A basement man cave is where you can enjoy your hobby or just drink beer in solitude. Building a man cave is an exciting yet challenging undertaking. Like any other home improvement project, you need to do proper planning to achieve your dream space.
Ready to build a unique basement man cave? Take a look at the list of do’s and don’ts to consider before starting the project:
The Do’s
Plan Your Basement Space
The first thing you need to do is put together a floor plan for your mancave. A professional basement remodeler can sketch the layout for you. Before you hire someone, determine how much square footage you have and how the space will be used.
Do you want a wet bar with a sink? Or do you want an arcade-themed man cave? The sky’s the limit if your basement has enough square footage and headroom. Consult with a reputable contractor on how to get your project started!
Finalize Your Budget
Is it possible to build a basement man cave on a tight budget? The answer is yes! All you need to do is set up a budget and stick to it during your project. First, you have to identify the purpose of your basement man cave? Would it be for your hobbies or favorite sports team? It’s your personal space, so feel free to incorporate your interests.
Once you’ve decided how you want to use the space, the rest will be hassle-free. Sourcing materials and choosing the interior design will be easy when you’ve created a spending plan. Get creative and work with what budget you currently have. Keep in mind to set up a mancave that works for your budget!
Choose a Minimalist Design
Tiny basements are very common. To create a sense of spaciousness, embrace a minimalist design in your basement man cave. Minimalism is the latest trend of the season. More people are now choosing sleek and clean lines over fussy patterns.
A minimalist man cave can create a less chaotic space—especially if you have a small basement. When your man cave is neat and simple, it will appear wider and more spacious. It’s better to start with a sleek design and avoid unnecessary items in your basement. With a mancave free of clutter, you can feel more relaxed and focused.
Check Safety Requirements
Your basement requires extra attention because it is prone to flooding and moisture issues. To ensure safety in your mancave, check for leaks. Inspect all wiring and outlets to prevent electrical fires. Install a smoke alarm and keep flammable items away from heating equipment. Consult a basement remodeler on how to avoid basement fire hazards.
The Don’ts
Don’t Choose Dark Colors
Your unfinished basement might already be dark and scary. That’s why we recommend that you avoid dark or high contrasting colors. A basement man cave doesn’t have to look like an actual cave. Keeping your man cave dark all the time will only make it less inviting.
If your basement doesn’t have windows, pick recessed lighting fixtures. Light and cool-toned shades for your walls and floor will create the illusion of spaciousness.
Don’t Buy Huge Basement Furniture
Most of the time, basements don’t have enough headroom. This is where space planning comes in. In designing a basement man cave, consider how large the room is. The size of your furniture should complement the size and shape of your basement.
Do not buy furniture that is too big. It will not fit right in your mancave. A small couch is better in a small basement man cave. But if your basement is spacious, you have the freedom to choose a comfy couch in any size and shape.
Don’t Overdo Wall Decorations
You might have imagined a man cave filled with jerseys and other sports memorabilia. However, anything too much is bad. A wall-to-wall decoration will make the basement look cluttered. Instead, you can highlight a certain area that you like the most.
Key Takeaway
We hope you find this article insightful! If you need a basement remodeler nearby, Pittsburgh Basement Remodeling is here to help! Our team can build a custom man cave in your unfinished below-ground space. To get started with your project, feel free to get in touch with us today!