Basement Conversions: How to turn a basement into a living space

Thanks to our chilly climate, most homes in Boulder have basements. Their primary purpose is to provide a stable foundation, but whether a basement is finished or not is a different story. Unfinished basements hold a wealth of potential when it comes to expanding your home, but there are a few things you should know about how to turn a basement into a living space before diving in. 

Basement remodeling 101: important things to include in your plans

Lighting 

• Being below ground level, you’re not going to get the same degree of natural light that you would above ground, so smart lighting solutions are crucial. 

Flooring

• Basement subflooring is typically cement, so choosing a plush, spongy, and warm surface layer will make for a cozy and comfortable living area. 

Egress Windows

• These are essential for healthy ventilation and, if there’s a bedroom in the basement, egress windows are mandated by law in the state of Colorado to ensure emergency exit opportunities. 

Insulation & Ventilation

• Basement bathrooms must have mechanical ventilation with a vent that leads directly outside. Exterior walls must be insulated, and a vapor barrier is required for most interior walls. 

Plumbing and electrical

• Like most jobs relating to a basement conversion, plumbing and electrical work require permits and inspections. 

Storage

• Since most basements are primarily used for storage, you have to think of how important it is to retain that. Would you rather remodel for the purposes of creating extra living space or do you want to include storage too?

Basement conversion ideas

There are countless free resources you can explore when looking for inspiration. But let’s take a look at a real-life Refresh basement conversion and break down what was accomplished. 

The basement was finished by previous owners, but much of the work wasn’t up to code and the space needed a cosmetic transformation. Over the course of three months, the Refresh team worked on this old basement remodel and delivered a contemporary design that yielded 1,400 sq ft of usable living space. 

This project cost just over $120,000 (JAN 2021) but if you want to learn more about the cost to finish a basement in Colorado, check out this cost estimate article. 

Basement remodel FAQ

How do you design a basement?

The right design depends on your goals and starting point. Requirements for a basement bar will be very different to those of a basement playroom. As will those for a small or big basement. Overall, you want to focus on safety and comfort because the last thing you want to be reminded of is that you’re underground. Lighting, good materials, and abiding by health and safety regulations will go a long way. 

What’s the average cost to finish a basement in Colorado?

As with any renovation costs will vary depending on a number of factors, the most important of which is scope. Project scope includes materials, size, labor, and other logistical considerations such as excavation and structural work. 

To learn more about the cost to finish a basement in Colorado, check out our basement conversion cost estimate article. 

What are some rooms I can convert my basement into?

• Avid entertainers often create a fully functional bar or kitchen in their basement. 
• An additional living area is great for families with older children or those who want a quiet retreat. 
• Keep the main level living areas tidy by turning the basement into a dedicated play area. 
• If you frequently have out-of-town guests, a basement to guest suite conversion is perfect to give them a private home away from home.

Could you use more living space?

We can help make that happen! Whether you’re considering a basement conversion or home extension, the talented team at Refresh Boulder would love to hear your ideas. Get in touch with a local Remodeling Consultant to arrange a free, no obligation consultation to get started.