| Basement Functions |
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It’s easy to skim over the planning stage of any project, especially one where you’d love to have it done yesterday. However, you’ll begin enjoying your new basement faster—and longer—if you take a little time right now to consider the various functions your basement should have and list the requirements. A function is a purpose or characteristic. The function of a bedroom, for example, is to provide a comfortable and safe place to sleep and to dress. It also serves as a storage site for clothing, bedding, and related items. That makes sense. However, as you plan your basement, rooms may have more than one function. In fact, they may have multiple functions that you wouldn’t normally consider. For example, a bedroom by night may be an office by day. A family room may double as a guest room. A bathroom may double as a utility or storage room if space is available. So a good place to start planning your new basement is to list the various functions you want it to serve as a whole. You can then match up related functions into specific rooms. The size and available space in your unfinished basement will limit the functions that it can serve. For now, though, list all the functions you want in the space. Your list may look like this: * Permanent sleeping for older children * Area for entertaining including a kitchenette and small bathroom * Somewhere to store all the holiday decorations when it isn’t a holiday * An area to set up a small desk for a game system * Somewhere comfortable for watching movies * An in-law apartment for elderly parents * A place to hide You get the picture. Start a list of such functions, reviewing the various functions that people put basements to. Make sure others in your living group get the opportunity to add to the list, even young children: * A place to play with my dolls * Somewhere I can play my new guitar without my sister bothering me These functions may or may not make the final cut—or they may be combined with related functions—but they will provide a sense of ownership that can make cooperation and cleanup easier. Hey, it’s worth a try.
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