5 Ways to Make Better Use of Your Basement

Our REALTORS® around Long Island know it's those finishing touches that help sell a home. You may have everything going for you — great location, reasonable price, and good southern or eastern light — but a glimpse of the basement could be sending potential buyers elsewhere.

While the current state of your basement may turn off potential buyers, the good news is that it's not that hard to transform it from an eyesore to a major selling point. Even if your home's not on the market and you just want to enjoy some extra space in your basement, it probably won't take that much effort to make things livable and lovable downstairs. 

Here are some tips to start you thinking about your basement as a blank canvas where you can make your artistic vision take form.

1. Clean and Organize
   If you use your basement for storage, that's fine — but just make sure everything looks spic and span. Remove clutter, getting rid of everything you don't need. Organize tools, supplies, whatever, in plastic bins and stack and store on shelves against the wall.
   
   Take steps to remove any dank or pet odors. A hint of mold can make your basement tough to hang out in, no matter how you pretty it up. Fix leaks or other conditions leading to dampness, then scrub away. You may have to add a portable dehumidifier to dry things out, or a fan to circulate the air. Some kind of exhaust ventilation may be called for. A word of caution: Go easy on the air fresheners. Strong fragrances used to cover up pet or other odors are usually a red flag to buyers.
   
   
2. Let There Be Light
   Lack of lighting and limited electrical outlets can present one of the greatest challenges in an unfinished basement. Lighten things up with several strands of industrial string lights — just one outlet needed.
   
   You can also clean out window wells, washing those basement windows thoroughly! Take curtains down to let in natural light.
   
   If there are no windows, try brightening up the space with strategically placed lamps, or you may even want to spring for recessed lighting. Light blue hues in the decor can help compensate for low lighting; light-colored window treatments and walls can also chase away the dark.
   
   
3. New Perspective on Flooring
   Get a new perspective by changing up your basement's floor. If you have concrete floors, consider painting them in a pleasing, light-reflective color. Want to turn your basement into an exercise room? Try adding square-cut foam floor mats, mixing and matching colors and patterns. Colorful rugs or even carpeting the floors can go a long way in helping to make the space more inviting.
   
   
4. Multipurpose the Basement
   Although your basement may be dedicated to storage and utility purposes, you can still use the rest of the space for other fun purposes. A curtain or partition can block off the appliances (be careful not to interrupt airflow), so you can consider these uses:
   
   • Wet bar
   • Playroom
   • Entertainment center
   • Workout room
   • Workshop
   • Guest room
   • Art studio
   
   
5. Finishing Touches
   Even if your basement is mostly utilitarian, you can add little touches that make it warmer and cozier. A rug in front of the washer and dryer, painted rafters or cinder block walls, or new liner paper on the shelves show love and care, inviting others into the space.

Our agents can advise you on all the right moves to stage your home, including sprucing up the basement. Contact us today.