Did your home feel more cramped than cozy with an influx of guests over the holidays? If your answer is yes, don't worry – there's no need to start stressing about next year. Instead, solve the problem before it's ever an issue again!  Your unused basement space is the perfect retreat for visitors. Once you waterproof your basement to ensure that it's a dry, healthy space, follow these tips to create a cozy guest bedroom retreat for visitors all year round.
Check Regulations
Every community has different laws and regulations for what constitutes a bedroom. For a space to be considered a bedroom, it is usually required to have two forms of egress (like one door and one window), a proper ventilation system and varying ceiling and square footage requirements. Some places will also require the room have a closet to be officially considered a bedroom. Check your local laws to make sure your guest room meets code for safety and zoning purposes.
Add a Private Bathroom
A guest's stay will be much more comfortable with a private bathroom. Separate bathrooms allow guests to have personal space, which adds convenience for you, too, since you'll have the added benefit of keeping your private bathroom truly private. Basement bathrooms won't have windows, though, so you'll need to add proper ventilation to reduce moisture. Other than what's required, there's plenty you can do to make your guests comfortable at your house. Ease the pain of stepping onto the cold basement floor with a bath mat or rug. Be sure to stock the cabinets with toiletries your visitor may have forgotten like hair care, soaps, tooth brushes, tooth paste and lotions. Leave extra towels and wash cloths. And for a little added luxury, leave bathrobes for your guests to keep warm.
Clean Out Clutter
Most of the year, the guest room is a great place to toss unwanted or rarely used items – out of sight, out of mind! But you want your guests to have space for their things without having to sift through your personal items. First, clear out everything you can and make sure your visitors have plenty of space, both for themselves and for their things. Make room in the closet and a few drawers so there is space for your guests to use and leave extra hangers so they can hang up coats, suits and dresses – they'll be able to unpack their suitcases and feel more at home.
Make it Cozy
To make your guest room a comfortable retreat for your visitors, add special touches that make your basement feel like home – or at least a hotel. Decorate with light colors to brighten the darker basement space. Warm up the room with rugs so guests don't have to walk on the cold cement floor common in basements. Lighting is crucial to creating a comfortable environment. Use soft lighting by adding dimmers and lamps instead of bright overhead lights. Leave extra blankets and pillows to ensure your guests are comfortable and warm.
Stock with Amenities
On top of extra toiletries, blankets and pillows, stock the room with amenities your guests may need throughout their stay. Small treats, water bottles, books and magazines will all make your guests' stay more enjoyable. If your visitors will be exploring the area, leave a list of fun local activities to do, maps of the area and restaurant suggestions. Fresh flowers are a nice touch that will brighten any room.
Include a Mini Kitchen
A mini kitchen is a great addition that gives you and your guests more private space. A kitchenette can include a sink, mini fridge, microwave and dish set so your visitors never have to feel like they're intruding in your living space. If you don't have the space or budget for a full mini kitchen, try finding space for a small coffee bar or Keurig machine and a couple of mugs.
No Extra Room? No Problem!
Is your extra basement room already used as a man cave or home theater? Or even with an extra bedroom, do you still not have enough beds to fit all your guests? Murphy beds, beds that fold up into the wall, are a perfect solution to accommodate more guests without taking up a lot of space. Murphy beds come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges so you're sure to find one that will easily blend into your space and fit your budget. Modern Murphy beds are comfortable and can even provide extra storage space, depending on the model. Look into customizable options to make the most of your multi-use piece in your newly upgraded basement.
Whether it's for the holidays or your in-laws' annual visit, having houseguests can be stressful. By following our tips to create a cozy guestroom retreat in your basement, you can keep your visitors happy and your living space open for a stress-free stay. For more information on how NV Waterproofing can get your basement ready for guests all year round, visit www.nvwaterproofing.com or call 1-703-690-3889.
