Is A Basement Living Room An Interior Design Faux Pas? The Property Brothers Weigh In

Basements are often dedicated to storage needs but can be utilized for other purposes and become cohesive with the rest of the home. At first thought, the idea of putting your living room in the basement may seem strange, but the Property Brothers have done it time and time again to provide extra space and increase a property's value. This can work especially well for families with lower square footage at their disposal. While it's sometimes up for debate if a basement, finished or unfinished, legally counts towards a home's total square footage, it can still be valuable to guests and potential buyers.

In season 1, episode 10 of "Property Brothers: Forever Home," the brotherly duo helps remodel a four-generation family home from the 1960s. For this family of four, Drew and Jonathan found that one of their biggest challenges was creating more space while working on a budget. While building additional rooms adds huge costs, it only made sense to take the readily-available basement area and convert that into the living room. Suddenly, the family no longer had a cramped dining area or living room and could enjoy both to the fullest, with Drew remarking, "That basement is extremely stylish, and it's going to be in style for decades to come" (via Relator.com). This wouldn't be the first time Drew and Jonathan opted for a basement remodel in favor of creating a more friendly social space.

In season 6 of "The Property Brothers," Drew and Jonathan once again repurposed a home's basement to create an inviting and relaxing space. In a previously unfinished basement, the brothers transformed it into a living room, added a guest room, made a new bathroom, and even put a bar underneath the staircase. "Ultimately, I'm going to give them a great lounging space to entertain, a spare bedroom for visiting in-laws or guests, and a full bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower stall," Jonathan said in the episode (via Pure Wow).

Every family and home will have different needs, but no matter what you require the extra space for, you shouldn't be afraid to take advantage of it. The possibilities are endless, from playrooms, game rooms, and craft rooms to home offices, libraries, and home gyms. But, as Drew and Jonathan saw when they transformed basements into living quarters, there are important components to remember during your basement remodeling endeavors. You'll want to be sure to inspect the plumbing and electrical and install or repair those areas if needed. Insulation will likely have to be added for unfinished basements, and one should plan to test the area for radon. Additionally, a sump pump may be required to avoid water damage, and you'll want to research the building codes and safety requirements for your location.