Ideas for Adding a Basement to an Older Home

Extend Existing Basement

• Most older homes have some form of basement. This is usually quite small or dark and not suitable for living in. With a little effort this space can be expanded to be larger, which is cheaper than building a new basement. Windows can be added to bring in additional light and with a new lick of paint and utilities the old basement can become a usable extension to your older home.

Create an Apartment

• If the older home is quite large, adding a basement that can be used as a separate dwelling is an option. The basement can be sectioned off into several rooms or left open. As it is being built with an already existing house, the utilities can be connected to the main dwelling, saving money on installation costs. If the basement is going to be rented out to a non-family member or friend a separate entrance is a good idea. A set of steps from the back garden can be a subtle way to add an entrance, allowing the dweller private access to the basement while maintaining the older home's exterior look.

Children's Den

• Adding a basement to an older home can allow you to create space for new family members. A children's den is an excellent use for a new basement extension as it removes the noise from the rest of the house. By moving the children's playroom to the new basement the main level of the older home is free from toys and clutter and can be decorated to suit the home's age and style without fear that the children will break anything while playing.

Fitness Center or Entertainment Room

• Older homes were not designed with modern uses in mind. It is unlikely that there is a room that is ideal for an indoor fitness center or home theater. Building a basement is an excellent way to allow you to incorporate modern room uses into an older home without spoiling its image. The basement can be left an open space to make a large room perfect for a fitness or entertainment center.