At Andrus Built, one of our favorite areas to help clients reimagine is the basement. Unlike the main level, all bets are off downstairs! Basement spaces are open to interpretation. We’ve seen it all — media rooms, exercise studios, craft areas, game rooms, playrooms, and of course, built-in bars. Each type of space is fun to bring to life, but today we’re singling out the basement bar.
A time-honored tradition, lower levels bars are the perfect way to give the basement a little class. They create an intentional but informal party space. Instead of having to drag dishes, snacks, and drinks from upstairs, everything needed to entertain is housed in one organized spot! Extra appliances, accents, and accessories can also add custom flair and personality.
Chomping at the bit to design your personal basement paradise? Read below for our advice on getting your project rolling!
1. Analyze Your Space
With any building project, the first step is always to strategize for the available space. Asking yourself the following questions will help you get started.
- Will the entire basement be a party zone or just a corner?
- Will the room revolve around football games or casual parties?
- How much seating is needed?
- Do kids use the space?
Your answers to these questions will provide a clearer picture of your family’s needs and help you determine how best to utilize the space you have to work with.
2. Discern Your Vibe
Another key piece of the puzzle will be discerning the vibe you want for the basement bar. Take some time to browse Houzz, scroll through Pinterest, and flip through magazines to gather ideas. Once you’ve found your taste and what kind of mood you’d like to give your space, making design choices becomes ten times easier. Case in point, there’s a vast difference between the decor of a sports bar versus a cocktail lounge. Make sure you and your partner are aiming for the same style target!
3. Add Smart Storage Solutions
The presence of kids is a game-changer when designing a home bar. Whether you’re dealing with curious toddlers or rebellious teens, factoring them into your plans is incredibly important. Even if you aren’t a parent, you’re still likely to host friends or family with children. Incorporating storage that will allow you to lock away alcohol and breakables when necessary will give you peace of mind.
4. Leave Room for Options
Last but not least, we encourage you to use a healthy measure of caution when customizing your home. There is always a fine line to walk between adding personal features and maintaining your home’s resale value. Because lower levels are often such catchall square footage, it’s smart to leave options open for subsequent homeowners. Think of your basement as a second great room and determine its purpose with multiple functions and family members in mind!
Working with a professional remodeling contractor is a great way to create a custom space without sacrificing resale value. When you’re ready to get the ball rolling on adding a basement bar to your home or any other remodeling project, get in touch with our team. We’d love to help bring your vision to life!