You should always wonder “eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'whattogetmy_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_15',175,'0','0']));how do I get more light in my basement apartment” unless of course, darkness is your thing. Avoid placing rooms in the basement that you spend a … You can check the legality of any property in The Department of Buildings. While NARI estimates the cost to finish a basement as about $40,000, a DIY version can cost a lot less, especially if you’re creative with some of the basics. Try our amazing GIFT FINDER TOOL! But nowadays, any old basement apartment just won’t do. If you’re installing new walls, a pro will do it better and in less time than you can. 7 Tips to Turning Your Basement into a Fantastic Living Space If your basement is nothing more than four walls and storage space, you are simply not making the most out of your home. Otherwise, living in a basement is perfectly safe. The basement. You can get one wall painted in the color of different shade or texture but make sure to avoid dark tones, as we said, so you won’t close up space. “Hire someone to put up the walls and finish the drywall,” suggests Teris Pantazes, CEO of EFynch.com, which connects consumers with remodeling professionals in the Baltimore area. There are lots of ways to brighten up space. It needs to have windows, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, etc. Need to put up drywall. Here’s how to make the most of basement living… You might notice a strange smell for both mold and gas, so don’t hesitate to inspect the place as soon as you find something strange or before you even move in.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'whattogetmy_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',604,'0','0'])); Every living space needs to have an accessible exit. “When it comes to the framing, electrical, HVAC and the related calculations as to combustion air, insulation/firestopping, and plumbing work,” he says, “these all must be inspected by local municipalities and building departments in many locations.” And these types of projects can cause a lot of headaches if you DIY. (Your email address will not be published), 4 Home Improvements That Only Look Expensive. , avoid dark colors of decoration pieces and choose bright vibrant colors. Landlords need to make sure that their basement apartments are up to code. If you want. Is it healthy to live in a basement apartment? The first thing you should consider is the status of the apartments you’re looking to rent/or build. will help you make your living space safe and comfortable. Find GIFTS in just 1 CLICK! Here are eight tips to help get you started. “But do the painting yourself to save money.” He suggests that you choose a light color, to help offset any lack of natural light. Although basement apartments need a bit more care, these tips will absolutely help you. Why not read on to find out what they are. “It’s water resistant,” she says, “and results in huge savings compared to traditional tile installation.” For a more industrial look, refinish with concrete and use large area or throw rugs. Diffusers with a combination of water and essential oils will add much more comfort in your apartment because it will keep the air fresh. Sure, you can rent an illegal apartment (the landlord is breaking the law and not you) but this might put your life in danger. When we talk about...eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'whattogetmy_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',119,'0','0'])); by WhatToGetMy | Jun 12, 2020 | Healthy Lifestyle, Recently posted articles. You also need a plan of action in case of burglary. ESTIMATED TIME DESIGNING AND UPLOADING THIS ARTICLE, ESTIMATED TIME RESEARCHING AND WRITING THIS ARTICLE. Frames can really take your basement from “basement” to “sophisticated living room.” When you have a lot of pictures and paintings together, it can be disorienting. Units can start as low as under $100. There are lots of tips about how to protect yourself from burglary as you can see in the video below. First, basement apartments are often lacking in natural light. It needs to have windows, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, etc. Avoid Living Spaces in the Basement Feng shui wise, the basement is best used for storage. Decorative lighting is also very helpful in setting a relaxing atmosphere in your apartment. Learn what to do and what not to do when doing a renovation on your home. If you want to have fun adapting your home, don’t be afraid to experiment a bit. One more thing, try to keep the space around your windows clear. Basement apartments are becoming more popular as a more affordable housing option. You’ll find a great deal because a lot of people avoid them. Part of my basement is unfinished. because you need to have all the information available, so you can make the best decision about the next place of residence. Diffusers with a combination of water and essential oils will add much more comfort in your apartment because it will keep the air fresh. Gas is also a common threat but you can test for Radon and other dangerous gases with a homemade kit. Getting a dehumidifier is also a good invention for a basement apartment because it can prevent mold and mildew. Besides checking the legality of the apartment, you need to test them for mold and gas. We may earn a small commission for our endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this website. Naturally, you should open the windows as often as possible. The basement is a perfect space that could be transformed into a warm and welcoming area for your family and friends to enjoy. Instead, think about “finishing a smaller area, and use your funds to incorporate some fun features,” she advises. Oil diffusers use cool or warm water to create a mist that fills the spaces. How To Make Your Brother Shut Up – 17 Practical Ways, 7 Gifts for Grandchildren Who Live Far Away, What To Do For 25th Wedding Anniversary – 7 Silver Wedding Anniversary Ideas, 19 Awesome 20th Anniversary Gifts For Her Jewelry. You might get some natural light with ground-level windows, but you need more. Strive to a comfortable and bright environment with, for example, huge art pieces or colorful murals. You’ll find a great deal because a lot of people avoid them. If the landlord has nothing to hide, he/she will allow the inspection. Guests coming over? Basements, as we said, have problems with the lighting, temperature, pests, etc. Consider … Not only are you … If you plan on renting an apartment or converting your basement into a living space, make sure to put safety measures as your priority. We discussed diet and its relation to an active lifestyle. the dog won’t be bored at home when you’re at work. “The basement is where most homeowners feel comfortable taking ‘decorative liberties,’” says Pantazes. You can also make one wall stand out with artwork, plants, or even wallpapers. A vibrant big art piece will help you more than stuffing your walls with a thousand little pieces of art. However, if you opt to live in a basement apartment there are affordable ways to tackle these problems with ease. Otherwise, living in a basement is perfectly safe. You might notice a strange smell for both mold and gas, so don’t hesitate to inspect the place as soon as you find something strange or before you even move in. Naturally when you’re choosing artwork, pick the stuff you like, not your friends or family. Read about smart ways to upgrade your garage—and possibly raise your home’s resale value. Thank you, your qualifying purchases help support our work in bringing you real daily gift ideas.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'whattogetmy_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_10',196,'0','0']));report this ad, Copyright © Whattogetmy.com, 2020. If you want to have fun adapting your home, don’t be afraid to experiment a bit. There are lots of tips about how to protect yourself from burglary as you can see in the video below. Unfortunately, this is letting precious square footage go to waste. It’s advised that you exit the apartment unnoticed (maybe through a window) or lock yourself in the bathroom and call the police. “A lot of people start to tackle the basement-finishing process themselves,” says Leah Smith. You also need a plan of action in case of burglary. A healthy diet is about finding your measure, eating enough, and consuming... As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Think about who will sleep in the basement and the amenities they'll need to help you determine the best dimensions for … Choose a large, comfy sectional sofa and a large TV or movie screen. A basement redesign, though time-consuming and cost-intensive, not only adds to your living … Read on to learn 10 tips on creating the ideal basement … Inhaling mold in the long term can cause damage to your respiratory system and humid basements make ideal environments … Want your space to feel like a ski lodge, a farmhouse or the ultimate football fan zone? One of the best tips for tiny living is to make your city your living … Use lamps that can mimic the sun’s rays or install pocket lights. Bright spaces tend to lift the mood, so try to find the light wherever possible. They’ll purify the air, prevent mold, and help you breathe easier. Painting, if you don’t mind the rehabbed-industrial look—and you can do it yourself. In one word, your apartment needs to be comfortable. There are a lot of things we found out and we decided to compile this article and share them with you. And finally, basement apartments generally are at least partially … If you want to have a successful lower-level living space, you need to impress potential renters right from the start. Sure basement apartments have flaws but if you can overcome all the cons, you can save lots of money on rent and utilities. We’ll give you some tips on making the best of your living space!eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'whattogetmy_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',602,'0','0'])); Before you keep scrolling let’s just mention this: The main factor in choosing a place to live is the rent price, so it’s no wonder that basements apartments are getting more popular! ” and the answer is obviously yes if the apartment isn’t legal and it doesn’t meet the requirements mentioned above. Landlords need to make sure that their basement apartments are up to code. When purchasing, look for an Energy Star-rated dehumidifier, which … One more tip on how to decorate a basement apartment, avoid dark colors of decoration pieces and choose bright vibrant colors. Accent wall has a design that differs from the other walls in the room. If you love bold colors, we suggest you paint the walls in gentle light colors and add color accent with pillows, vases, or vibrant artwork. Your apartments will smell wonderful and you can choose the citrus-based, peppermint, or lavender oils depending on your mood.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'whattogetmy_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',174,'0','0'])); Dehumidifiers take away moisture from the air by turning water into mist. Cooler tones such as bright green, blue-green, ocean blue, etc. Often, the best deals are below street level. How to Know if You’re Pretty: 10 Important Clues, What to Get Husband for 25th Wedding Anniversary: 13 Unique Silver Anniversary Gifts, 21 Fun Things To Do With Your Sister At Home, 11 Cute Things to Send to Your Boyfriend in the Mail, 11 Signs He Doesn’t Care About Your Feelings. Your apartments will smell wonderful and you can choose the citrus-based, peppermint, or lavender oils depending on your mood. Read More: 4 Home Improvements That Only Look Expensive, Email(Your email address will not be published). However, if you’ve inspected the apartment and it’s safe, you shouldn’t worry. If you want to experiment, go for it! While it’s helpful to design and organize your home to get more space, there’s also more to do and see outside of your walls. Source Link: https://whattogetmy.com/tips-for-living-in-basement-apartment/. Protect that limited source of natural light any way you can. Outsiders aren’t able to see inside your unit, so basement apartments give you more privacy than ground floor or upper floor apartments provide. You know that empty space downstairs where you’ve been storing old clothes, old tools and old toys? When you’re making an escape plan, always consider worst-case scenarios and try to create a solution to those problems. Of course, it also needs to have a bathroom and a kitchen area. You can install a proper air ventilation system, control the humidity with dehumidifiers and oil diffusers, get lots of plants, etc. Soft sandstone tile underfoot and natural wood stairs warm up the basement’s cool color theme, giving the large apartment a lived-in feel. You should take additional anti-theft measures like installing an alarm system, hide security cameras, and get motion lights. We hope that these tips for living in a basement apartment will help you make your living space safe and comfortable. Basement apartments are more dangerous in situations of burglary simply because you can’t see the danger approaching, as you might in above-ground apartments. Of course, it also needs to have a bathroom and a kitchen area. If you have a really large basement, you could design a full suite with a living room, kitchenette, multiple bedrooms and state of the art bathroom (s). Mould: it’s never innocuous Mould is made up of … You may use it every day but not pay much attention to it. When renting a basement apartment, you should always check the legal status. Since basement flooring can get expensive, Smith suggests luxury vinyl tile, or LVT. Looking to spruce up the home decor? Despite your best efforts to keep moisture at bay, musty smells can still develop. The right combination and placement of light fixtures can help make up the difference. If you want to know if you are dealing with a cold hearted woman/man, look out for the 9 signs of a...eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'whattogetmy_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',118,'0','0'])); by WhatToGetMy | Sep 26, 2020 | Gift Ideas, Healthy Lifestyle, How to, Recently posted articles. aims to open up the place. Does living in a basement apartment give you privacy? But, he adds, “ceiling tiles are somewhat troublesome to install—they need to be done right and perfectly square.” Sheetrocking is cheaper, says Pantazes, but cutting into the sheetrock later for any repairs is a pain. Strive to a comfortable and bright environment with, for example, huge art pieces or colorful murals.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'whattogetmy_com-leader-1','ezslot_14',176,'0','0'])); Every basement apartment decorating idea aims to open up the place. You need to make tiny rooms intimate and cozy, so use decoration to achieve that homey look everyone enjoys. how do I get more light in my basement apartment. What if it became a new office, a new home theater or a new billiard room? Another common problem people have with living in a basement apartment is the quality of the air. Sure basement apartments have flaws but if you can overcome all the cons, you can save lots of money on rent and utilities. Only after you’re sure that the place is safe to live in, you can focus on furniture, decoration, etc. Try to negotiate as much as possible to get the best deal. “Don’t forget about air quality,”says Pantazes. Guest suites are a great idea if your family comes to visit … Basement apartments are safe during tornadoes but they are more dangerous during fires, floods, and hurricanes. Whether you want inspiration for planning a basement renovation or are building a designer basement from scratch, Houzz has 112,812 images from the best designers, decorators, and architects in the … Only after you’re sure that the place is safe to live in, you can focus on furniture, decoration, etc. Learn budget-friendly tips to transform a space into the playroom of a child’s dreams. Putting your focus on decoration will help avoid the feeling of being crowded in a tiny space, so you can enjoy your basement apartment more. On the other hand, an English basement is partially below ground and partially above while other basement apartments are mostly below ground. The first thing you should consider is the status of the apartments you’re looking to rent/or build. Choose plants that don’t need lots of light. , you need to make sure that the wiring, plumbing, gas lines, and heating systems are safe. Besides checking the legality of the apartment, you need to test them for You have three options here: sheetrock, ceiling tiles or painting. You need to get something you like to observe, so you can enjoy them to the fullest. Dangers of basement living often overlooked Don't ignore safety when converting space, experts say. Take your outdoor kitchen to the next level with these 5 wow-worthy outdoor kitchen upgrades to transform your backyard. One more thing that can improve air quality are filters. If you want to make a basement livable it’s not enough to add furniture and redecorate a bit, you need to make sure that the wiring, plumbing, gas lines, and heating systems are safe. 17 Brilliant Basement Organization Ideas and Decluttering Tips Not only does the project bring life to a sometimes-forgotten space, it also boosts resale value: According to the 2017 NARI Remodeling Impact Report, homeowners could recoup almost two-thirds of their costs for a basement conversion. See what renovations add value to your home and those that don't. On the other hand, rich warm tones such as red or orange can make the room feel aggressive. The best thing about this gift is that it can be taken in the comfort of your home at a time convenient... by WhatToGetMy | Jun 25, 2020 | Advice, Exercise and Fitness, Healthy Lifestyle, Lifestyle, Recently posted articles. Huge posters or paintings can simply define the room. Make sure to carefully research your local housing options and the costs of needed improvements to compare. Turning a basement into a living space ranks among the top 10 remodeling projects, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). You want to enjoy your apartment as much as possible and you want to be happy you’re living there. A vibrant big art piece will help you more than stuffing your walls with a thousand little pieces of art. I built my business on basement apartments, and I believe in them wholeheartedly. Frames are the decorator’s tool for … All rights reserved. There are risks if you live in a basement apartment that has mold, radon, etc. Let’s note from the start that you can’t expect magic. Here's 8 projects you could easily get done in one weekend that could really make a difference.