How to Add Livable Square Footage to Your Northern Virginia Home with Basement Remodeling

No matter how comfortable your home may be, there are probably times when you wish you had a little more space. Things can get crowded with children, furniture, and all of your life’s possessions. Adding just a little square footage can go a long way.

In most homes, the basement is completely unused. Sure, you might do your laundry down there, or you might use it for storage, but you can’t fully enjoy it. Basement remodeling in Northern Virginia can turn this cold, dark area of your home into a fully-functional living space. Learn about why many homeowners decide to invest in it, what the benefits are, and how you can personalize it to your family’s needs.

5 Reasons Why Homeowners Consider Adding Square Footage with a Basement Remodel

Adding square footage with a basement remodel does more than just increase the livable area of a home. There are many other specific reasons why homeowners decide to invest in this service. From accommodating guests to passive income potential, here are the five top reasons to consider hiring basement remodelers in the DC area.

  • They Want to Create a Guest Suite for Visiting Family

As enjoyable as it is to host extended family for a weekend, it can get overwhelming with so many people in the home. Coordinating shower times and excessive socialization can drain both the hosts and the guests. 

Basement remodeling in Northern Virginia featuring a custom home bar, wood accents, built-in shelving, and seating area designed to add livable square footage and functional entertainment space in the DC area.

Many people have their basements remodeled so that they can create a guest wing for visitors. You can create an entire living space, complete with a bedroom and bathroom, so that you and your guests have the room that’s need

  • They Need Play Space for Their Kids

Kids have lots of toys, and keeping everything organized can be a challenge for parents. Many homeowners decide to turn their finished basement into a play area for kids. This keeps the children occupied, the house clean, and prevents damage to the main living areas of the home.

  • It Makes Use of “Wasted Space”

A lot of people simply hate the idea of not being able to use their entire home. A basement can sometimes be 1,000 square feet or more, and it feels like a waste not being able to utilize it for anything. A basement remodel transforms the space and allows it to be used for a wide range of purposes. 

Basement remodeling in Northern Virginia creating a cozy living area with a modern fireplace, built-in shelving, and custom lighting that adds comfortable and functional square footage in the DC area.

  • They’re Considering Renting Out the Basement

Although not often talked about, many homeowners are interested in remodeling their basements to earn passive income from short and long-term rentals. Renovating the basement into a full apartment with its own accessway can be an excellent investment.

  • It Makes the Home Feel Cleaner and More Finished

Finally, a finished basement simply makes the home feel complete. It’s a bit strange of a feeling to have a modern, newly remodeled upstairs and a dusty, moist basement. It feels like an eyesore. Remodeling the basement is often how homeowners put the finishing touch on their interior.

Benefits of Northern Virginia Basement Remodeling

If you’re on the fence about whether it’s worth it to invest in a basement remodel for your home, understanding the benefits can help you make a decision. While a finished basement isn’t right for everyone, there are many compelling reasons why it could be worth your time and money.

Adds a Large Amount of Flexible Square Footage

Flexibility is key in a home. Your family’s needs can change over the years, whether that’s because of more children or a new hobby that takes up a lot of space. Adding square footage with a basement remodel gives you room to breathe, figuratively and literally. It gives you space to expand and accommodate whatever life brings your way. The only other option you have is a complete home addition

Better Indoor Air Quality

The only thing standing between the dirt around your house and the inside of the basement is a foundation, so naturally, it will get a little dusty. 

Basement remodeling in Northern Virginia with a custom wet bar, stone accent wall, wood beam ceiling details, and built-in cabinetry creating a functional entertainment area that adds livable space in the DC area.

When you hire a skilled basement remodeling contractor to handle the renovation, the space is often encapsulated to prevent any moisture or dust from entering. This creates a net positive on indoor air quality throughout the home. It reduces allergens, mildew, and mold.

Improved Insulation and Energy Efficiency

After encapsulation is completed, your contractor will add framing, insulation, and drywall to make the basement like any other room in the home. This is a huge benefit for overall energy efficiency. You’ll have fewer drafts and fewer places for your climate-controlled air to escape.

Keeps the House Organized

A finished basement gives you a tidy place for storage. This removes clutter and extra belongings from the main living areas of the home, freeing up visual space and making everything feel more organized.

Adds Value to the Property

A basement remodel undoubtedly adds value to your property. If you ever decide to sell your residence, the money you invested in the renovation will be returned to you. In fact, the Journal of Light Construction found that a basement remodel has an average cost recoup of 70%.

Does a Finished Basement Count as Square Footage for Real Estate? 

Whether a remodeled basement can count as official square footage depends on many factors, including local building codes. Typically, an area of the home has to have a certain level of finish (drywall, insulation, flooring, and heating) to be considered. 

According to Redfin, while a basement remodel counts under these parameters, many valuations do not consider anything “below ground” to be considered official square footage. Overall, it depends on your local real estate market.

Expand Your Square Footage with These Basement Remodel Ideas

There’s infinite potential for your basement once you have it remodeled. Since it becomes a fully livable space, the vision is yours. Here are some popular basement remodeling ideas:

  • Home Theater: Deck out your basement with a movie room, complete with a large screen TV, theater seats, and a popcorn maker.
  • Home Gym: Save money on monthly gym membership costs with an at-home gym. Add a treadmill, a weight rack, and any other workout machines you prefer.
  • Office Space: Do you work from home? You can turn a room in your finished basement into a dedicated, private office where you can fully focus.
  • Lounge and Bar: Make your basement a place to kick back with friends. Add a full-service bar and some tables for an at-home lounge experience.
  • Kids’ Play Room: Your kids, their friends, nieces, and nephews will love having a play place downstairs. Padded puzzle piece floors, arcade games, or a rock climbing wall are all fun options.

Virginia Kitchen & Bath Can Bring Your Dreams to Life

Homeowners searching for “basement remodeling near me in Northern Virginia” rely on Virginia Kitchen & Bath for their renovations. We have over 30 years of experience and take immense pride in delighting our customers with beautiful, functional, and long-lasting home improvements. As a “one-stop shop,” we’re proud to offer a showroom, design service, and professional installation.

If you’ve outgrown the living space in your home and are interested in making use of your basement, hire our team for a remodel. View our countless customer testimonial videos and contact us today to get a quote.

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