Tips from Ottawa’s Basement Renovation Experts on Converting Your Space into an Apartment
Your basement. It kind of just, you know, sits there. Holding boxes of things you haven’t quite yet accepted that you’re probably never going to use again. Being neglected. Perhaps even building up an impressive collection of cobwebs. So when you decided that not only do you want to use this space, but that you want to put it to work, it felt like you were making the natural choice, really. A few basement renovations from now, you could have a fully-functional rental unit on your hands, ready to earn back your investment and begin turning a profit in no time. But before you step into the shoes of being a landlord, here are few must-dos you definitely can’t neglect:
Making Sure There’s Enough Space
Before beginning any basement renovations in Ottawa, ask yourself: “Do I have enough space to do this?” A full basement apartment should ideally have, at the very least: a kitchenette, a bathroom, and a living room, also a one-bedroom is sure to earn you more in rent than a bachelor. But floor space isn’t your only concern—there’s also vertical space. If your ceilings are too low, then you may have to lower the floor, which can be a prohibitively costly procedure.
Allowing for Light
No one wants to live in the dark, and you’ll have a hard time renting your basement out if it’s not well-lit. While natural lighting is always more effective, you may be limited in terms of window space. One good workaround is a window well, which is also effective as an emergency exit if made large enough. Overhead lighting that is spread-out enough to reach every corner is also a must.
Having a Way In and Out
We already touched on how a window well offers an emergency exit—but what about the regular entrance and exit? You’ll want your tenants to be able to come and go as they please without intruding into your home, so make sure your basement renovations address this by installing an independent doorway if there isn’t one already.
Making It Timeless
If you go for the latest trends in design (or cheap, easily-damaged materials), you’ll find yourself performing more basement renovations between tenants than if you just go for a well-built design that can stand the test of time. Hardwood or tile floors beat vinyl or parquet every time, along with open-concept kitchens, reliable appliances, and nice, neutral colours on the walls. These things never go out of style, and if you work with Ottawa’s basement renovation experts, they’ll stand up to years of use while only needing minimal maintenance—just so long as you don’t rent out your unit to anyone exceptionally careless!
