The concrete box that houses your furnace and laundry can be so much more than just a storage space for your old high school yearbooks. Whether you choose to build new or you own an existing home, many homeowners in Saskatchewan have unfinished or partially finished basements. Finishing your basement adds tangible value to your home, whether by converting it into a rental suite, boosting your overall property value, or having a cozy movie den to relax after a long day. In this blog, we explore the many ideas for basement renovations that you and your family can enjoy, plus some great tips for starting off your project!

Are you ready to get your dream basement?

The best part of a blank canvas is that you can build the space that will best meet the needs of you and your family. Whether your basement is unfinished or stuck in the ’70s, we can elevate it to a space you can love and enjoy for years to come. If you’re ready to renovate your basement, then we are ready to build your custom space.

6 Basement renovation ideas for your Saskatoon home.

Create the organization you need for your home library or entertainment system. Including a built-in desk, table or bench into your custom shelving is a great way to achieve both functionality and a sleek, streamlined design that looks great at the same time. 

1. Create your dream workshop or studio space

Are you an artist, sewer, or hobbyist? Having a dedicated workspace or studio in your home is a luxury that can change the way you work. We can even accommodate a paint sink, specialized plug-ins for equipment, and built-in custom shelving for a clutter-free space.

2. Make a guest bedroom that’s sure to impress

Building a guest bedroom to accommodate friends and family is a great way to use some of your basement space. Add a bathroom, and you have the perfect space to accommodate your inlaws or out-of-town guests comfortably.

3. Create a home theatre oasis!

Need a cozy spot to put your big projector and every cute blanket you can find? Then a basement den might be just the thing you need. You can customize this space with built-in shelving, dimmable recessed lighting, and hidden surround sound for that movie theatre experience without taking off your sweat pants.

4. Build a magic playroom kids

We once made a custom slide for a homeowner, and we’d love to do more! If your kids need a space to goof around and store their imagination, then we can cover you. Let’s turn your creative dream into a workable solution for your family that integrates fun and adventure with built-in storage for a multi-functional space. The design team is ready to work with your family.

5. Create bar ambience at home with an entertainment area

Want to build a sports cave, a built-in home bar with a custom cellar, or a lounge area to host movie binge nights? Your unfinished or outdated basement can become your favourite place to have friends and family over. You master your cocktail recipes, and we can do the rest.

6. A rental suite can add passive income to your wallet

If you have extra basement space that you don’t know how to use or if you’re thinking of downsizing, a basement suite could be the perfect solution. We are very familiar with the bylaws set out for secondary suites in Saskatoon to help you navigate what will be necessary for building a legal basement suite in your home. If you’re ready to explore this option, read our blog, which identifies good questions to ask yourself before getting started.

3 ways to prepare for your basement renovation.

Living in a renovation zone can be stressful, even if it’s well worth the effort! We always want our homeowners to feel prepared for the process at Greystone. Our team works closely with you and your family to develop a budget and timeline that will work for everyone. In our experience, these are the best ways to prepare for your renovation:

    • Have a mood board

      A mood board can help you communicate your ideas effectively to our design team and can allow us to understand how you’re likely to style and use your new space. This understanding will allow our design team to create a layout and choose finishes that will fit your lifestyle.

    • Know what you need

      Let us know if you need a bathroom, guest bedroom, laundry room, and a movie den! Understanding how you will use your basement will allow us to create the best possible layout to accommodate your needs and the available space.

    • Move basement items into storage

      If you have a bunch of stuff in the basement, you can prepare for the renovation by moving it into storage. An empty space is perfect for getting work done efficiently. If you’re like us, we also love a good reason to allow us to go through the things that can accumulate in our basements, so take some time to organize and de-clutter if you need to! 

Budget-friendly ways to renovate your basement.

You can still accomplish many renovations done if you have a small budget. Your budget shouldn’t deter you from making your space fit your family’s needs. The best way to get the most for your money is to prioritize your needs. These are our top three tips for updating your basement with a limited budget.

1. Frame & Drywall

This is a great way to have a useful space that is still able to be customized in the future. No bells and whistles, just finished and ready for some furniture. If you are planning to sell your home, this might be a great way to add value without limiting the creativity of the future homeowner.

2. Update or add another bathroom

If your family is growing and you need a little breathing room in the mornings, adding another bathroom might be just the thing to prioritize. This is especially true if you have an outdated bathroom in your basement already that needs a refresh.

3. Update your outdated basement with paint & new fixtures

A little paint and an update to your fixtures can make a huge difference in a space for a very small budget. Painting the walls makes a big difference with a short turn-around time and a great payoff. Updating your lighting and flooring, and bathroom fixtures can make an old basement feel brand-new and can also save you money by using LED lights and energy-efficient appliances and bathroom fixtures.

If you’re dreaming of a new basement, Greystone Homes can deliver.

We are ready to start the process with you. Reach out today to talk to our team about your plans for your basement. We are dedicated to quality renovations promptly. Our team is there to help you every step of the way with open communication and skilled workmanship.