Many homeowners are looking to expand their homes and to increase their value.  Often, the most logical choice is to remodel the basement.  Taking your basement from a dark “dungeon” to an impressive living space can be a somewhat time consuming task, but the benefits of basement remodeling far outweigh any possible negatives.  In addition, the basement is the ideal space to create that home theater area you have always dreamed of!

Creating Walls for Your Home Theater Area

No matter your long term plans for your basement remodeling plan, the first step will be to create walls by hanging drywall.  Many homeowners make the mistake of simply hanging paneling on the basement walls in order to cover the unattractive concrete walls beneath.  This is a huge mistake because paneling alone does not provide the stability of drywall and, therefore, does not create an attractive living space. 

If you do wish to utilize paneling on your basement walls, you should first hang drywall because it creates a solid backing for the paneling.  Or, you may choose to wallpaper or paint the drywall, instead.  However you choose to decorate the drywall, the drywall itself will provide a sturdy foundation for hanging shelving units or other accessories you may want to include in your home entertainment theater.

When planning the layout of the drywall, be sure to consider where you intend to locate the components of the home entertainment system and all the necessary wiring.  Take time to determine where the system and speakers should be located in order to get the best sound.  You should then run much of the needed wiring, ideally 12-gauge, behind the drywall before hanging it permanently.  Be sure to also cut out areas in the drywall for outlets and other necessary plugs to be put in place.  You don’t want to hang your drywall only to have no place to plug in your fantastic, new home entertainment theater!

Creating a Floor for Your Home Theater Area

Now that you have successfully put your walls in place, the next step in your basement remodeling project is to lay carpeting on the floor.  The cement floors of basements are cold and uncomfortable on the feet.  Even tiling can be cold when used with a basement floor.  Carpeting, on the other hand, creates a warm an inviting environment for your home theater.

The easiest way for a do-it-yourselfer to install carpeting is to use carpet squares.  These squares come complete with padding and moisture protection, something that is sometimes necessary in a basement.  Prior to laying the carpet, measure the room carefully and plan out how to lay the carpet so skinny slivers of carpet are not created near the walls.

Once you have created a plan for the carpet squares, installation is quite simple.  Be sure the floor beneath is free of debris.  Then, lay the carpet squares as close to each other as possible making sure fibers are not caught between carpet squares.  Otherwise, the carpet squares may not butt up close enough to one another, which will result in unattractive lines between squares.  After laying the carpet squares, vacuum over them to help remove the appearance of these lines.  Then, furnish your new home theater and sit down and enjoy the next show!