9 Basement Remodeling Trends That Will Add Value To Your Home, According To Experts
Don’t let your basement just be a half-finished storage room.
Laurey W. Glenn; Stylist: Matthew Gleason
Whether you’re taking an unfinished basement and turning it into a livable space or sprucing up an existing finished basement, these remodeling trends are sure to add value to your home. “It is much easier to finish a space that is unfinished as opposed to 'undoing’ a basement that was poorly finished years earlier,” says builder and real-estate expert Gabe Chatham of Chathambilt Homes. “Acoustical tile drop ceilings are usually a sign that a basement was finished in a previous decade and needs an update.”
"“In most markets you can get your money back, dollar for dollar, in value if you have a finished basement. We often list the basement as a ‘terrace level’ on our plans.""
— Gabe Chatham
Depending on if your home is on a grade that lets in natural light and has direct access to the outdoors or is more of a cavernous-style basement, this might dictate the type of space you create. “If you are looking to remodel a basement, one of the biggest ways you can add value is to create a space where people actually want to spend time,” says residential building expert Will King of High Cotton Homes. Here are nine basement remodeling trends according to custom home builders.
Meet the Experts
Will King is a licensed residential home builder, Southern Living Custom Builder Program member, and President of High Cotton Homes in Florence, Alabama
Gabe Chatham is a long time Southern Living Custom Builder Program member, builder and real estate expert, and Vice-President of Chathambilt Homes in Alpharetta, Georgia
Home Gym
“Most any basement we finish has an exercise room complete with rubber flooring, mirrored walls, and plenty of space for equipment,” says Chatham. “We rarely put site-finished flooring directly on a basement floor because the basement slab concrete may still be curing and we want to avoid any moisture issues down the road.”
Recreational Room
Sometimes you need a functional space for separate entertaining, whether it’s poker night, bookclub, or a space for kids to play during a dinner party. “Finishing basements to accommodate playrooms and kids areas will also be in vogue especially when hosting friends and family for events,” says Chatham. “Having comfortable furniture and open places for kids to play are often something that we keep in mind when laying out basements.”
Courtesy of Paloma Contreras Design, by Aimèe Mazzenga
Bars and Kitchenettes
From speakeasy-like hideaways to a simple wine cooler, downstairs wet bars function as an additional entertaining space. “Bars and kitchenettes have become more and more beautiful, so that the homeowners feel like they can host quality events with their friends and family even in the basement,” explains Chatham.
Work-From-Home Space
“With the evolution of multiple home offices, we typically create an office in the basement,” says Chatham. For indoor-outdoor basements, he suggests adding a door to the room for direct access for business clients that need to visit the home. And don’t forget to take into account on-camera meetings. “We often build out attractive cabinetry and trim because our homeowners need a beautiful backdrop for their zoom calls,” says the builder.
Extra Bathroom
For entertainment-heavy basements, an additional powder room is always a good idea. And if you have room to make it a full bath, this will further increase the value of the space because it provides extra flexibility.
Courtesy of Powell Brower Interiors, by Angela Newton Roy Photography
Additional Bedroom
Whether you need an additional guest room or bonus bedroom for kids’ sleepovers, the basement adds an extra level of privacy. “More and more, families want to create an in-law suite in the basement with exterior access so that someone living in that space wouldn’t need to come through the main portion of the home to access the space,” says Chatham.
Sliding Doors
Just like in any above-grade space, creating an interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces is crucial. Chatham recommends sliding or bi-fold doors so that the space transitions seamlessly. This is especially important for easy entertaining. “Often there is a backyard or pool that can be accessed through the terrace level and you want to be able to service that outside space with things like a bar, kitchenette, and bathroom,” he says.
In-Home Theatre
A cozy movie-ready space is perfect for basements lacking natural light. “Home theaters are still very popular and are best located in the interior portions of the basement where you can eliminate natural light,” says Chatham. “We will often frame out platforms so that the room can accommodate multiple levels of seating.”
Craft Room
From gift wrapping stations to a space where kids can break out paint and glue, a craft room type space in the basement provides the freedom to get creative and be less worried about cleaning up the mess.
Related: 5 Things To Consider Before Tackling A Basement Remodel, According To Builders
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