If you’re looking to turn your basement into a room, here are some easy ideas that you can try at home. Many of them cost next to nothing and are simple to complete. Many unfinished basements have a hard, poured concrete floor. In order to soften this hard surface, you can buy a square foam floor mat that fits in a room’s dimensions. These foam mats can be purchased in various colors and can be assembled just like a puzzle. They can be stacked and moved around easily, if you so choose.
Area rugs
If you are renovating an unfinished basement, adding an area rug is an excellent option. These rugs will add comfort and color to concrete floors and can also help to create a sense of openness. Depending on the basement’s design, you can use various colors, but pastel shades are the most popular choice. You can also consider installing room dividers for privacy. If you are renovating an unfinished basement to make use of it for storage purposes, then consider installing a storage space.
Choosing the right flooring is essential. Unfinished basements are usually cold, with only a few electrical outlets and few bulb fixtures mounted in the ceiling. To create warmth, choose a patterned or striped area rug to cover the concrete. Use rugs to accent comfortable seating areas, such as a couch, and highlight work areas. Another affordable option is carpeting remnants. This inexpensive option is an excellent way to create a room that looks stylish and is functional.
If you are looking to make your unfinished basement look more complete, consider hanging string lights or adding area rugs. You can add fun furniture to the basement, as well. You can find many basement design ideas on the Internet. You may even be able to save money and do some of your own work. Using clever products, you can transform an otherwise drab basement into an attractive room for your family and friends.
Cork floor tiles
You might be wondering how to make a room in an unfinished cellar using cork floor tiles. This type of flooring has a poor reputation in the flooring industry. However, the benefits far outweigh the negatives. To get started, make sure to gather the right tools. A floor roller is a must-have item, as is a finishing cork floor finish applicator.
To prepare a basement for cork flooring, remove any existing flooring. The unfinished basement floor may have moisture below grade. If this is the case, conduct a moisture test, using a calcium chloride or relative humidity test. If you find that the moisture content of the concrete subfloor is below acceptable levels, you can install cork flooring. Otherwise, you must install a new layer of plywood as underlayment. Be sure to purchase plywood that is at least 1/4 inch thick and stamped as underlayment.
Once you’ve completed the initial steps, you’ll be ready to install your cork floor tiles. You can order samples of cork flooring online to see what kind you like the best. Depending on your preference, you can even order samples of the flooring for free. If you decide to install cork tiles yourself, be sure to follow the installation guidelines that come with it.
Foam floor mats
Most basements have cold, poured-concrete floors. To soften the concrete, you can install foam floor mats. You can purchase different colored foam mats and lock them together on the floor. You can also install soft, faux wood tile, which looks like hardwood flooring. Foam flooring is great for home gyms and game rooms. The soft, wood-like look also makes the space appear more cozy.
Foam floor mats are an inexpensive way to create a cozy room in an unfinished basement. They make an ideal flooring surface and will soften concrete floors. Foam mats come in various sizes and colors and can be stacked or moved to create a cozy atmosphere. You can also use them to cover the floor of a garage or weight room. In addition to softening concrete floors, they can serve as area rugs or as part of an entryway.
Adding a minibar
When planning your unfinished basement, you should make sure you reserve one-fourth of the space for a fully enclosed bar. You can also install several wine racks that span the wall. Choose metal or wood counters and pendant lights to create a stylish look. If you have a wine collection, you can install two-way doors for cellar storage. Floating shelves are another popular accent in modern design. These shelves take up much of the cabinet space and make the bar look organized and spacious.
While you may be tempted to leave the basement for another room, it can be an ideal space for entertaining. Installing a minibar in an unfinished basement can turn it into a cozy entertainment area for your guests. Besides storing your favorite liquors and beer, you can also display toy collectibles on the shelves. You can also add subway tiles or 3D wallpaper to the walls to give the room a unique texture. In addition, you can use a bar counter to separate the area into two.
Although basements are usually dark and dull, it does not have to be so. You can choose open furniture that creates more space and balances out the dark stone settings. In addition, the use of close-walled lighting adds plenty of illumination. You can use track lights to accent stairs and other areas of the unfinished basement. The minibar can be a focal point of the room and can also be used as an extension of a kitchenette or game room.
Leaky pipes
The first sign that you might have a leak in your unfinished basement is the presence of water stains. These stains could be yellow, white, or grey, and they indicate that there is seepage of water inside the walls. You may also smell a musty odor if the area has any signs of water damage. To prevent the appearance of these stains, you must contact a plumber as soon as possible.
The most common cause of basement leaks is a broken downspout. Downspouts are designed to funnel water away from the foundation, but sometimes, these pipes are not properly installed, allowing water to seep into the basement. If this is the case, you may have to make some adjustments to the plumbing before you can complete the project. Ideally, the downspouts should be placed at least four feet away from the foundation.
Another common cause of unfinished basement leaks is a hot water heater. Although hot water heaters usually last about seven years, they can leak onto the floor. If the water heater is causing a leak, you will need to repair it immediately. Make sure to shut off the water supply before proceeding with the remodeling. Leaky pipes may require costly repairs. If you suspect that you have a leak, contact a plumber as soon as possible to prevent any further problems.
Repairing windows
Before you begin the process of repairing windows in an unfinished basement, you’ll need to know how much room you have to work with. The window in the basement is typically small. Measure the rough opening and add three-1/2 inches to it for the header. Be sure to use treated wood rough frame. When cutting through concrete, it’s not as accurate as cutting through wood. Use a level to ensure the window will sit level.
Before you begin work on your unfinished basement, make sure the windows are secure. Egress windows feature a well on the exterior that allows a grown adult to exit the home in the event of a fire. Since these windows weren’t required until the 1990s, many older homes don’t have them. If you’re not sure whether your home is compliant with the local building codes, you can check with your local city officials. You may also need a permit if you’re planning to install windows in your basement.
When installing a new window in an unfinished basement, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Each state and city has different requirements for basement windows. Generally, you should install egress windows that open horizontally, with one pane remaining stationary while the other one opens. Another option is to install double-hung windows, which open both sashes. A casement window, on the other hand, opens in a 90-degree angle, with hinges on one side.
Converting part of an unfinished basement into a bedroom
When you decide to turn a part of your unfinished basement into a bedroom, you have many options. There are several ways to decorate this space. Consider the activities you plan to carry out in the room. Additionally, think about where you want to put the bedroom. Check for dampness and moisture. If necessary, hire a waterproofing company. If necessary, you can install a bedroom en suite in the basement.
If your unfinished basement has concrete floors and walls, you’ll have to make the space look more like a bedroom. Fortunately, you don’t have to rip up the floor and paint it, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to do it. You can get inexpensive square foam floor mats that fit together like puzzle pieces. You can even paint them and use them as a canopy. Another option is to install pinpoint lights throughout the room for ambience.
You can also install a curtain system in the unfinished basement to divide the space and add some dimension. A picture wire stretched across the room can serve as the curtain rod and clip on flat sheets. Lastly, you can use paint to add charm to your basement, and paint the walls and ceiling. While there are many options for painting the unfinished basement, the basement is often a good choice for a home office or art studio.
