How to Convert Your Basement Into A Comfy Living Space

If you’re one of those lucky homeowners who have a basement, it is likely unfinished, but that does not mean you should abandon all hopes of growing your living space. A finished and professionally approved, safe basement can provide endless opportunities for creativity and self-indulgence. All it takes is your imagination and a chess-like mind, where all moves are considered before “going in for the kill.”

Inspect the Basement

As a first step, it’s a good idea to check the air for the unmistakable aroma of mold and mildew. Smelling either one during your walkthrough is a strong indication of moisture, which can be caused by either a leaky pipe, poor ventilation, or an otherwise terrible combination of the two..

If you’re not sure, use a humidity checker to determine whether or not moisture is present in the air. Neglecting this step can be very costly, so if the professional inspector you call before building starts in earnest tells you that moisture in the air, it’s crucial that the problem is located and dealt with to prevent a costly mistake and/or violating your local building code.

This is also the point in which you determine if the basement is adequately ventilated. If not, it may be necessary to install foundation vents to exhaust warm, damp, stale air.

Consider What Function You Want Your Basement to Serve

Obviously, it’s a good idea to know what kind of living space you want before buying the materials. Are you thinking of a bar and pool table? It may only be necessary to ensure no moisture is in the basement and that it is properly ventilated. The same rule can apply if you’re going to use the space as a laundry room.

However, if you want to turn your entire basement into a self-sufficient quest quarters, you’ll want to ensure of course that proper ventilation is in place, as well as insulation and drywall. Both will not only give the basement a finished look, but also help it regulate its temperature as well. Installation of a hood vent, bathroom, and sufficient electricity receptacles will be necessary to make the space more user-friendly and healthy.

Once you know what kind of space you want, it’s only a matter of acquiring the materials you will need to complete the build. If you aren’t sure of your own pre-build assessment of the basement, play it safe and call a professional.

Potential Ideas for Finished Basements

If you are still not sure on what kind of space your finished basement should be, here are some ideas to consider:

• Sewing room or art studio
• Escape room
• Guesthouse
• Greenhouse
• Gaming room

As stated earlier, you are only limited by your imagination. Just ensure that the space is adequately ventilated and protected from the elements before beginning your project.

How FAMCO Can Help

FAMCO is headquartered in Meridian, Idaho, and is one of the biggest suppliers/manufacturers of HVAC equipment and accessories in the Pacific Northwest. For our prospective basement DIYers, FAMCO offers a wide variety of foundation vents to fit any aesthetic.
If you have any questions regarding proper basement ventilation or getting the supplies you need to help bring your dream to life, feel free to give us a call down at the office, We’ll be more than happy to help.