Like with most detached family homes or even townhouses/multiplexes in Winnipeg, basements come unfinished. They are often an afterthought, with developers assuming that homeowners prefer to take possession of it that way. The latter may be the case, but invariably these homeowners grow tired of looking at bland concrete, exposed rafters and pipes, and envision more for the under-optimized space. As someone among them, you’re online and asking “Should I finish my basement?” to which we can answer in the affirmative. Here’s why, along with some fun concepts to consider.
Big Reasons to Upgrade / Finish Your Basement and Some Great Ideas to Consider
I. BENEFITS OF FINISHING YOUR BASEMENT
Protects Against Risk of Flooding
When a professional contractor comes in to finish your basement they will provide a full assessment of structures, wall cladding, rafters, pipes, and more. It’s all required before upgrades, additions, and conversions (all referenced in the “ideas” section below) and it’s during this process that contractors will identify vulnerabilities to a basement’s worst enemy – risk of flooding. A professional contractor will correct these issues and subsequently reduce the risk.
Protects Against Pest Infestation
This carries over from the first benefit addressed above. The same protections that help prevent flooding will also mitigate the risk of pest infestation (insects, mice, rats, and critters) which is a basement’s second biggest threat in Winnipeg where creatures seek refuge from harsh weather.
Increases Resale Value
Research finds that the average finished basement return on investment rate is 86%. This is on top of the increased quality of life experienced by occupants and guests.
Increases Homeowner / Occupant Satisfaction
This should be your primary motivator to convert a basement from a place to store boxes of Holiday decor, seasonal clothing, and recreational equipment that hasn’t seen the light of day in years. When initiating any of the concepts below, a newly finished basement will exponentially increase enjoyment and satisfaction.
II. UPGRADES TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR BASEMENT
Home Office / Workspace
If you’re like the thousands of other Winnipeg residents and professionals who enjoy the ability to work from home part-time or full-time, then a new home office (where there is more peace and quiet) will help increase remote work enjoyment and personal productivity.
Home Creative Studio
Home offices are great, but for greater enjoyment and fulfillment you may instead consider installing a workshop or art studio to get your creative juices flowing. You don’t have to have an Etsy store or be a professional maker, painter, photographer, sculptor, et cetera for this concept to provide enjoyment. View more on adding an art studio to your Winnipeg home.
Home Gym
Do you have a hard time getting to the gym or community center to get in some much needed exercise? Or are you bothered by the crowds associated with each? Consider making a home gym a big part of your home finishing project.
Home Entertainment Room
This is the dream for many, and thanks to the sound-reducing acoustic properties of basements there is no better place in the home to add an entertainment room. Depending upon available square footage your household and guests can enjoy the ultimate surround-sound experience, table gaming (pool, ping pong, etc.), and anything else that your family would love to do together.
Guest Suite
Does extended family visit often? Or would you like them to? A basement finishing completed by a contractor with expertise in bathroom (view here), kitchen (view), and bedroom (view) installations can create a guest suite in the lower ground floor that upstairs occupants will be envious of!
GET A QUOTE ON FINISHING YOUR BASEMENT
(Winnipeg Area Homeowners)