When it comes to basement renovation, one of the most common requests among homeowners across the country is the idea of turning an otherwise idle basement into a basement home office.
There are several reasons Canadians may want to transform their basements into basement home offices, including repurposing unused space, enjoying their own space in their home for some privacy, or simply looking to craft a new room design from scratch.
However, there are several important factors to consider when turning your basement into a home office, including the benefits the office will bring, critical factors, and how the renovation procedure will go.
The Benefits of a Basement Home Office
Basement office spaces can offer a myriad of benefits for homeowners. Some of these benefits include:
Increased Personal Space
Whether you’re creating an office space from which to work from home or a tranquil place to relax and store your book collection, a home office gives you space that’s yours. Consider soundproofing the area to avoid household noises to ensure you’re getting plenty of “you” time.
A Professional Setting in the Comfort of Your Home
Not only will a basement office allow you to work from a more flexible environment, but it will also give you a professional setting from which you can work from home. The right small business basement office can make an even better impression than a rented location to meet clients or host meetings.
More Living Space
For many people, an unfinished basement is a source of wasted space in your home with often untapped potential. By building a basement office you can love, you can better use the areas within your home.
While the prospect of designing a brand new office in your basement is exciting, it can sometimes take effort to figure out precisely what you should do with your space. Some basement home office ideas include:
1: Storage and Built-In Shelving: Nothing increases a home basement’s value and aesthetic more than built-in shelving. Whether you store beloved books, awards, or mementos on your shelves is up to you: regardless of what you choose to display, it’ll look great on some new shelving.
2: Versatile Space: More and more homeowners of the modern day are looking to incorporate multi-home spaces and rooms into their homes. Take the time to plan what you’re looking for to create multiple workstations in your basement office.
3: Convenient Coffee Station: If you need a couple of cups of joe to get you through your day, a coffee station can be the perfect opportunity to provide what you need. Design an alcove with an espresso machine, and never worry about having to go to your local Starbucks again.
Basement Renovation: Key Considerations
Renovating a new basement office can be daunting, with countless ideas floating through your head. Luckily, there are a few key elements to consider to help guide you.
Budget
Regardless of the specifics of your new basement office ideas, you must stick to a budget. Consider sorting features into “musts” and those that are “optional.” That will help you identify what you can feasibly put in your office space when crafting a budget.
Lighting
Lighting for basement office spaces is quite fun to play around with, and you’ll want to ensure you bring in as much light as possible. If you’re able to, look to include windows and skylights. If your basement does not offer space for this, coordinate light fixtures and bulb colors to create a well-lit space you can love.
Square Footage
Your unfinished basement likely offers a lot of space, but you must consider how to use that space wisely and what will fit. Multi-functional pieces will allow you to create multiple areas in one room (such as paneling, hiding a desk, and doubling as a projector screen).
Outlets and Wi-Fi
Your basement’s outlets need consideration when renovating. Once you’ve planned out your new basement office ideas, a contractor will help you sort through them to ensure everything has access to a suitable power source or supply in your basement.
In addition, make sure you can get a Wi-Fi signal in your basement office. If you need help, contact your internet provider, who will send a technician to help get a Wi-Fi signal to your basement office space.
The Renovation Process for Your New Basement Office
The renovation process for your basement office will depend on what you’re looking to accomplish. More straightforward changes, such as painting or redecorating, can be completed in as little as a day or two. At the same time, a renovation job can take months. A renovation will typically follow these steps:
Demo and Prep: Your contractor will remove anything they need from the space and get it prepped for projects.
Framing, Plumbing, Electricity, and Insulation: Framing is the first step, as it decides where everything will go. Plumbing and electricity are also completed at this stage as there go into the walls. Insulation will then cover these items.
Drywall: The drywall goes up, helping you see how your room is taking shape.
Paint, Flooring, Fixtures, and Finishing Touches: This last step features everything that makes your room unique. Go as wild or demure as you want to ensure your basement office shows your personality.
At Ottawa Home Pros, we provide you with the basement of your dreams, no matter how big or small the project is. Whether you want to create a large office that encompasses the whole level or a small work nook that’s functional and beautiful, Contact us today at (613) 288-9145 or mail us at info@ottawahomepros.com.
