Basement Development Ideas

A Home Theater

• A basement is an ideal location for a home theater, as the underground nature of the room naturally absorbs sound from loud surround sound systems. The usual lack of windows restricts outside light that may wash out sensitive video sources. If enough room is available, an overhead projector can be wired to a basement ceiling, projecting massive 100+ inch images in high-definition. For a high-end home theater atmosphere, consider adding theater seats to the basement, and installing a popcorn machine to complete the effect.

An Entertainment Room

• For some families, movies comprise only a small portion of entertainment activities. For these households, a smaller home theater in the basement can be augmented with a billiards table, foosball and even arcade-style video games. Basements are especially conducive to model train sets and other hobbies, as well as excellent locations for expensive computer equipment. For families with young children, the basement entertainment area can double as a "rumpus room" in which kids can expend massive amounts of energy in a safe, cool environment. As children grow, some parts of the basement may also be able to evolve into quiet study areas conducive to homework but also able to accommodate large study groups.

A Home Office

• As more employees opt to work from home, and technology makes the home office more productive, a large, unencumbered work area becomes a necessity for many families. Basements offer a home office solution, as plenty of space combines with a naturally quiet environment to form the perfect work location. Plus, a basement with outside access may qualify for a tax deduction if used as a home office, as home office professionals may legitimately deduct the portion of the home (and, as a result, a portion of any mortgage payments) as a business expense.

A Guest Suite

• Maximize other parts of the home by converting the basement into a guest suite. Since basements are usually somewhat bigger than other rooms in the house, this option provides guests with a quiet, private place to sleep. A retractable wall or temporary divider may allow larger basements to accommodate multiple guests with the option to convert to a larger suite when only one guest is visiting. As an added incentive, a large guest suite may increase a home's value, generating a powerful return on the basement development expense.