If you want to take advantage of your unfinished basement and make some extra income from the space, turning it into a rental unit is the perfect project. Once you check with local laws and ordinances, you can get started on the remodel you need to turn one living space into two.
Porch Posts
Grab some porch posts for your new entrance and use these five tips to turn your basement into the hottest rental unit around.
Build a Separate Entrance to the Unit
The first thing you’ll want to do is build a separate entrance to your rental unit. It’s not the most convenient to have renters coming in and out of your living space through the front door.
Instead, a second door, either on the side or back of the house, should serve as the entrance to the basement. Make it look like a front door. You can even build a little patio and mini overhang with porch posts and everything.
Now, renters can go straight to their unit, and it will feel more like a separate space, even if it is attached.
Create Defined and Necessary Living Spaces
Most basements don’t have all the spaces that a living area needs. So, if you’re turning an unfinished basement into its own rental—or even remodeling an already finished basement—think of it like building a new home.
It’ll need a kitchen, or a kitchenette at the very least, a full bathroom, separate bedrooms, and possibly even washer and dryer hookups.
The more like a separate house it is, the better. Long-term renters need all these features to feel comfortable in their space.
Give the Basement Its Own Aesthetic
Now, it’s time for a fresh coat of paint. And not just paint but cabinets, flooring, backsplashes, and everything else that will give the rental unit its own aesthetic.
Make sure it’s different from the upstairs so that it feels more defined and independent. Choose a different interior door selection than you have in the main unit. Paint the walls a different color. Use different cabinet fixtures in the kitchen.
And don’t be afraid to give it all a little character. Unique tiling in the bathroom or fun light fixtures can help make small basements feel more like home for any renters.
Set Up an Independent Heating and Cooling System
Everybody loves to be in control of their living space’s temperature. You know how your family gets when there’s a disagreement over the thermostat.
You can give your renters the power to make this decision themselves by setting up a separate HVAC system for the basement. With their thermostat and vents, they can control their living environment.
An alternative is to set up a portable A/C unit in the basement along with a space heater for the winter.
Decide on Furnishings
And for the last step, it’s time to decide on furnishings for your basement rental unit.
If you plan on renting out the space as a short-term vacation rental, it should be fully furnished with beds, couches, chairs, and even dishes in the kitchen.
If it will be a long-term rental, you can decide between furnishing it or not. Both options cater to different types of renters, and it all depends on who you will be targeting.
Now, you’re ready to start listing your basement rental and meeting with prospective renters. And don’t be surprised when these tips lead you to having one of the most sought-after spaces in town.
About Menards®
When you’re ready to take home improvement seriously without breaking the bank, Menards® is ready to help you. They have everything you need to tackle the smallest jobs, like a leaky faucet or broken shingle, to the supplies for month-long interior renovations. Menards® is the go-to store for DIYers everywhere. They offer unbeatable prices, frequent sales, a wide range of supplies and tools, and top-notch customer service teams. When you want a project to go smoothly, you work with Menards®. Whether replacing you stair treads, redoing your patio with new porch posts, or any home improvement project, they’ll help you Save Big Money® and avoid headaches. Menards® has everything you need to go from weekend DIY warrior to certified project master.
Get everything you need to transform your basement in one stop at https://www.menards.com/
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