There are many people who hate having a basement in their home, but this is because they do not use or even look after the room. When you neglect your basement, it can cause serious problems around your home, and this can then lead to more expensive, stress, and hassle, as well as major issues for your property. However, if you make use of the space and look after it, your basement can become a valuable part of the home.
Getting work such as basement waterproofing completed means that you can improve the condition of your basement and make it perfect for converting. While there are lots of options you can choose from when it comes to your conversion, one very popular method of using your basement area is for entertaining. If you are one of the many people who love to entertain others at your home, your basement can become a vital part of this.
In this article, we will look at some of the ways you can use your basement for entertaining and more useful information that will surely transform your basement into a great oasis. But before that, let’s find out why you should consider using your basement as an entertainment room.
Reasons to Use Your Basement for Entertainment
1. Create A Safe Place for Children
When you have kids, safety should be a primary concern. You want your kids to have a place that is secure where they can play all kinds of games and enjoy various amusements while remaining under your observant eye. One of the best things about using your basement as an entertainment room is that it is a contained area. You know where your kids are, who is with them, and what they are doing at all times.
2. Great Set-Up During Rainy Days
Another reason to transform the basement into an entertainment room is that all things will be set up for use during rainy days. While it might be raining outside, your basement is comfortable, dry, as well as full of things to do. It is actually a nice alternative when playing outside just is not possible right now since we’re dealing with a pandemic.
3. No Need to Clean Up When You Have Visitors
If you were not expecting any visitors, that typically triggers mad dashes around your space to clean up dining and living areas before opening the door. If you’re not fond of thrusting everything from collections of trash behind pillows and underneath the sofa and clothes that need to be folded, this entertainment room will serve you another purpose.
4. Adults Can Also Enjoy the Area
Aside from kids, adults may also take advantage of the basement turned into an entertainment room. You and your significant other can relax, watch TV, read books, play board games, while children are doing their thing.
This is a good setup since the whole family will have a quality time together. All the same, everybody does something they want to do. If the children are in the mood, they can join in the game that the grownups are playing and even start to discover the enjoyment associated with learning to play traditional card and board games.
Some of the Entertainment Rooms You Can Create
There are various rooms you can create from your basement if you love to entertain friends and family members. Some of the options you can consider are:
A Games Room
If you enjoy playing different types of games ranging from pool to darts, board games, table games, and digital games, a games room is an ideal choice. This is a place where your whole family can have some fun, and you can include game options to cater to all ages and tastes. You can also invite friends around to enjoy entertainment and fun with the wide range of games in your games room. Add some comfy seating and vibrant décor, and you have the ideal room for gaming fun.
A Home Bar
Another option you can consider if you want a great place to entertain guests is to create a basement bar in your home. You can make this as bold and vibrant or subdued and cozy as you like. You can even create a themed bar such as a sports bar where you and your friends can have fun and watch the big games. Alternatively, you may want to focus on music and have a bar that comes with its own full-size jukebox. You can serve up drinks, have fun getting together, and enjoy the feeling of a night out in your very own home.
A Cinema Room
If you love to go out and watch movies with friends and family, another great entertainment option is a home cinema room. You can set up a big screen and then stream whatever types of movies you want for you and your friends and family to enjoy. You could even add a snack area where you can keep a stash of popcorn and drinks for your guests to enjoy.
Home Gym
Often, convenience is the key if you want to get in shape. Finding time to work out can be very difficult especially if you’re too busy. Plus, going outside today is not completely safe because of the coronavirus. But when you have decided to make your basement a place for entertainment, you will achieve your goals without living in your place and this ensures safety since you’ll not need to deal with other people.
Kitchen
If you are entertaining groups or have family occasions most of the time, a second kitchen in the basement is a good idea. This will make preparing and serving much easier.
Craft Room/Workshop
All types of artists appreciate having a space that is free from disturbances and interruptions for their projects. If you like to build or create this kind of space, your basement might be the perfect location.
These are some of the great ideas for turning your basement into an exciting entertainment area.
Tips for Transforming A Basement into An Entertainment Room
Here are some tips that you need to take into account when you’re planning to use your basement as an entertainment area.
1. Measure Everything
Before you start, make sure to determine how much space you have. This is crucial when it comes to height as some local regulations require a basement to be at least seven feet tall to make it a livable place. If possible, consult a local building code for a faultless building process.
2. Install Insulation for Sound and Warmth
To have protection against low temperatures and noise, you will need to insulate the basement’s walls and ground. You can do this by utilizing batting, insulated panels, as well as other common materials. Remember that it usually involves a wall renovation option, so consider all options available.
3. Add Protection Against Moisture
Living in a basement condition needs vapor barriers in order to prevent moisture from spreading to the concrete walls that may possibly damage the things you will place in your entertainment area. Thus, make sure to add moisture protection to ensure that all the belongings are in good condition.
4. Proper Ventilation Is A Must
Since you will be staying in the area for a couple of hours, good airflow is very crucial. Ventilation, on the other hand, is essential to ensure a good flow of air. Aside from keeping the basement turned to an entertainment area fresh it will also guarantee that odors from cooking, heaters, and other stuff producing fumes are funneled away safely.
5. Install Heavy-Duty Walls
Rather than using drywall, it is recommended to use more durable and heavy-duty materials that have added insulation and good resistance to moisture like foam boards and wall panels that can be installed in basements with ease. Also, you may need to add framing for the walls and insulation.
6. Install Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are essential installations in a wetter place in which groundwater may threaten the basement. Now that you’re transforming your basement into a more functional and valuable haven, you will need to protect it at all costs. One of the best solutions for this is to install a sump pump.
7. Upgrade Your Stairway
We all know that the stairs of a basement tend to be dark and narrow. So, make sure it has a good lighting and a durable handrail.
8. Pick the Right Type of Lighting
When making use of your basement for entertainment purposes, as much as possible, try using natural light, for instance, you can enlarge the windows.
On the other hand, when you’re opting for artificial lighting, it is best to choose warm lights that can cover a lot of space in order to get rid of excess basement gloom. With adequate lamps and ceiling fixtures, you will be able to make a cozy atmosphere.
9. Place Connections and Outlets Carefully
Whoever stays in the basement will surely use a phone charger as well as other varieties of electronic devices. And since you are more likely to set up a media room make sure to carefully think about where to place the outlets. Make sure that kids won’t reach them to prevent accidents. One more thing, make plenty of outlets.
By considering all the details above we can assure you that you will be able to make the most out of your basement by transforming it into a cozy entertainment area.
