If you are like a lot of people your basement is a catch-all for clutter. With a little planning, time, and money you can turn that wasted space into a useful living area. And what would make this area more useful than adding a second kitchen to the living area.
Improved Utilization of Space
Converting unused space to living area makes perfect sense. Most new homes already have finished basements or basements that are prepped for finishing. Older homes may require some corrective work to make the space useable. Get professional advice if you have an older home before taking on the project yourself.
Design Options for a Basement Kitchen
A second kitchen in the basement offers design options that may not be available on the main level of the home. A basement is perfect for a galley kitchen for entertaining. Or is you have the room, a second full sized kitchen. And a second kitchen could be used in a basement apartment in the future. Another benefit of a kitchen basement is the cooler temperature in the warm summer months when the main kitchen gets too hot.
A basement kitchen is ideal for colorful cabinets to brighten the area. Use your imagination and be creative and give the room a fun feel for entertaining or everyday activities. Whatever you plan to use the second kitchen for, it is an ideal use of space for busy lifestyles.
Multiple Basement Uses
With many families having multiple generations living in one home, a basement kitchen is perfect for giving each other a little space or an option for adding an apartment for aging parents or adult children. When entertaining a basement kitchen allows the host or hostess stay with guests instead of running up and down the stairs. This extra living space will also allow your children to entertain friends without making a mess of the main kitchen.
What are the Cost Considerations for a Second Kitchen?
Adding a second kitchen to a new home has financial advantages over adding a basement kitchen to an older home. Depending on the age of the home, older homes may require the floors to be excavated and lowered possibly causing structural issues. Another cost consideration is plumbing, water, gas, and electrical requirements. In newer homes this is less of an issue than it would be in an older home.
Other Factors to Consider when Adding a Second Kitchen
- With little or no natural light you’ll want to include recessed lighting to brighten the room and eliminate shadows and dark areas. Under-cabinet lighting is inexpensive and the ideal solution to illuminate countertops.
- Laminate flooring is the perfect choice for basement. Available in a variety of designs and patterns so it will fit in with any decor. This type of flooring is also scratch and moisture resistant and can be installed over concrete with a floating, tongue and groove system.
- Don’t forget to plan an area for a table and chairs or a bar with stools.
- Choose countertops made from high quality materials will provide years of use. Or consider a less expensive laminate. This type of countertop comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
- Choose new appliance options that are functional in the space. Add a standard-size appliances if you have the room. Or choose smaller apartment size appliances for smaller spaces. Using dishwasher drawers and microwave/hood combos will provide and some extra space.
- Be sure to install an electric vented or ventless hood fan to reduce moisture and cooking smells.
- Adding insulation to the walls and ceiling will add soundproofing and help keep the flooring above warmer.
- Add art or accessories that show off your personality to bring the space together.
- Add a smoke detector and carbon dioxide detector in the basement area if you don’t already have them and keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
Take the time to plan an additional kitchen in your basement will give you and your family years of enjoyment. And real estate agents report kitchen renovations add value to the home with a return of up to 85% on the investment when the house is sold. A second kitchen could significantly increase the resale value of the home.
Call Joseph Kitchen and Bath at (905) 707-7756 for a FREE estimate on your kitchen design and renovation project.
