living space in the least expensive way and without major structural additions to your home.

Maximizing your basement space in Brentwood through residential basement remodeling is a fulfilling project for any homeowner. While your home’s market value increases with your basement upgrade, your basement will even be ready to receive guests any time with your new house features and living space. Realize your basement living space ideas with trusted professionals for basement remodeling in Brentwood. Let Modern Handymen help you transform your basement into a space your family will love. Call 615-200-8071 for a free inspection and reliable estimates tailored to your unique basement remodeling needs. From design to completion, Modern Handymen is ready to assist you every step of your basement remodel journey in Brentwood.