HandyMan and I have started to think a bit more seriously about the basement renovation. Similar houses in the neighbourhood have recently sold for 40% (gulp!) more than we paid 2.5 years ago and we know we need to have a finished basement in order to get top dollar if and when we sell. And with the little one taking her first steps now, she could definitely use the room to run about and play! I thought you guys might like to see the thought process we go through so I'll be posting about the basement, starting with the design through to demo, picking materials, and final finishing. I'll be honest, we're not moving as fast as we used to so this will be a loooooong process ;)

First up: the wish list.

The basement in its current state is livable (but ugly and inefficient and dark). Luckily, our ceilings are about 7' so we won't need to dig down. The walls are textured and accented in a splattered paint technique and the floors are covered in a rough carpet. We have a large laundry room, an adequate bathroom, a kitchenette that we have no use for, and a rec room that's on the small side. There is also a step up into the rec room and we have no idea why the floor is raised. I'm just hoping we don't find another mouse-house like we found in the kitchen!

You can see the original floor plan here.

So what do we want to do to this basement? Here's a few things on our wish list:

- countertops in the laundry room for folding
- additional storage for off-season clothing
- pantry for storing canned goods
- work space (we'll be moving the home office to the basement)
- an area for crafting/sewing
- play area
- space for Chloe to run about
- maximum use of natural light
- redecorated bathroom
- heated floor in the bathroom
- TV/entertainment area
- consistent flooring
- open plan

Hopefully we'll be able to transform the space into something we love and a place we love spending time in. Anything else you would add to the wish list?