Is your basement a dark, musty, unfinished space? No longer. For many homeowners in Ottawa, the basement is so much more than a gloomy storage room, musty laundry room, or unused space. Have you thought about turning your basement into a game room? A fully customized space the whole family can enjoy?
First Things First – Is Your Basement Waterproof?
Before we start talking about selecting the right ping pong table and what brands of craft beer you want to store in the basement wet bar, there are a few structural concerns to address. An unfinished basement seems like more work, but it’s actually a better blank canvas for evaluating any potential issues like water damage, mould growth, pest infestations, and so on. If any of these issues are present they absolutely must be addressed right away. Waterproof your basement now, and you won’t have to pay money replacing wet belongings and knocking down drywall to fix it. The last thing you want to do is invest in a swanky renovation that’s not built on a solid foundation.
Next – Evaluate the Space
Every basement is different. Hopefully you have a bright basement with lots of open space and big windows, but that’s not always going to be the case. How is your ceiling height? You don’t want to have to dig down just to fit a game room, but it is an option. What is the placement like for the furnace room, water hookups, ductwork, electrical panel etc.? These elements will be difficult and/or expensive to move, so you’ll want to plan any layout around these important parts of the basement.
Next – Design Time
You can come to your contractor with designs in hand, or you can work together to design the perfect layout for the same. If you hope to have games tables in the room, layout is extremely important. For example, a pool table requires at least enough clearance to use a standard cue (58”) comfortably in all directions. If you plan to have other tables in the area, plus seating, plus a bar etc., layout becomes imperative.
Finally – Games Time
Bring the whole family and figure out what kind of games you would like to see. Pool table, table tennis, foosball, or air hockey? The latest video game consoles like a PS4, WiiU, or Xbox One, built into a customized media centre? Board games like Monopoly and Risk?
A remodeled basement will increase the value of your house and will pay off in big bucks when you resell. It is a win-win. The space is big and cozy and with the right games for your family, it will soon become your sanctuary. Get in touch with RenosGroup.ca for your free in-home consultation to get the process started. Or give us a call at (613)727-9427
