How to Increase Space and Property Value With a Boulder Basement Remodel

If you often find yourself wishing for extra room in your home, you may be literally sitting on top of a goldmine of potential living space in your unfinished basement. Just think of all the ways you can transform that under-utilized area into a dream come true with Boulder basement remodel services from a talented, local handyman team.

Whether the space is unused—aside from those boxes you never got around to unpacking—or you're using it but it doesn't really suit your family’s needs and wants, a basement remodel is the perfect solution to dramatically increase your home’s comfort and add livable space that’s tailored to your specific requirements. And if you're thinking of selling your house in the near future, professional Boulder basement remodel services will help increase its selling price.

Need inspiration? This guide covers six ways a Boulder basement remodel will enhance your lower floor by transforming it from a dank, dark, possibly scary pit, into your favorite part of the entire house—yes, really! When you're ready to start swinging the sledgehammer, call on the Boulder handyman team at Mr. Handyman of E Boulder, Broomfield & Erie to turn your basement remodel vision into reality.

6 Ideas for Your Next Boulder Basement Remodel

You may not be a huge fan of your lower floor as it is currently. Whether it’s just a big, open space with a concrete floor, roughed-in walls, and no ceiling to speak of, or it’s been finished but still isn't an enjoyable place to spend time, Mr. Handyman of E Boulder, Broomfield & Erie can deliver a Boulder basement remodel that will change all of that for the better. Our skilled team has completed many remodels throughout East Boulder and surrounding areas. We have the experience to carry out a full remodeling project, floor to ceiling. Here are six additions and features you should consider for your next Boulder basement remodel.

1. Install Walls and Flooring

If you have a finished basement with drywall and flooring installed, you can skip over this step and go straight to the fun parts. But for any space that was not finished during construction, adding drywall and flooring installation are the first steps toward adding useful space to your home. Remember, you don't need to feel obligated to stick with the current floor plan. If it's just one big, cavernous space, adding walls to partition off new rooms will provide a huge boost to your property value and your personal enjoyment of the space.

2. Upgrade Lighting Fixtures and Ventilation

So many horror movies involve a creepy basement, and they’re always poorly lit. You can get rid of that horror movie vibe by upgrading and adding lighting fixtures to give your lower floor a cheerful glow instead. It's not easy to maximize natural light in a basement, so adequate lighting is key. Recessed lights are a popular choice, especially when ceiling height is a concern, because they don't dangle down and provide a hazard to bump your head on. Wall sconces can also be helpful for illuminating corners.

If ceiling height isn't a concern, you may want to consider adding a fan to improve air circulation. Fans can also lower utility costs, because they stir up cool air that settles to the floor and hot air that rises to the ceiling. This can change the temperature in a room by four or five degrees, which means you can set your HVAC system four degrees higher or lower than normal. Thus, you use less energy—which will make a difference to your energy costs.

You don't need to call an electrician for lighting and ceiling fan installation—your local handyman can take care of it while completing the rest of your Boulder basement remodel, along with other minor electrical work such as installing dimmers, timers, and motion detectors.

3. Create a New Room, or Multiple Rooms

This is the fun part of planning your basement remodel. If you could add a brand-new room—or three—to your house, what would it be? You could even add bathroom remodeling to your project. This is your opportunity to create functional spaces that will give you more breathing room upstairs, as well as provide opportunities for socializing and relaxation.

Need Ideas? Here Are a Few Options:

• Guest bedroom, or extra bedrooms for family members who are currently sharing a room and would really prefer not to

• Additional bathroom or half bath (also called a powder room)

• Home theater for family movie nights

• Wine cellar

• Game room with a pool table and other game tables

• Art and crafts studio

• Hobby workshop (make sure to install proper ventilation if your hobby involves noxious fumes)

• Music room

• Laundry room

• Home gym

• Children's play room

• Rental suite that will provide additional income

4. Take Protective Measures

While these aren't the most exciting or intriguing improvements to think about, there are some updates you can have done during your basement remodel that will help protect your home and family. Our team can handle these preventative measures quickly and efficiently:

• Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

• Repair or replace sump pump

• Dryer vent cleaning

• Insulate hot water heater

• Seal windows so they don't let in moisture or cold drafts

• Install railings and grab bars

• Repair creaking or sagging stairs

• Replace stairs that are too narrow or steep

5. Assemble New Furniture

When your fancy new basement remodel is done, you'll need furniture to fill it up with. Be cautious when furniture shopping—there are some items that are just not going to fit down the stairs, no matter how much you pivot. That's why it’s a good idea to buy unassembled furniture, especially larger pieces, and put it together in the basement.

If the sight of an Allen key causes you to break out in a cold sweat, and you get a migraine just thinking about trying to interpret assembly instructions, don't panic! Our Boulder handymen have assembled many items, including flat-pack furniture, correctly and efficiently. From sofas and pool tables to cabinets and gym equipment, we'll assemble everything you need to make your basement complete.

6. Add Finishing Touches

Speaking of making your basement remodel complete, don't forget to add the finishing touches—the little things that really transform your lower floor into the perfect space for fun, relaxation, hobbies, and more. Your handyman can mount a TV on the wall, hang curtains and framed photos, install a bar with a sink and a mini fridge, paint trim, and much more.

What is the Best Flooring for a Basement?

You're probably working with a concrete floor downstairs, which means hardwood floors are not the best choice. The planks need to be nailed down to a subfloor, so you would need to install a separate subfloor over the concrete. Additionally, your basement may be more prone to moisture that can warp solid hardwood. However, you can still get the unique, natural charm of hardwood with engineered wood flooring. This material is a thin veneer of actual hardwood bonded to a premium plywood backing. It looks exactly the same as solid hardwood, but is more resistant to warping and easier to install over concrete. Tile, laminate, or vinyl planks are also popular choices that are durable, long-lasting, and come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

Does Finishing a Basement Add Value to a Home?

Absolutely! Although they don't usually factor into the square footage of a home, finished basements are a huge selling point that will go a long way towards convincing prospective buyers to seal the deal. Basements also offer a solid return on investment by increasing the property’s selling price.

If you’re thinking of selling your Boulder home in the near future, it pays to choose classic, neutral options for your basement remodel that will allow prospective buyers to impose their own sense of style and imagine themselves in the space. Not sure how to accomplish that? White walls, neutral tile or engineered wood flooring, and a clean, streamlined aesthetic are good places to start. Remember that adding functional rooms such as bedrooms and a bathroom will also attract buyers.

Ready for a Basement Remodel? Mr. Handyman of E Boulder, Broomfield & Erie is Your Local Remodeling Expert

Whether you're in East Boulder or a nearby community in Colorado such as Superior or Louisville, you can trust Mr. Handyman of E Boulder, Broomfield & Erie to provide outstanding craftsmanship and customer care that goes above and beyond.

Pick up the phone and give us a call today at 303-647-9132 to request a service appointment, and we'll show you why we're considered East Boulder's best choice for reliable handyman services, including basement remodeling!