If your basement is currently unfinished and you’re not sure how to convert the area, there are several basement finishing ideas you can take advantage of. Even when you have an idea in mind in terms of design and decorations, there are several construction-related tasks you have to accomplish to ensure the basement is safe and provides a comfortable space for you and your family.

Before you start decorating, make sure that the plumbing and electrical connections in the basement are safe. If you ever experience basement flooding, the situation could be even more dangerous if the water comes in contact with wiring or if there is too much water in the pipes. Hiring a contractor who can come in and inspect your entire basement and repair all the wiring and seal or replace pipes is essential before you start painting or putting furniture in the basement.

Flooring is also a part of the finishing process that can make a huge difference in the look of the basement. The floors can make the basement warmer and even make the space look bigger. Carpet with tight, thin fibers are best if you choose this material for flooring, since it won’t trap much moisture and make the basement stuffy. You may also want to consider synthetic wood that looks like hardwood flooring to give the basement an elegant touch. If you choose wood-like pieces or tile, be sure to select designs that have a snug fit so it’s nearly impossible for moisture to seep through the cracks. You may also want to select foam-like tiles that adhere to the pre-flooring you’ve installed if you’re using the basement as a playroom or craft area. The foam is comfortable to walk on and will insulate the space so you can enjoy time in the basement even during the colder months of the year.

Once you’ve determined the type of flooring you want and you know that you can add new electrical appliances to the basement, you can start thinking about whether you want to paint or re-paint the space. Dark colors have a more intimate and dramatic feel but tend to make the basement appear smaller. If you like deep hues and jewel tones, consider using these colors for the accent wall and paint the remaining walls in a lighter shade of the same color. To make the entire basement open and brighter, pastels and medium neutrals are ideal. Variations of yellow and beige work well in the basement, since they match with virtually any furniture color scheme, so you won’t have the change the color of the walls often. You can also paint the paneling in a color that is slightly darker than the walls for a visually appealing contrast.

During the building process and even before you do any major work in the basement, have a contractor look over the space and tell you if you need to make repairs before decorating. Working with a contractor will also ensure that you’re building and renovating according to code, which helps keep your family safer.