Goodlettsville Basement Remodel: How to Make a Plan That Will Improve Livability and Property Value

Are you searching for extra space in your house that you can use to work from home in peace, or welcome additional family members, or relax and de-stress after a long day? Or, are you thinking of selling your house in the next few years and looking for ways to increase property value and get a good return on investment? Suppose you have an under-utilized or unfinished basement in your home. In that case, you are literally sitting over a goldmine of potential, and the right Goodlettsville basement remodel can help you accomplish all the goals listed above.

Coming up with a remodel plan can feel like an overwhelming or stressful challenge, but if you take it step-by-step and get remodeling services from a multi-skilled team of service professionals, it will be more than worth it. You will get to enjoy your new, perfect space downstairs in a previously uninviting or downright unusable basement. This guide covers eight steps that will lead the way towards planning your dream Goodlettsville basement remodel.

When you are ready to start demolition and get your master plan underway, call in the qualified Goodlettsville handyman team at Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville. We have plenty of experience with basement remodeling in Goodlettsville and nearby parts of Tennessee, and we can help you turn that wasted space into your favorite part of the house.

1. Think About How You Will Use The Space for Your Basement Remodel

First up, it is a good idea to sit down and spend some time thinking about what you want and need out of your Goodlettsville basement remodel. It may sound obvious, but it is easy to get caught up in the planning or stuck on one particular idea and neglect to include some key elements that can make or break the remodel. Whether your lower level is currently a cavernous empty space with no walls or flooring, or it is a maze of unattractive rooms that don't suit the needs or tastes of you and your family. You have an opportunity to create a space that will make your home so much more comfortable and livable.

If you don't already have a bathroom on your subterranean floor, it makes sense to consider having one installed — even if it is just a half-bath or powder room with only a toilet and sink. This is especially true if you include bedrooms, workspaces or other rooms downstairs that you plan to use for a long time. It will be more convenient to have a basement bathroom, so you don't have to trek upstairs whenever you need to use the washroom.

Ideas for Goodlettsville Basement Remodel Rooms and Functions

Need some inspiration to get going? Here are a few ideas for fun and functional spaces you could add downstairs.

Extra bedrooms for guests, or to spread out family members who are currently sharing a bedroom and would rather not
Work-from-home office
School or homework area
Art studio
Craft or hobby room
Gym, dance studio, or workout studio
Music room
Work and storage space for a home business
Home theater for family movie nights
Man or woman cave
Recreation room with a pool table or game table
Wine cellar and tasting room
Children's playroom
Laundry room
Organized storage space

2. Check for Moisture Damage and Other Issues

Next, you should thoroughly check your basement for signs of water damage or other problems that need to be corrected before you get into the fun part of the remodel. Closely examine the foundational walls and floors for damp patches, drips, mold and mildew, and cracks or holes in the concrete. If you aren't sure exactly what to look for, our team can complete a full inspection and see if your subterranean floor is in good condition before you get service for a remodel in Goodlettsville.

Potential Problem Areas in a Goodlettsville Basement Remodel

Water stains, mold, mildew and other signs of moisture damage
Ceilings that are too low to meet building codes
Cracked or crumbling concrete
Load-bearing walls or support posts that can't be moved
Floor is below the municipal sewer line
No insulation installed in the walls
Asbestos tiles, ceiling panels, or other building materials

If your basement in Goodlettsville was built or remodeled in the mid-1980s or earlier, there is a chance it contains materials made with asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is highly carcinogenic when particles are inhaled or swallowed. Unfortunately, there is no way to confirm the presence of asbestos just by looking at it. If you suspect that there may be asbestos in your home, under no circumstances should you break, crack, or otherwise disturb it. It needs to be inspected and removed by an asbestos removal specialist for your safety.

3. Sketch Your Layout

When imagining (or re-imagining) your basement remodel layout, it is a good idea to grab a pencil and paper and sketch out a top-down view of the floor plan. Don't worry! It doesn't have to be a flawless, artistic masterpiece — just putting what you are thinking down on paper is extremely helpful to get an overview of the entire project. Identify potential problems, or remember that one thing you really wanted to include. It will also help your Goodlettsville remodeling team understand what you are going for and turn your vision into reality.

It is critically important to include ample space for moving around. Hallways need to be wide enough to move comfortably, and there shouldn't be any awkward choke points. Imagine your arms are full with a big load of heavy boxes — will you still be able to maneuver around the space freely, even though your movement and sight are restricted?

4. Choose Drywall and Flooring

If you already have basement walls and flooring installed, you are ahead of the game. But, if you are working with an unfinished basement in Goodlettsville, you will need to choose the right drywall and flooring material to transform it into a livable, attractive part of your house. You may think the wall part is obvious — drywall is drywall, right? Well, yes and no. There are different types of drywall, and some are more suitable than others for a basement. Since subterranean floors are more susceptible to water incursion than other places in the house, choosing a moisture-resistant drywall option makes sense. There is also drywall with fire-resistant additives that make it even less flammable than it already is.

Can Hardwood Floors Be Installed for a Basement Remodel in Goodlettsville?

Solid hardwood is not a good option for a basement floor because you can't install it directly over a concrete floor, and it is vulnerable to warping if it becomes damp. But if you love the unique, natural charm of hardwood, engineered wood is the perfect option. It is composed of a thin veneer of hardwood bonded to a premium plywood backing, so it looks exactly like hardwood. However, it’s possible to easily install engineered wood over concrete, and it is resistant to warping due to excess moisture. Other popular choices for flooring include tile, carpet, vinyl and laminate. Here are nine questions you should ask before starting flooring installation in Goodlettsville.

5. Don't Forget About Lighting and Ventilation

It is easy to overlook lighting and ventilation, but they are important parts of any Goodlettsville basement remodel. Think about how many horror movies feature a poorly-lit basement with a single, flickering bulb swinging back and forth. You will realize how crucial it is to have a cheerful, bright basement with lighting that reaches into every corner.

Some basement windows make it difficult to maximize natural light downstairs, so don't be afraid to get creative with artificial light. Ceiling light fixtures could imitate a frosted skylight, or panels of wall lights behind a glass wall mimic windows and give the space a more natural vibe.

Having proper air circulation in airless basement spaces is essential. A simple ceiling fan can change the temperature in a room by four or five degrees because it stirs up cool air that "settles" near the floor and pushes down warm, rising air. That means you can set your thermostat four degrees warmer or cooler, so your HVAC system uses less energy, leaving the room at your preferred temperature.

What If the Basement Ceiling Height is Too Low for Lights or a Fan?

Subterranean levels are notorious for having low ceilings, which is why recessed lights are so popular for basements—in Goodlettsville and across the country. They are installed flush in the ceiling so they don't take up any precious space, and there is nothing for you to smack your head on. Wall sconces are another option that will help brighten up all those nooks and crannies. What many people don't realize is that ceiling fans are also available in recessed models. They aren't 100% flush with the ceiling, and they don't have as much air-moving power as traditional ceiling fans, but they are a reasonable alternative to get the air circulating in your basement.

6. Purchase Unassembled Furniture

Once your basement remodel is finished and you've got a brand-new room (or rooms), you will need some furniture. But keep in mind that some large items won’t fit down the basement stairs, no matter how much you pivot. It makes more sense to buy pre-assembled furniture and put it together in the basement, making navigating the stair situation a lot easier.

If you feel a headache starting at the mere thought of having to assemble a whole basement worth of furniture, don't panic! Our handyman team has assembled dozens of items and managed to get them all put together correctly and efficiently.

7. Make Sure Your Goodlettsville Basement Remodel is Safe

Before completing your basement remodel plan, take some time to consider protective and preventive safety measures. It will reduce the risk of hazards to your family and reduce the likelihood of your property suffering damage.

Safety Precautions to Consider

There is an array of precautions your handyman can install, test, or repair to make sure your home and family are safe and secure. Here are a few things to tick off:

Ensure there are egress windows that a person can fit through in the event of a fire
Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Clean out the ventilation ductwork for your clothes dryer
Repair, replace, or install a sump pump to avoid basement flooding
Repair loose, creaky stairs
Insulate water heater for better energy efficiency
Replace a staircase that is too narrow, too steep, or otherwise unsafe
Install handrails and grab bars
Seal windows to block air drafts and moisture incursion

8. Add Some Finishing Touches

Finally, don't forget to include the finishing touches in your plan and your budget, all those little (or not-so-little) things that will make the basement feel like a comfortable, welcoming part of your home. Your handyman can finish off the basement remodel by hanging curtains or blinds, installing an awesome basement bar with a mini fridge, adding some built-in, custom furniture such as shelving or bench seats, putting up framed photos, and lots more.

Do You Need Help With a Goodlettsville Basement Remodel?

Whether you are in Goodlettsville or a nearby area such as East Nashville or Hendersonville, the experienced technicians at Mr. Handyman of E. Nashville and Hendersonville can transform your subterranean floor into the perfect basement space. While you’re here, why not read about our home improvement tips? We pride ourselves on delivering the highest standard of workmanship and customer care that goes above and beyond for every home improvement project.

Pick up the phone today and contact us at 615-551-4653 to chat with our friendly customer service staff and schedule a service appointment or find out more about how we can improve your home and make your life easier!