We’ve taken on quite a few basement renovations {and garages- sometimes they’re a mix of both, and sometimes it really confuses the online traffic via Pinterest} to elevate a home and help bring value to wasted real estate. No one ever regrets adding beautiful spaces to their home when it’s all said and done, but they really love it when it brings extra value in adding square footage! Here are 5 smart choices for basement renovations that are really worth it.

1. 5 Smart Choices for Basement Renovations That Are Really Worth It: Entertainment 
We’ll start with the obvious, but it’s genuinely refreshing for spaces to have room for entertaining guests with all that extra square footage.  

First up: In this converted garage, which was half basement / half garage, they use the space right off the access to their pool and have the perfect setup for hosting, game nights, and so much more, not to mention the value it brought to their home. 

Before

In our own house, the kids have used this for years. We even included sofa beds so that overnight guests have a great setup. We use it for movie nights, football games, hosting, and so much more. It added around 850 square feet to our home. 

before 

This basement gave our clients a bar area, along with a main living space. A wall was built so that they still had space for their cars, but this area nearly doubled the square footage of the entire house.

This space was already finished but definitely ready to be brought out of the late 80s / early 90s. Again, right off their pool, we love that it added so much updated and lovely room to their space. 

This basement area joins two boys’ rooms in the middle, which creates the perfect bonus space in their house. It was once a bathroom {relocated to the other side of the basement} pushed outward with its extra square footage. We weren’t able to show it with the final planned design, but we do love the look!

bathroom {relocated} before

After

2. 5 Smart Choices for Basement Renovations That Are Really Worth It: Workout Space
2020 really changed the way people started to look at their spaces, and that was evident in their home gyms. We love these transformative workout spaces that are true game-changers for their owners. 

We adore the way this space was changed over to allow extra room for this mobility specialist. She’s also a barre and sculpt fitness instructor so it helps her to have this space for multiple reasons. 

This is one open space that definitely works hard for our clients! We love the way it turned out for them to have the extra gym equipment so that they can work in the room, but it remains open for all their other needs, too.  

3. 5 Smart Choices for Basement Renovations That Are Really Worth It: Extra Baths 
Who doesn’t want the opportunity to add an extra bathroom to their home? We say it’s one of the most valuable commodities, and we love it when these rooms have space for such great additions. 

This space was such an excellent opportunity to add a generous-sized bath! We love the way it came together. Once wasted space in their garage, it was definitely converted into something much better. See the whole room here. 

This basement received a tiny but mighty space, perfect for guests straight out of the pool, or overnight stays. Complete with a small shower is icing on the cake. 

This garage took the space and made it so much better with a bathroom option!

We love this bath – especially with the backlit mirror since there wasn’t the opportunity for windows – something we always recommend to our clients! See that bathroom here.

And bonus… their laundry room got an upgrade for the win, too. 

4. 5 Smart Choices for Basement Renovations That Are Really Worth It: Storage
Useful storage {especially in older homes} often has to be created. We love thinking creatively to find that extra space and make it work hard. One of our favorite additions in our home home, was this hall tree. The baskets hold all of our shoes, and more. 

Another move for us, was adding this closet. It initially served as our laundry room, but when we were able to add on to our primary suite, we moved that upstairs. Houses built in 1970-something are undoubtedly short on space, and we were so grateful to create more. before – because sometimes people actually get confused – another helpful tip: go tankless with that water heater. Your space + your future self with teens – will thank you.

This basement received a whole new look for their main entry, with a great space for stashing those backpacks, shoes and more. We’re all about containing that chaos, and it’s a great access to that laundry room as well. before 

This closet went with shorter access,  to open up the stairwell. But every square inch counts. Perfect for storing sports gear for their kids, its a great testament to taking advantage of every opportunity when it comes to storage. 

5. 5 Smart Choices for Basement Renovations That Are Really Worth It: Workspaces
Whether it’s working from home, running an Airbnb, or working at home whilst running an Airbnb, these are spaces that really make the most of your space an extra office or income is a great way to generate something truly useful from that renovation.
I’m so grateful for my own tiny but mighty office—quite the change from how it previously looked. Byyeee dead bodies. In this space, our clients decided to take advantage of that extra square footage, and utilize it to build an at home office. We love the way it’s used for the room!

This garage was transformed into extra income for their family with an Airbnb. We love the vibes in this space. 

These are just a few of our top picks. We love creating new and useful spaces for our clients. Which use is your fave? And if you’ve converted the extra space, what did you use it for? We’d love to hear. Have an inspired day!

Pssst: Did you know that we take on spaces for clients both locally and nationally? Be sure to check out our portfolio + more of what we do here. Contact us here for design work. Need a real estate agent? We have you covered there, too. Have an inspired day!