Scott McGillivray’s 10 Mini Basement Renos That Will Increase The Value of Your Home

Give a basement apartment a custom look by installing built-in cabinetry. A custom media wall or shelving unit offers potential renters a great storage solution without the hassle of needing freestanding units. Also, when done right, they can lend a sense of luxury while clearing floor space to create an airy feel to a room.

Related: Scott McGillivray’s Tips for Renters: These are the Home Upgrades Landlords Will Love You For

I’m a big fan of applied moulding and installing it in a basement apartment is a great way to elevate the look of the space. Since people don’t normally equate basement apartments with elegance and luxury, it can be really appealing to renters. The best part is that it can be installed in just a couple of hours and for less than $100.

If you’re already putting in new flooring, install a good quality subfloor underneath to ensure everything stays warm and dry. Basement floors can get very cold since they’re often sitting on concrete slabs. Adding in a subfloor will make the space a bit warmer. The material can also withstand water in case of a leak or flood.

Upgrading a shower to include a frameless glass door is a great way to add style and sophistication. It can also make a small bathroom look bigger, which is always a good thing.

One of the reasons people tend to have a negative view of basement apartments is because they think they’re dark. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Expanding the size of the window and digging larger window wells will allow much more light to pour in. You’ll need to check local building codes for size requirements, but in many cases, you can succeed without much difficulty.

Another great way to make a basement brighter is by installing pot lights. Because of the way you can space them out, they’re great for dispersing light and since they’re recessed into the ceiling, they’re ideal for rooms with low ceilings. Remember, the brighter you can make a basement, the more appealing it will be.

Basements tend to be home to unsightly things like electrical panels, furnaces and water heaters. If they’re located in living areas, do what you can to conceal them. In this room, I covered an electrical panel with a hinged door and then added wood panelling to disguise the door itself. When the door is closed, you can’t even tell it’s there.

This goes for every rental unit, not just basements, but I highly recommend installing a washer and dryer. If you lack the space, consider installing the machines under the kitchen counter or in a washroom closet. The key is to tie into existing plumbing to keep costs down.

Related: 18 Laundry Room Ideas That Are Beyond Stylish (And Super Functional)

Installing heated floors everywhere can quickly turn into a big renovation, but if you want to keep costs down, stick with smaller spaces like the bathroom and maybe the laundry room or entryway. In basements, which are traditionally the coldest area of a home, heated floors are a great luxury.

Oftentimes, the space under the stairs gets closed off or used for storage. If you want to impress potential renters, try making use of this neglected area by turning it into a reading nook, home office or, if possible, a powder room. Depending on the space available and your budget, there’s a lot that can be done with this often neglected space.