If you could add something to your finished basement...

what would it be?

My DH is planning to fix the basement, and I was looking for suggestions. We have the washer, dryer, burner, a sump pump, and an oil tank (that will be relocated outside) downstairs.

We want to make a playroom, lounge area, pantry, laundry room, and possibly a bathroom and an area for a refridgerator/counterspace. Is there something you wish you had included?

Also, can anyone recommend an architect to develop plans for this (Suffolk preferably)?

Sorry so long and TIA!

Re: If you could add something to your finished basement...

I would've added a half bath...wish we had one down there

Re: If you could add something to your finished basement...

half bath and bar or man cave area for DH

Re: If you could add something to your finished basement...

You said it all for us!

We finished ours recently and this is what we have:

Den (which when DS is a bit older will be a playroom) we have a tredmill down there now (so maybe for you a workout room?)

Laundry room with cabinets above washer and dryer, a sink, refrigerator and a pantry (could NOT live without that and I am so happy I asked for DH to add that) also a closet in there to have the hampers to separate clothes

DH has an office down there so there is a waiting room, his office and a bathroom (which we use as well)

our water heater and boiler are enclosed behind sliding doors.

basement entrance

lots of outlets!

CLOSET SPACE!!! we added a closet under the stairs and a huge one, the length of the wall in the den area - also allowing access to the plumbing.

I cannot really think of anything we would have added that we didnt.

HTH

Re: If you could add something to your finished basement...

we just re-did ours and don't feel like we missed anything WE wanted!

bar
dartboard
55" tv
couch/love seat/recliner
made boiler room smaller
moved a treadmill down there
plenty of room for future kids to place too


we have a split, so 6 steps up is our garage level where there is also a bathroom, laundry room/pantry. its perfect.

Re: If you could add something to your finished basement...

I love our basement, it is perfect for our needs! We bought the house this way and was a big reason why we love this house. A large open area we use for a playroom. 4 additional rooms. One has boiler and stuff like that, plus storage. Another room is our exercise room + closets for storage. Another room has laundry, storage, sink, pantry area, extra freezer, etc. The last room is DH's office. The office has a door leading into our 2 car garage. The only thing "missing" would be a half bath, but we already have 2.5 bats in the house.. the 1/2 bath being right at the top of the stairs... no not really needed.

Message edited 3/1/2011 10:59:36 AM.

Re: If you could add something to your finished basement...

A shower to the half bath!!! Mary

Re: If you could add something to your finished basement...

Ours is finished but I wish we had a kitchen sink and half bath. A built in granite bar would be nice too!

Re: If you could add something to your finished basement...

full floor carpet, since we want it to be a play space. Also better heating ducts, it gets mighty cold there in the winter.

We have a full bath, but I don't use it.

Re: If you could add something to your finished basement...

Thanks for the responses! We are thinking about a standup shower for the bathroom, just worried about taxes! His garage is his "man cave"... I'll let you know how it turns out! We're still looking for an architect.

Re: If you could add something to your finished basement...

If you do add a workout room/office - I would put in a closet and make sure it has a window - then it will qualify as an extra bedroom for resale.

I would add a utility sink in the laundry area - great for those gross jobs like cleaning out garbage cans, etc.

The more closet/storage space the better IMO. You can also have a small storage room that isn't refinished, if it has a door you can add cheap shelves and have a great space for off season decorations, and all that other crap.

Re: If you could add something to your finished basement...

definitely a half bath!