Bored with Your Basement?

A basement is like a blank canvas waiting for you to turn it into something wonderful. For some of us that means adding more bedrooms, but for others the basement is the only space in the house where we can let our wants trump our needs. So if there’s nothing you have to do to your basement, here are four fun things you could do.

1. Bring the Theater to You

Why pay to go to the movies when you can bring them to you? If you’ve got the space, a basement is the perfect place for a home theater. There’s little ambient light, it’s out of the way, and you’ve got plenty of space to install the projector and 120-inch screen you’ve always wanted. Besides adding a little “fun” to a functional space, your home theater is the perfect excuse to get friends and family together. And if you’re thinking about installing a home theater, we’ve got the pros who can help you design and build it. Find a pro.

2. Stay In to Work Out

Buying a gym membership for the family can get spendy. Perhaps that’s why more and more homeowners are installing them in their homes. And while you can go all out and install a gym that would make your local club jealous, you don’t have to break the bank to transform a corner of your basement into the perfect workout room. The biggest thing you’ll need to consider is the flooring. Most pros recommend installing a cushioned or rubberized floor that can take the abuse doled out by falling weights and heavy pounding. The great thing about building your home gym is that you can configure it pretty much anyway you want without having to spend a ton of cash. In fact, as far as remodels go, it’s one of the more affordable. Here’s what you can expect to pay for new flooring.

3. Play On

If you’ve got kids you know how quickly they can tear your perfectly cleaned house to shreds. And while creating a space they can call their own isn’t a guarantee that they’ll behave, it is a great way to let keep them contained. The key to building a playroom they’ll love is to ensure that it contains multiple stations or activities to keep them engaged. Turn one corner into an art studio. Create a workstation for them to build models or Legos. The possibilities are endless. Just don’t forget to include lots of storage and shelving. Want to learn more? Talking to a handyman is a great place to start. Learn more.

4. Fun & Games

Who says kids have to have all the fun? Ask most folks (OK, most guys) and they’ll tell you that basements were built for bars and pool tables. Of course, the nice thing about having a basement is that you can easily accommodate everyone’s needs. You can put the kids’ play area in one corner, a home office in another room, the home theater in one section and the pool table and bar in the great room. How much will it cost you? Our Cost Guide has the answers you are looking for.

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