Do you have a home with a basement? If so, you have a great deal of space that's just waiting for an upgrade. Your basement is an entire floor you shouldn't let go to waste or only use for storage. More homeowners are starting to understand the valuable space they have in their basements and are opting to refinish it. Here are seven reasons to invest in basement construction.

1. Get More Liveable Space

Do you want to be the only basement owner left that leaves it empty and damp or just filled with boxes? When you invest in basement construction, you're giving yourself more livable space on your residential property. Your basement is an entire property level, so the possibilities are endless in terms of what you can do with it. Do you have a big family that enjoys getting together? Do you like having friends over for game nights, holidays, birthday parties, and so on? Why not use your basement as an entertainment space where you can have pool tables, board games, a movie screen, or even a game console?

Do you work from home in a hybrid position, freelance in your free time, or plan on running a business? If you don't feel like investing in an office space separate from your residence, a basement provides an opportunity to live and work on the same property. You'll certainly appreciate the seclusion and extra quiet. You can convert your entire basement floor into your office or company space. Doing so will also make it easier when it comes to your business tax breaks.

2. Increase Home Value

Your house isn't just your home; it's also an investment. For many Americans, their home is their greatest and most expensive asset. If this is the case for you, it's important to do what you can to help increase your home's value. According to Clever, more than 50% of home buyers consider foundation issues to be a "deal-breaker" because it can make the home-buying process riskier and more complicated. No potential buyer wants to purchase a home with potential issues or one they'll have to put much work into fixing up. They'll be far happier with a home that appears to be in great condition from the start.

By investing in basement construction services, you can improve your home's foundation and reduce the likelihood of foundation issues emerging. Furthermore, upon completing your basement construction, you can get much of the money back upon a resale or appraisal. Remember, the higher the appraisal, the more equity you'll have. Even if you don't plan on selling your home anytime soon, investing in its value and equity can give you something more to leave your heirs and increase your overall net worth. Furthermore, in our experience, basement construction is a cheaper upgrade than adding a new floor or exterior addition.

3. Create a Stream of Income

Regardless of how well you might be doing in your career, it's always a good idea to have more than one stream of income. That stream of income can come from a side hustle, another business, or by using your home to its full advantage. When you invest in basement construction, you have a full livable space you can convert into a spare bedroom or separate apartment.

If you ever rented an Airbnb or looked closely at Booking.com or VRBO, you may notice that many property owners have basements available for rentals. When people are traveling to a city, state, or country that's not their own, being able to stay in a home in the area allows them to immerse themselves more in the community. It's easy to understand how this could make their trip more enjoyable.

Many people are making a great source of income by renting out space on their property. Additionally, if you want to eventually have a separate rental property, you could test the waters by starting with a basement apartment rental first. As a result, you can get used to having and managing a renter and see if that's something you want to do long-term.

4. Enjoy More Privacy

Privacy can be an important component of comfort for many. If you live in a house with numerous people, sometimes it can be challenging for you or others to find privacy. A larger basement can be a space where anybody can retreat whenever they like. You can use your basement as a "man cave" or a "she shed." Another way a basement can ensure privacy is when you have guests over. Your basement can serve as an extra bedroom or apartment. If you have long-term guests staying over for the holidays or other extended visits, you and your guests can enjoy privacy while under the same residential property.

5. Protect Your Health

Have you heard the expression, "Health is wealth?" Basement construction can help you live by that motto. If your basement sits unused for a long time and builds up humidity over the years, it can become a breeding ground for mold. Mold isn't something to play with, as it can be devastating to your family's health and comfort. It can exacerbate existing cases of asthma, bronchitis, and lung infections or create new ones. Someone can go from having minor asthma with barely any reactions to having frequent and severe ones. If your basement is small, it's easy to let it sit empty without using it. By getting a foundation company to dig out your basement, you can make your basement more functional and put it to use. By putting the basement to use, you can avoid letting mold develop.

6. Strengthen Your Home's Structure

Getting professionals to dig out your basement can reinforce your home's foundation. One way foundation companies dig out your basement is by underpinning the basement walls. This basement construction process refers to digging out a sequence of holes from under your home's footing, then preparing them and filling them with concrete. This extends the home's footing to a lower level without weakening the foundation walls of the home. Additionally, this builds a deeper, stronger foundation for the home to rest on. As a responsible homeowner, you'll surely want to take every opportunity you can to strengthen your home's structure and protect it for many years to come.

7. Help Aging Relatives

Is it that time in your life when your parents are aging and need more help? Are you considering housing options that can make them more comfortable while keeping them close by? If you plan on helping take care of them, an easy way to move them in is by having a separate basement space. That way, they can still have their independence while being able to be cared for by you.

As you can see, there are many benefits to investing in professional basement construction. Your finished basement can provide an additional source of income, give guests privacy, help take care of elderly parents, offer a space for entertainment, and increase the livable space on your property. Our team can help you start your journey to a finished basement by digging out your basement or creating a solid foundation for your new basement. For more information, contact Foundations First Northwest today to get a consultation for our services.