Ideas for finishing an empty basement

  • By <I>James and Morris Carey</I>
  • Wednesday, February 13, 2013 3:11pm
  • Life

For some finishing a basement means adding more bedrooms, but for others the basement is the only space in the house where wants tend to trump needs.

So if you have nothing planned for your basement, here are a few ideas that may help you get started on the path to construction.

If your current home theater is wedged between the living room couch and the dinette set then why not consider taking a step down to the basement. A basement is the perfect spot for a home theater.

Basements aren’t usually inundated with natural light. And when it comes to watching a feature film, who wants or needs that light anyway? Moreover, the basement is an out of the way place with more than enough room to mount a 110-inch flat screen TV.

Make sure to consider arranging for plenty of seating. What better place to entertain friends and family that in a theater-size theater?

If you already have a home theater, then how about creating your own gym? Good exercise equipment once cost an arm and a leg. Not so now. If you do a bit of research you may discover that you can drop your membership in your local gym, save money and personalize the process.

Large mirrors on one or two of the walls, a cushioned commercial floor covering and three or four pieces of exercise equipment, and you will be the envy of the neighborhood.

The great thing about building a home gym is that you can configure it any way you like without spending tons of cash. As far as remodels go, it’s one of the more affordable.

If you have children, then the basement should definitely be deeded to them. Giving them their own space will keep them safely at home; it will keep their mess in one location; and it will allow them to whoop and holler without disturbing you and your guests.

The key to building a kids room (that they will love) is to ensure that it is furnished and equipped to support multiple activities. It’s hard to keep a youngster engaged. You may want to consider a desk or other large flat surface for making models or for assembling puzzles, a computer connected to the Internet (with parental controls), a television, a bookcase, a toy box, and, well, you choose.

Be sure to include lots of storage and shelving.

Ask most guys and they’ll tell you that basements were built for bars and pool tables. Of course, the nice thing about having a basement is that you can easily accommodate everyone’s needs. The kids’ play area can be located in one corner, a home office in another room, the home theater in one section, and the pool table and bar in another area.

Your pocketbook is your limit. Start planning now. Remodeling costs are at an all-time low. Take advantage now before everyone else.

For tips from James and Morris Carey, go to www.onthehouse.com or call the listener hot line, 800-737-2474, ext. 59. The Careys are also on KRKO (1380-AM) from 6 to 10 a.m. every Saturday.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Everett P. Fog, 15, in front of an Everett mural along Colby Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hello, Everett! No escape when your name is same as the town

Everett P. Fog, 15, sees and hears his first name wherever he goes. His middle name is also epic.

Jared Meads takes a breath after dunking in an ice bath in his back yard while his son Fallen, 5, reads off the water temperature on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chill out: Dive into the cold plunge craze

Plungers say they get mental clarity and relief for ails in icy water in tubs, troughs and clubs.

Schack exhibit to highlight Camano Island watercolorists

“Four Decades of Friendship: John Ebner & John Ringen” will be on display Jan. 16 through Feb. 9.

XRT Trim Adds Rugged Features Designed For Light Off-Roading
Hyundai Introduces Smarter, More Capable Tucson Compact SUV For 2025

Innovative New Convenience And Safety Features Add Value

Sequoia photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
If Big Is Better, 2024 Toyota Sequoia Is Best

4WD Pro Hybrid With 3-Rows Elevates Full-Size

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser revives its roots

After a 3-year hiatus, the go-anywhere SUV returns with a more adventurous vibe.

Enjoy the wilderness in the CX-50. Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda CX-50 Adds Hybrid Capability to Turbo Options

Line-Up Receives More Robust List Of Standard Equipment

Practical And Functional bZ4X basks in sunshine. Photo provided by Toyota Newsroom.
2024 bZ4X Puts Toyota Twist On All-Electric SUV’s

Modern Styling, Tech & All-Wheel Drive Highlight

Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus Hatch Delivers Value

Plus Functionality of AWD And G-Vectoring

2025 Mazda CX-90 Turbo SUV (Provided by Mazda)
2025 CX-90 Turbo models get Mazda’s most powerful engine

Mazda’s largest-ever SUV is equipped to handle the weight, with fuel efficiency kept in check.

Provided by Bridges Pets, Gifts, & Water Gardens.
Discover where to find the best pet supplies in town

Need the perfect store to spoil your furry friends? Herald readers have you covered.

VW Jetta SEL is a sedan that passes for a coupe. Photo provided by Volkswagen U.S. Media.
2025 VW Jetta Offers Greater Refinement, Technology And Value

A Perfect Choice For Small Families And Commuters

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.