Following on from our recent Introduction to the possibility of putting a games room into your basement, here are more details of the issues involved.
It is the dream of many people to transform their basement into something unique. Homeowners who do not have extra space for games and children’s relaxation can remodel their basement into something different and it is fairly simple to renovate your basement if you have the imagination and the budget to do it. You can turn it to a spare room, home gym or a games room, as below.
Converting your basement into a games room is the best option if you want to create a luxurious playing area for your kids (as well as yourself!). Your family members will derive great benefit from the extra gaming spaces and facilities this will provide for them.
Before you start, though, you have to consider some important points. The most important factor you must consider is the issue of basement waterproofing. This is not something that you can do on your own – it requires expertise to do. Experienced and qualified basement waterproofing contractors should be brought in to perform this necessary task. One of the most important issues being to choose the correct waterproofing system for your area and the use of the right materials.
You need to take account of local building codes and permits, where necessary. Whether you want to start a new home project or want to refurbish an existing one, it may be important that you check with the relevant local government department for the building codes, which will determine whether you require a building permit for your basement project or not.
When you have taken care of renovating your basement; observed all the regulations, and fortified the building for the purpose you want to use it for, you have to focus on the design of your basement games room according to your particular tastes. Here are some useful tips that can guide you on the project:
You have to use the available space wisely so that it can accommodate all the activities and events you want in the basement. For example, you’ll need enough space for the game table, poker table, pool table, bar etc. Determine the type of activities you want to take place in the basement as this would help in designing the furniture you can use for it. For example, if you want a game table (poker table, arcade games and so on), you need a space of about three to five feet.
The layout for the game room should be entertainment friendly since you may be going to play different types of games for the relaxation of all your family members. So, for instance, you might want space for a television set (or even multiple TV sets!). You may wish to place speakers at strategic places around the basement so that everybody can hear well. You may also wish the basement to be soundproof, of course, so the rest of the house doesn’t feel like it is participating each time you use it.
Seating is also important. Depending on the number of people who will be using the room at any one time there may be the need for extra seats to accommodate everybody including guests. As a bar is the focal point of many basements, you should also consider bar stools. (You’ll also want storage space, of course – which can often be combined with seating in the form of settees with storage boxes underneath).
Proper lighting will have to be considered as you will need to ensure that all the relevant areas are well lit. Since you are likely to be playing games, for instance, it is essential that you properly light the game boards. Apart from the game boards, every other table you want to use should be well lighted. Other available spaces that are not put to regular use may benefit from ambient, rather than direct, lighting. With good lighting, you are going to enjoy your basement more.
Hopefully you can utilise these tips above to turn your basement into something that all the family can enjoy for many years to come.
