A great basement can be one of your top-selling features if it is updated, has a sense of purpose, and is appealing to buyers who are looking for some extra space. 

Unfortunately, basements are often forgotten about, they are the last on our list of places to update and usually become a storage place for our extra stuff. 

However, these days buyers want as much space as possible and basements offer countless opportunities to have extra bedrooms, a second living room, a gym, an office, and so much more.  

If your basement hasn't been updated since the 70's then it's definitely time to do it. Here are a few of the top updates that can be done to make your basement more appealing to buyers or yourself. 

Walls

If your basement still has wood paneling up on the walls, it's time to go! Replace it with drywall, PVS trim for the floor, and crown moldings. Be sure to paint in neutral colors and remember that people are looking for extra living space, so keeping it in line with your upstairs decor is a great idea. You can also add an accent wall or some coloured furnishings to brighten the space up and keep it fun. 

Carpeting

Carpeting can be an extremely large job to remove but imagine how much worse it would be if it was soaking wet? If your home floods, the last thing you or any potential buyers want to do is remove wet and musty carpets. Replace the carpeting with easy-to-keep flooring and placing some carpets in areas that are often used will give it an extra cozy feeling. 

Drop Ceilings

There's no reason to make the ceiling any lower than it already is. Keep beams and joists visible and plumbing pipes exposed, this will give a trendy industrial flair to your space and also offer more headroom. Remember pipes and beams can be painted if you don't like the raw look of them and want them to blend into the decor. 

Technology

Many people are going to want to turn that basement space into their TV room or home theatre and with that comes the need for technology.  Install some surround sound and use as many Bluetooth devices as possible. Bluetooth can be linked to your tv, lighting, thermostat, speakers, and much more! If needed, have an electrician come in to install some more outlets and ensure there is a strong wifi or internet signal in the basement. 

Old furniture

We're all guilty of dragging an old chair or sofa down to the basement and forgetting about it. Furniture is fairly affordable these days and you can likely find a large sectional sofa and some oversized bean bag chairs to decorate this space with a cozier and more modern feel. 

Lighting

Updating your lighting can make a huge improvement in this space. Avoid direct overhead lighting and gear towards track lighting or something that will give the room an all-around glow. You want the space to be as comfortable, welcoming, and fresh as possible. 

Updating your basement may not be on the top of your to-do list, however, if you're planning to sell your home and hoping to increase its value, these tips will definitely help you. And if you're not selling but aren't sure how to make that space usable again and extend your living space, we hope these tips will help you transform your basement into the space you've always wanted!