Are you not sure what you can do with your basement? Does the idea of turning it into a home theater, personal gym, or workspace not interest you? If you have no plans of using the space for yourself, there’s another great option for you—rent out your basement for extra money! This way, the basement will be used and you will get some extra cash on the side. This article serves as your guide on how to make your basement a comfortable living space for a tenant.
Add Proper Lighting
Basements are usually dark and that can cause things to look a little too gloomy. If your basement has windows, it is important to make the most out of natural lighting. Overhead lighting is one way to make the room brighter and seem more spacious.
If the overhead lights aren’t enough to keep the room well-lit, consider adding various light fixtures and lamps and the darker parts of the room. Proper lighting is huge when you want someone to be comfortable in a room.
Reduce Any Moisture
Because it’s underground, basements are often damp. Too much moisture can make the room uncomfortable and even inhabitable for the person staying there. One way of solving this is by installing a dehumidifier in the space. This site has some bathroom dehumidifiers that will usually fix any minor moisture-related issues.
If the basement remains damp even with a dehumidifier consider consulting an expert to waterproof the room. Too much moisture can eventually lead to puddles and leaks, which is something you and your tenant will definitely not want.
Add a Bathroom
If someone’s going to be renting and living in your room, they are going to want a bathroom of their own. There are certain up-flush toilets such as the Saniflo SaniBEST toilet that can be installed below traditional plumbing lines, which will make it less expensive for you to set up.
Adding a basement sink and shower is also important. You do not want your tenant to be running upstairs every time they need to freshen up. Not only will adding a bathroom increase the chances of you finding a tenant sooner, but it will also add a lot of value to your home.
Fix the Ceiling
A basement’s ceiling is usually not a pretty sight. Nails, pipes, ducts, and whatnot usually are left on top hanging. If you can’t remove them, cover them by installing drop ceilings. If your budget is tight, you can also paint the ceiling and everything that’s on it with a dark color so that any exposed fixtures won’t look like they are protruding. Also, consider soundproofing insulation to help reduce any noise between you and your tenant.
Add Heating and Cooling Options
If your basement does not share the same heating and cooling system as your entire home, you should consider installing individual heating and cooling units fit for the basement itself. Adding the basement to your home’s temperature centralization can be very expensive.
Since basements are underground, it can be difficult to regulate their temperature. How cool and how warm a room can be should definitely be controlled if you decide to turn your basement into an extra living space.
If you’re looking to rent out your basement for extra income, these tips should get you off to a great start!
