Whether you are renovating to increase the value of your home or create more living and storage for your family it is important to get design advice and map out where everything will go before you start renovating.  Having a plan that takes all your needs into account will help you avoid costly mistakes or not being happy with the result.

Basement Layout and Design

An interior designer can layout the space to maximize function while working within any structural limitations.  An interior designer will get an understanding of what your needs are and how the space needs to function.  Basements can be tricky as there are often added elements that have to be included or worked around in the design like poles, stairs, furnaces and pipes.  A good designer will be able to find the best design which works with these elements while making the custom design work for your needs. 

One of the first steps in basement design is to consider how you want to use it – be sure to consider your current needs as well as your future needs.  Do you need extra bedrooms for teenagers or out of town guests? More space for hanging out or a theater room?  Whatever your needs it is important to communicate your renovation motivation to your designer.

Ideas for your Basement Renovation

Here are a few ideas of what you might want in your new space:

• Extra TV

• Movie Theater

• Guest Bedroom

• In-law Suite

• Home Gym

• Home Office

• Games Area

• Legal Basement Suite

• Kids Playroom

• Craft/ Sewing Room

• Wine Room or Bar

• Storage or Cold Room

• Golf Simulator

• Dedicated Laundry Room

• Spa Bathroom

Check out these awesome ideas on our Pinterest Page!

Basement Floorplan

The deliverable from your interior designer will be a floor plan similar to a blueprint showing walls, possible furniture placement, lighting placement and any built-in items like cabinetry, doors, windows etc.  A detailed plan will likely be required for permitting when you get to that stage of the renovation and this layout typically meets that requirement.  The design part of the basement renovation process is crucial and should be viewed as an investment in the project and not a cost.

Visualizing your Basement Renovation

In addition to the 2D layout of the space you may want to consider 3D images of the final design layout.  This added feature allows you to really see what the final space will look like as finishes and colours in your design style can be added into the 3D images.  We like to tell clients it is much easier to change something on paper than when the renovation is in progress – and less costly too!

Putting the Plan into Action

Both the 2D and 3D images will help you communicate your vision to the contractor who will be executing the project.  A picture really is worth a thousand words and helps to take the guess work out of what you want.  If you are not going with a Design-Build firm for your renovation, make sure you keep your designer as part of the renovation.  Too many times we have seen a project go off the rails design wise when the designer isn’t part of the process, and those clients end up being unhappy with the result.  Your designer knows your needs and vision for the project and will work with the contractor to ensure they are met.