Basics for basement-to-rec-room remodeling

by Dianne Drinkwater 04/14/2025

When growing households experience household congestion, expanding their usable living space footprint by remodeling the basement ranks among the best solutions, especially when extra recreational and lounging space is needed.

Along with the increased quality-of-life benefits, a remodeled basement reportedly delivers upwards of a 7% return on investment. If you are considering transforming a basement into a rec room or other lounging space, these are things worth considering:

1: Safety measures

Stairs in older homes can be steeper and narrower than today's building codes permit. But there are ways to improve the safety of these older stairs. For example, you could increase safety by:

installing handrails for all household members, such as youths and adults alike
ensuring steps with rugs have landings or firm grip material
using augmented lighting and conveniently placed switches
having a second egress children can exit in the event of an emergency.

2: Moisture planning

One reason many homeowners don't take full advantage of their basement is excessive moisture. The idea of a musty basement is not necessarily a myth. Basements often trap moisture, and homeowners remedy this issue by using dehumidifiers. Draining the water from these units regularly during the hot and humid season often makes many property owners hesitant to invest in a basement upgrade. But there are ways around the moisture issue.

When planning a remodel, connecting the space to an existing HVAC system can alleviate concerns. Adding a designated heating, cooling and ventilation zone to your system is likely to increase the value of the space and make it more comfortable. It will also nix the practice of monitoring dehumidifiers.

Other solutions to moisture involve switching out glass-only windows for products with screens to allow fresh air into the new rec room.

3: Flooring choice

A flooded basement ranks among the more common types of water damage to a home, and that's why flooring materials matter. The idea of a plush carpet's comfort and value must be weighed against the possible replacement after a flood or excessive water accumulation.

Homes in or near flood plains may be best served by upgrading an existing concrete floor. There are a wide range of coatings for sealing the floor and aesthetic enhancement.

Employing this strategy means homeowners won't need to re-carpet the newly-minted rec room. If you want floor cushioning, area rugs provide under-foot comfort and are more easily replaced.

About the Author

Dianne Drinkwater

Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.

She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida.

Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson.

So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you?

So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you.

What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market?

Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater