2016 Trends in Basement Remodels

When it comes to basements, gone are the days of wood paneled walls, suspended ceilings, shag carpets, and fluorescent lights. Today, basements are seen as an extension of the home and can give families much-needed additional living space.

If you’ve been contracted to do a basement remodel, chances are your clients will look to you for suggestions. It’s important to not only know the current trends but also the best ways to implement them in the space. If you’re looking for new ideas to present to your clients, here are some of the up-and-coming trends for basement remodels in 2016.

1. Built-in shelving and storage units. If the primary purpose of your basement remodel is to add living space, built-in shelving and storage is a must. Basements often have a bunch of nooks and crannies that are ideal for creating closets and built-in shelving systems. Built-in storage will help you keep your new space organized and give you a place to store your stuff without creating clutter and chaos.
2. Adding color. No one said your walls have to be white. The colors that you choose for your walls and ceiling will make a dramatic difference in the look and feel of your basement. Painting the walls and ceiling one color will make the space feel cozy, while adding a splash of color can give the room a fun vibe.
3. Finished walls. Your basement will never feel like a living space if your walls are still exposed wood and/or concrete. To turn this around, cover up the walls with drywall, plywood, or by painting over the concrete.
4. Play with lighting. Basements tend to be dark, poorly lit spaces. Remedy this situation by playing around with different types of lighting. Recessed lighting is popular among homeowners because it doesn’t make your ceilings feel lower than they already are, and this type of lighting is great at brightening a room.
5. Add a bathroom. Finished basements are designed to create a space where you’ll spend a lot of your time. Regardless of whether you’re creating a bedroom, office, or man cave, it makes sense to add a bathroom when you do your remodel.
6. Dare to go non-traditional. Homeowners today aren’t just turning their basements into bedrooms and living rooms. A huge trend today is to turn the space into something less traditional like a home theater, gym, laundry room, kitchen, bar, or game room. Feel free to get creative by using the space however you see fit.

Just as there have been advancements in basement design, there has been advancements in the tools contractors can use to get the job done faster and right, the first time. Pneumatic tools will speed up the process, and choosing fasteners such as SCRAIL^® will ensure you are able to quickly and efficiently finish the job. Looking for ways to finish basements faster and be more efficient with your time? Download our free whitepaper, Don’t Turn Away Customers: Tips for Finishing Basements Faster.