By now, it’s no secret that finishing unfinished spaces in your home can make them more valuable and functional. This is supported by the fact that a finished basement can increase the value of your property by 70%. It may not add to the overall square footage of a house, but this is beside the point as it can be used as a guest room, home classroom space, office, or informal family room/living room. One of these spaces is the basement, and if you have kids, what better to do with it than to turn it into an additional bedroom for them? Have a look at the tips below that can help you turn your basement into a creative, cozy, and safe bedroom for your kids.
Deal With Water Damage and Leaks
Water damage is a major issue for basements, especially because of their position in the house. The biggest issue with water damage is the fact that it can lead to issues like mildew and mold. According to Angi, the two main reasons why homeowners typically get mold in their basement are as a result of drainage issues or water intrusion, and that the basement has an overall humidity level of over 45%. Mold can cause respiratory issues and so it’s important to make sure that there’s no risk that it might form in the basement, where it will affect your kids. Find a professional to inspect and fix your basement so that water damage is an unlikely scenario and the space isn’t more humid than it needs to be.
Get Proper Lighting
Next, you want to make sure that the basement is well-lit. This involves adding egress windows that can let in light during the day and also be a means of escape in case of an emergency. Have a professional install these so that they do so according to the building codes in your area. You can also add lighting by installing LED light holders at strategic points throughout the house. These will keep the basement well-lit when it gets dark and also save you a considerable amount of money in terms of the energy that you use in your home. The best lighting should be that which isn’t too bright, so pick bulbs that have a considerable wattage.
Remember the Flooring
The floor of your basement needs to be comfortable enough for your kids to walk on in all seasons. This is why you may want to install a carpet, tiles, or even engineered wood. These are all easy to find at local hardware stores in your area, so look for the right one for your home, depending on your budget and the end result that you hope to achieve. Remember that 60% of homes in the United States have wet basements, with 38% of them running the risk of basement mold. You have to make sure that there’s no risk of water getting into the basement as it will leave you with an expensive mess.
Check Insulation and Ventilation
Finally, make sure that the basement is insulated well enough to keep it at a comfortable temperature as the seasons change. You should also be sure that the ventilation is perfect so that the basement stays fresh and any fumes that come from cooking, electrical systems, heaters, and more are all funneled away safely. Have a professional check and install the ventilation to make sure that it’s correct so that you’ll be sure your kids are safe throughout.
Use these tips to convert the basement into a safe and comfortable bedroom for your kids. Work with professionals so that you get the best possible outcome. This will help make your home feel larger than it currently is, so it’s worth the time and money you’ll spend on doing it.
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