PrimeLending – Six Ways to Transform Your Basement - From media rooms to home offices, there are several ways homeowners can transform their basements. When deciding how to design your basement, you have to focus on what you want to use the space for most. There really is no right or wrong way to set up the space, but knowing exactly what the main purpose of the room will be will make the transformation process much easier. If you have a basement, but no idea what to do with it, our team of mortgage professionals is here to help. Listed below are six different ways homeowners can transform their unused basement spaces.

1. Oklahoma Mortgage (405) 586-0382 local Visit Oklahoma Mortgage Online:
Nationwide Lender (800) 659-6732 toll-free www.OklahomaMortgageBank.com
PrimeLending: Six Ways to Transform Your Basement
From media rooms to home offices, there
are several ways homeowners can trans-
form their basements. When deciding
how to design your basement, you have
to focus on what you want to use the
space for most. There really is no right or
wrong way to set up the space, but know-
ing exactly what the main purpose of the
room will be will make the transforma-
tion process much easier. If you have a
basement, but no idea what to do with
it, our team of mortgage professionals is
here to help. Listed below are six dif-
ferent ways homeowners can transform
their unused basement spaces.
Media Room
Several homeowners choose to transform their basements into large multipurpose media areas.
If you have always dreamed of having a home theater, an unused basement provides the perfect
layout. Here are a few helpful tips to get you moving in the right direction towards a mega media
room.
• Don’t put the viewing screen or TV across from a window; the darker the space, the
better. If you absolutely must put the screen across from a window, install black-out
shades or dark, heavy curtains.
• Don’t fear if your basement has low ceilings, you will be seated the majority of the time
you spend in there.
• Platform seating is a great, yet inexpensive, touch to add to any home theater. While
theater seating can really add up, placing a platform under your second row of seats el
evates the back row, providing optimal viewing without draining your wallet.
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2. Oklahoma Mortgage (405) 586-0382 local Visit Oklahoma Mortgage Online:
Nationwide Lender (800) 659-6732 toll-free www.OklahomaMortgageBank.com
PrimeLending: Six Ways to Transform Your Basement
Personal Fitness Facility
Before setting out to purchase fitness equipment to fill the basement, measure the space’s dimen-
sions. Be aware that low ceilings may cause certain pieces of fitness equipment to not fit properly
in the space. Therefore, measure the room and measure the equipment before purchasing. Also,
make sure the equipment can make it down the stairs. If it is welded together or does not disas-
semble, you may have trouble making a sharp 90-degree turn when moving it down the stairs.
Home Office
A home office should ideally be the same size as a guest bedroom. It is important to note that if
you add a closet, your home office will be considered an extra bedroom according to code and
you will be required to install a window. If you are concerned the space will feel cramped, use a
double set of French doors on a basement office to maximize natural light and create a feeling of
openness.
Guest Bedroom
As previously mentioned, if you decide to turn your unused basement into a guest bedroom,
building code will require you to have an egress window no more than 44 inches from the ground.
You are permitted you create a step-up or enlarge the window to meet code.
If you want to create a guest suite, place the bathroom adjacent to the bedroom with a direct en-
trance from inside. Make sure if you install a shower there is enough clearance for your guest to
lift their arms above their head without hitting the ceiling. Lastly, you will need a fan to exhaust
to the outside.
Bar and/or Wine Cellar
Before you begin picking out countertops for your new bar, it is important to set a budget. Install-
ing a bar is extremely similar to installing a new kitchen without the appliances, so your expense
will be comparable.
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3. Oklahoma Mortgage (405) 586-0382 local Visit Oklahoma Mortgage Online:
Nationwide Lender (800) 659-6732 toll-free www.OklahomaMortgageBank.com
PrimeLending: Six Ways to Transform Your Basement
If you don’t have a large budget, there are other alternatives for the space that provide the same
effect. Consider adding in a horizontal section of cabinets that can also be used as a buffet and
leave room for a fridge. Also, purchasing cabinets from a big-box or modular furniture store
rather than installing custom cabinets can save you a considerable amount of money.
If you absolutely must have a classic bar or wine cellar, it is best to determine your maximum
budget and work backward. Make a list of items you want to include in the space with your must-
haves prioritized on top. This will help you determine which features you can and cannot live
without.
Basement Apartment
Are you looking for a new stream of monthly income? If so, consider turning your unused base-
ment space into a rental unit. Transforming the space into an apartment is no different than
transforming it into anything else. Before beginning the renovation process, verify that your
neighborhood is zoned for multifamily residences. Hiring a general basement contractor for this
type of project is highly recommended. They will ensure that the right permits are produced and
all construction components meet building code.
This article was brought to you by Oklahoma Mortgage Bank. Oklahoma Mortgage Bank offers a wide ar-
ray of mortgage programs to eligible borrowers nationwide. Click here to visit our website.
If you or someone you know has questions about home financing in Oklahoma or nationwide,
contact our Oklahoma mortgage team: (405) 586-0382 or (800) 659-6732.
www.OklahomaMortgageBank.com
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