Are you using the space in your basement wisely and beautifully? Many homeowners use their unfinished basement for storage purposes and as a space for accumulated boxes of decorations, children’s toys, or unused exercise equipment. However, finishing your basement can add extra value to your home and provide you with a fun place for your family and friends to relax and have fun. Take the necessary steps towards creating the basement of your dreams with the following tips.
Planning Your New Space
Ottawa renovation companies are well aware of the importance of this first step. Effectively planning the layout of your new basement design is both a fun and essential stage in preparing to revamp your basement. This step involves making critical decisions such as:
- Will the new design feature a bathroom or a room for a washer and dryer?
- Are you considering building a bedroom?
- Will you eventually wish to rent your basement as a means for extra income?
- Will you incorporate a fireplace or furnace?
The planning stage is the time to brainstorm, plan, erase and start again, as well as research construction constraints. For example, did you know that the Ontario Building Code specifies how much surface your basement windows must cover?
Effective planning will save you time and worry since you will have established clear guidelines for your vision—since changing your mind at a later step may prove to be a costly proposition. You can always consult your Ottawa renovation company for further details to help plan your design.
Bye Bye Boxes: Cleaning the Clutter
If you are planning a basement renovation which will involve transforming your space into a TV room or bedroom, it will be important to find a new place for your boxes of memorabilia. Why not plan a special storage room in your basement design? For example, if you collect rare coins or have won many trophies, your basement renovation plan can feature a room specially designed to showcase these items. Your imagination is the limit!
Renting out your Basement
Many homeowners invest their money in a basement renovation since they intend to rent the space as a way to ensure extra income each month. If so, there are important factors you should be aware of when considering your design. You will be able to attract more possible tenants (and increase your rental rate) if your finished basements has its own private entrance, and kitchen.
Furthermore, it is critical you read and understand the Residential Tenancies Act of Ontario, since as a landlord you will have many rights but responsibilities as well.
So why not invest in your home and enjoy the fruits of your investments at the same time? Ask your Ottawa renovation company how they can assist you in transforming your basement into a comfortable, beautiful and organized space today!
