You are likely sitting on top of untapped potential. Your basement is underserving you if it does not offer valuable living space. What is the purpose of a basement? While some may see basements as storage areas or simply as utility spaces, their potential stretches far beyond that. Basement remodels are great ways to add features to your existing home without moving, which is especially appealing in the current real estate climate. Your basement is a blank canvas where you add everything on your wishlist. Whether you have a wide-open and large empty basement or a small and cramped area you are attempting to elevate, you may have more options for your basement remodel than you think. Peacock & Company of South Bend, IN, and nearby Southern Michigan's Harbor Country is here to ensure you don’t miss the perfect plan for your finished basement space.
Peacock & Company creates beautiful design-build remodels. From basements to kitchens and additions to whole-home remodels, our stunning before-and-after photos and project galleries speak for themselves. We are the absolute experts in everything you need to know before remodeling your basement, and we’re happy to share our insights.
What Can a Finished Basement be Used For?
Wondering what to do with your empty basement? It's a very fair question. We’ve built some beautiful basements in our time in the Michiana area. Here are some popular finished basement ideas to consider when creating the perfect combination of features for your shiny new basement.
1. Bedrooms in a Basement
Adding a bedroom in your basement is one of the most practical basement must-haves for growing families or those who frequently host guests. Basement bedroom design can transform a dark, unused space into a private and comfortable retreat for visitors or older children. A basement bedroom is often the most secluded in the house, ideal for those who need a quiet place to rest or study. With the right design elements, you can incorporate natural light through egress windows, proper insulation to keep the space warm, and soundproofing for maximum comfort.
2. Build a Basement Bathroom
A basement bathroom is another high-value addition. You’ll never be sorry you built another bathroom. Be sure everyone can get ready and attend to their needs promptly with an extra bathroom to take the pressure off your family’s daily routine by adding a bathroom to your basement. Guests will adore the privacy of an extra bathroom upon their next visit. It's not just about functionality, though—you can design a luxurious bathroom that feels like a spa retreat, with modern finishes, heated floors, and a large walk-in shower.
3. Basement Family Room
Turn your basement into a family room designed to contain clutter, entertain, and serve as the central hub for relaxation. Basement family room ideas can range from open and airy to cozy and intimate. Contain the clutter from kids; build an entertainment palace. Consider a fireplace, entertainment center, and built-in storage to create a functional and cozy place for peaceful congregation. A basement family room can also be an entertainment haven. Include a large TV, a sound system, or even a projector for movie nights. Incorporating a game area with a pool table, ping-pong table, or gaming setup turns it into the ultimate hangout spot for kids and adults.
4. Basement Bar
Watch the game with friends, host a party, and have a sipper with style. A basement bar is a popular element for your remodel and pairs well with a game area, rec room, wine cellar, or kitchenette. More than just a place to serve drinks, a well-designed bar area can be the heart of your basement entertainment space. Stock it with built-in wine racks, a mini-fridge, and plenty of counter space to make mixing drinks a breeze. Adding a sink and small dishwasher can take it up a notch, making cleanup easier and keeping the party going without interruptions. Consider bar stools, pendant lighting, and even a TV above the bar so guests can keep up with the action on game days.
5. Home Office in the Basement
Basements often offer the seclusion you need to focus away from the hustle and bustle of the main living areas. Get the work-from-home luxury and set-up you need for complete productivity and a zoom background you’ve curated to your exact specifications. How do you design a basement that meets your work-from-home needs? Proper insulation, lighting, and ventilation are essential to making the space functional and comfortable. You can add built-in bookshelves, file cabinets, and ergonomic furniture to create a workspace tailored to your exact needs.
6. Basement Home Theater
Basements are naturally dark spaces and lend themselves well to cozy home theaters. With a dedicated theater, you can recreate the cinema experience in the comfort of your own home. Watch a scary movie in style in your home theater and ditch the sticky floors and overpriced concessions. Think plush reclining seats, a projector, surround sound, and a large screen. With the basement's acoustics and darkness, you can enjoy an immersive viewing experience without the glare or distractions from windows. You can also customize the space with black-out curtains, soundproofing, and high-quality speakers for the ultimate experience.
7. Basement Kitchenette
If you plan to party in your basement, you must be equipped to put out a spread. A basement kitchenette or full kitchen can add extra convenience. A kitchenette is perfect for a quick meal or snack preparation during parties, while a full kitchen makes your basement a self-sufficient living area. Equip it with a fridge, stove, and sink to handle full-scale meals, or keep it simple with a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee station.
8. In-Law Suite/ADU in the Basement
A basement apartment includes at least one bedroom, a full bathroom, and a kitchen and living space. Your basement suite can house out-of-town visitors, older relatives who need care, or adult children returning home. A basement in-law suite or auxillary dwelling unity (ADU) can generate rental income, providing a significant return on investment. Whether for long-term tenants or short-term vacation rentals, a basement suite can unlock financial possibilities in the future as it continues to generate income.
9. Superior Basement Storage Room
We’re not talking about a dusty bank of ready-to-assemble wracks. Custom storage is one of the most essential elements for a finished basement. Build custom storage, closet space, cold storage, a gun safe, and more to accommodate anything you plan to store and acquire. Your basement storage room can keep the rest of your home tidy and organized. A well-thought-out storage room can eliminate the clutter from other areas of your home, creating a more organized and functional space upstairs.
10. Wine Cellar in the Basement
A wine cellar is an excellent addition to your custom basement. Store wine in your naturally cool, dark basement, and keep it handy to serve at your custom bar or lounge area. You can design a wine cellar to reflect your personal tastes—whether that means rustic wood shelving, sleek modern racks, or a combination of both. Proper climate control is key, as the cellar should maintain a consistent temperature to preserve the quality of your wine. Incorporate tasting areas, display lighting, and even a small seating area to create a luxurious space where you can host intimate wine tastings or enjoy a quiet evening sampling your collection.
11. Basement Gym or Fitness Studio
Turn your basement into a fully equipped gym or fitness studio. This is a popular choice for homeowners who want the convenience of working out at home without needing gym memberships or beginning the grind with an adversively early commute. With the right flooring—such as rubber mats or vinyl plank—and ventilation, you can create a comfortable and motivating space. Add mirrors, weight racks, a cardio area, or even a dedicated spot for yoga or Pilates.
12. Basement Playroom
A basement playroom can be an absolute game-changer for families with young children. The basement offers ample space for toys, games, and active play, keeping the clutter out of your main living areas. You can design the room with colorful, durable flooring that can withstand the wear and tear of energetic kids. Incorporate plenty of storage for toys, such as built-in shelves, bins, and cabinets, to keep everything organized and easily accessible. Fun elements like a chalkboard wall can inspire creativity and learning, while a small indoor playset or climbing wall can provide hours of physical activity and adventure. Additionally, you can add a cozy reading nook with bean bags or small chairs to encourage quiet time and a love for books.
A dedicated playroom also creates a safe and contained environment where kids can explore and create without worrying about damaging the rest of the house. You might even consider adding a small craft area with a table and supplies for art projects or a mini stage for budding performers to put on shows. The possibilities are endless, resulting in a multifunctional space for making memories.
13. Hobby Room or Workshop
If you have a passion for crafting, woodworking, or other hands-on hobbies, converting your basement into a hobby room or workshop can be a perfect solution to put the flow at your fingertips. Imagine having a dedicated space to fully immerse yourself in your creative projects without interruptions. A basement hobby room can be tailored to your specific needs, whether it’s for sewing, painting, model building, or even more specialized crafts like pottery or jewelry making. Install ample shelving and workbenches to keep your tools and materials organized and within easy reach. Ensure you have the right lighting for detailed tasks, such as adjustable task lights or overhead fixtures that provide bright, even illumination. You might also want to include a small sink for easy cleanup of paintbrushes or other tools.
14. Music or Recording Studio
A basement music studio offers an isolated space for the musicians in the house to practice, record, or enjoy listening to music at full volume without disturbing the rest of the house. With proper soundproofing, this can be a fantastic space to create music or even a podcast, ensuring that external noises are kept out and your sound remains pristine. Depending on your needs, you can add recording equipment, instruments, and comfortable seating to create a professional or casual atmosphere. Consider installing high-quality microphones, mixing consoles, and soundproof booths to elevate your recording capabilities. Personalize the space with acoustic panels, mood lighting, and inspirational décor to foster a creative environment.
15. Basement Library or Study
Still harboring a deep thirst for a library ladder ignited by your first viewing of Beauty and the Beast? You're a grown-up now. You can have one. Tuck your book babies into sleek shelves and display them for easy selection. A basement library can be a peaceful retreat for book lovers. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, comfortable reading chairs, and soft lighting can transform the space into a cozy reading nook or serious study area.
16. Indoor Sports Court
Consider turning part of your basement into an indoor sports court or personalized training facility. This option is available if you have a large basement with high ceilings or are open to procedures to create higher ceilings, such as underpinning. You could be a mini basketball court, batting cage, or small soccer or golf practice area. This kind of space is perfect for active families, elite junior athletes, or sports enthusiasts who want a year-round option to practice and play regardless of the weather outside.
17. Pet Grooming or Animal Care Area
A basement pet care area can be incredibly useful for homeowners with pets. Outfit your pet care area with grooming tables, a dog wash station, and storage for pet supplies, ensuring that everything you need is within easy reach. Use materials for easy clean-up, such as waterproof flooring and washable wall coverings. It could also include a small play area for pets to exercise, complete with toys, climbing structures, and soft mats for comfort. Consider a crated area for secure rest times, pull-out gates to section off different zones, and a pet-feeding station with built-in bowls and storage for food and treats. This setup is especially beneficial if your furry friend benefits from limited stimulation during feeding or your absence. For those with multiple pets, consider designing separate areas to cater to different needs, such as a quiet space for older pets and a more active zone for younger, energetic ones.
18. Home Brewery
Why not convert your basement into a home brewery? Basements are ideal for this because of their cooler, stable temperatures, perfect for fermenting and storing beer. To create a fully functional brewing setup, you can install various brewing equipment, such as fermenters, kettles, and bottling stations. Store your ingredients in dedicated storage areas to keep them fresh and organized. Additionally, you can design a tasting area with a stylish bar where you and your guests can sample your latest creations. Include taps and keg refrigeration at your new bar for a curated experience for guests from seat to sip. Enhance the ambiance with bar stools, pendant lighting, and a chalkboard wall to display your beer menu. You could also incorporate a display area for your brewing awards, beer memorabilia, or a collection of unique beer glasses.
19. Meditation or Wellness Retreat
Eliminate the need for a daily commute and create a personalized wellness retreat right in your basement. Create a dedicated meditation space to practice mindfulness and find inner peace, a relaxation area for yoga to stretch and strengthen your body, or even a small spa complete with a sauna and massage table to unwind after a long day. Enhance the tranquil atmosphere with soft, adjustable lighting that soothes the senses, calming colors that promote relaxation, and natural materials like wood and stone that bring a touch of nature indoors. You could also add a water feature for a gentle, soothing sound, aromatherapy diffusers to fill the air with calming scents, and comfortable seating or mats to ensure comfort during your wellness activities.
What Adds Value to a Finished Basement?
A finished basement can significantly increase your home's value, especially if it includes must-haves like an additional bedroom, bathroom, or family room. Practical features like a kitchenette or a home office also appeal to buyers, while fun spaces like a bar or home theater can take your remodel to the next level. In most cases, finishing your basement is absolutely worth the money. Not only does a finished basement provide you with more usable space, but it also offers a great return on investment. Homeowners looking to sell can expect significant gains, particularly when including high-value additions such as extra bedrooms, bathrooms, or in-law suites.
Basement Remodel Cost and Timeline
Basement remodels will vary in cost, depending on the elements you include and the materials and finishes you select. A basement in South Bend, IN costs between $50 and $200 a square foot. Your basement remodel timeline will depend on the elements you plan. Luckily, your contractor can give you a much more detailed estimate about what to expect during your remodel after learning about the details of your project.
Basement Layout and Design
Modern basement design is about as versatile as designing a home. Selecting materials that thrive in basement environments will ensure that your basement remodel starts out beautiful and stays looking good for the years that follow. Basements are naturally darker, cooler, and sometimes damper than the living space above grade. Your contractor is an excellent resource for picking the perfect materials once you have settled on a layout for your basement remodel.
Use The Right Materials for a Basement
Basement Wall Materials
Keeping basement walls looking good can provide a unique challenge. Choose clean, bright colors or neutrals to open up your small space. You can drywall and paint your concrete walls or install a textured finish like wood panel for the perfect vibe. Wood paneling for basement walls continues to evolve with modern trends and provides excellent options for finishing basement walls.
Basement Flooring
Tile, polished concrete, vinyl plank, and other durable, water-resistant flooring options are perfect for basements. The best carpeting for a basement is made from synthetic fibers with low pile, made to be easily cleaned.
Basement Lighting
Your basement lights will need to work harder than your rooms full of windows. Consider adding egress windows during your remodel for natural light (You may need to do this anyway if you are adding a bedroom.) and plenty of layered lighting options to illuminate the space. We recommend recessed ceiling lights mixed with more statement pieces to express your style.
Let’s Build Your Michiana Basement to Its Fullest Potential
Peacock & Company would love to discuss your South Bend, IN remodel. Whether you’re planning a basement project, kitchen remodel, home addition, or another residential project, we’d be delighted to discuss your details and make a plan together. Let’s connect about your remodeling project today!
