Tips on Designing a Basement Suite

It’s not unusual for homeowners to think of converting an unfinished basement into a specialized space, be it a home theater or an area to display their collections. However, if you have a growing family, a basement is perfect for a living suite. In today’s post, local remodeling contractors, Owens Construction share tips on how to design a basement living suite.

Consider an Open Floor Plan

Basements typically get a smaller usable floor area compared to the house’s footprint, so creating a floor plan can be a challenge. Structural components and utilities, such as load-bearing posts and boilers, respectively, can impose limitations on drywall and furniture placement. To get the most out of the basement suite, consider an open floor plan. Not only will it make the space feel much larger than it is, it will also give the occupants more freedom with their decor and furniture placement.

Ensure Proper Lighting

Given their location, basements don’t usually get ample natural light. This means your lighting plan has to compensate for it. If you’ve undertaken a kitchen renovation project before, you probably already know about the three basic types of lighting — ambient, task and accent lighting — and how they work together. Ambient lighting, in particular, should illuminate areas that couldn’t be reached by light coming from the windows. The interior color palette can also be planned so it plays off with the lighting fixtures.

Choose Durable Flooring

It goes without saying that, like the common areas in your home, the basement suite will see a lot of foot traffic. This is especially true if it’s intended to be rented out, or as an in-law suite. Additionally, basement floors tend to hold more moisture, being close to the foundation slabs and with fewer windows. The flooring has to be resistant to wear and moisture damage to ensure longevity. A popular material is luxury vinyl tile, but your basement remodeler may have other, more suitable they recommend.

Ready to get started on your basement suite? Your local home remodeling company is here to help. Call Owens Construction at (614) 846-1149, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.