A basement is often one of the most underutilized areas in a home. Over time, it can become a storage area left untended by the house’s tenants.
However, you can transform this abandoned space into a stylish basement guest room. Careful planning makes it happen. Achieve your dream basement guest suite with these tips:
Plan Your Layout
Hire an architect to help you develop the layout for your basement room. Draw the floor plan for the basement bedroom and let the architect finalize the design.
Consider the following amenities in the layout:
- Bedroom Area: Your guests need somewhere to sleep in. Add a Murphy bed to mount on the wall and pull down during bedtime to optimize space. A sleeper sofa also saves space and can double as a seating and sleeping area anytime.
- Kitchenette: Add a small kitchen in the basement for your guests to cook meals whenever they’re hungry. Include a sink, cooking space, a microwave, a coffee maker, a small refrigerator, and hanging cabinets for storage.
- Dining Area: A small table with two to four chairs would do. Guests need a proper dining space over the duration of their stay.
- Ventilation: Install egress windows in the basement so guests can easily exit the house in an emergency. These windows fill the entire room with natural light. An egress window must follow specific building codes before they can be added.
- Bathroom: If plumbing allows, add a small bathroom in the guest room. Your guests need a place to clean themselves without competing for the main bathroom. Use moisture-resistant materials like tiles and vinyl to avoid mold and mildew.
- Storage Solutions: Put cabinets, drawers, and dressers in the basement to keep the space clutter-free.
A proper balance of these amenities can ensure your guests have everything they need while staying with you. Visualizing the division of space in the basement helps create a natural flow in the room.
Waterproof the Basement
Since the basement is located beneath the main house, it’s prone to moisture that may lead to mildew and mold. Check the basement for any cracks and seal them immediately. Put a sump pump in place to remove accumulated water from the basement. Keep the basement dry with a vapor barrier.
Insulate and Soundproof
Use rigid mineral wool boards or polyurethane boards to keep the walls insulated. Proper insulation will keep the basement warm during winter and cool during summer. Soundproofing can also minimize noise from the entire house, making the stay peaceful for guests.
Add Adequate Lighting
Basements don’t have natural light, so proper and ample lighting is necessary.
Make the space bright with overhead and task lighting for guests to shed light on whatever they do. Select high-quality and energy-efficient light fixtures to save on power bills.
Choose Comfortable Furnishings
The guest bedroom should be comfortable for guests at all costs. Everything should be stylish, from the linens to the seating area and dining table. This can make guests think they’re staying in a home away from home. Choose functional and visually appealing furnishings to welcome those who will stay.
Decorate the Space Thoughtfully
While you can always choose a plainly decorated basement with all the essentials within reach, decorating it will make guests feel welcome. Here are some simple yet handy tips:
- Choose a neutral color palette. Sprinkle this aesthetic with pops of color to give the room an inviting vibe.
- Add throw pillows, personal artwork, and rugs for a cozy environment.
- Put fresh flowers on a small vase.
- You can use a side table to put a selection of books, magazines, a Rubik’s Cube, and a welcome note.
- Put blackout curtains, a reading lamp, and a clock. Your guests might need them without you knowing.
- Arrange a seating area so your guests feel comfortable while watching TV. You can add carpets on the concrete floors to separate the space from other areas.
Decorating the space tells guests that you’re serious about letting them stay in your home and you’re thinking about their needs beforehand.
Ensure Safety
Safety is essential in basement guest suites. Make sure the whole basement has carbon monoxide detectors.
Print a map of where guests can exit in case of an emergency. Provide instructions for using the appliances and emergency contacts for the residents of the main house when things go awry.
Parting Thoughts
Making a guest suite out of your basement is a rewarding project. You can maximize the available space and ensure the privacy of your visitors. Ensuring that important aspects of the suite are cared for creates a welcoming environment. After the construction, you’ll be ready to host guests all days of the year.
For your basement needs, work with a design-build company specializing in basement remodeling in Alexandria, Virginia. They can provide a proper quotation on how much you’ll spend, plan the layout, and work closely with you until the project is complete. This team is an expert in tight deadlines and design changes.
