Most Inspiring Basement Kitchen Ideas

More and more homeowners are learning about the many benefits that come with a basement renovation. Some are transforming their basements into entertainment spaces where the whole family can have fun, while others are converting the space into a separate unit that they rent out. One of the most inspiring options is that of converting your basement into a kitchen. Installing a basement kitchen is an excellent way of adding convenience to a basement space. But what features should your basement have? This post looks at some of the benefits of having a basement kitchen and some of the best ideas you can implement.

Benefits of Having a Basement Kitchen

While there are many benefits that come with renovating your basement, installing a basement kitchen offers a range of unbeatable benefits. Here are the two main advantages:

  • Adds convenience: The most undeniable benefit of installing a basement kitchen is convenience. After creating an entertainment area or a family room, having a basement kitchen gives you the comfort of preparing meals without going up to the main floor. This is a remarkable experience that will appeal to you and your guests and future buyers when you are ready to sell your home.
  • Makes the basement a completely separate apartment: Being able to generate extra income is very attractive to every homeowner. When transforming your basement into a rental unit, failing to install a kitchen can put potential tenants off. To change the space into a complete apartment that tenants come scrambling for, you should install a kitchen. These are the two main benefits of installing a basement kitchen. With that out of the way, it is time to look at the best basement kitchen ideas.
When on a Tight Budget

When on a Tight Budget

The cost of installing a basement kitchen depends on the size of the kitchen and the amenities you wish to install. To know how much a project will cost you, it is good to bring in a professional contractor to help with the cost calculations.

The contractor will take measurements as well as assess the basement plumbing and electrical work. Correcting plumbing issues will be a top priority because moisture spells trouble in basements. Thereafter, the contractor will discuss available designs based on your budget and give you a detailed estimate.

When Your Basement Space is Small

Even if you have extra cash to spare, you will always be limited by the amount of space that is available in your basement. The good news is if space is an issue, you can use a couple of design options to maximize the area. Here are some of the best kitchen designs for small basement spaces.

  • One-wall kitchen: This was originally referred to as the Pullman kitchen. It is a great option when space is limited. With this kitchen design, all the cabinets and appliances will be installed on a single wall. This leaves adequate room for a kitchen island or even a dining table.
  • Gallery kitchen (walk-through kitchen): This kitchen design has two parallel walls with countertops, so you can have a walkway between the countertops. Its layout is practical and straightforward.
  • Basement kitchenette: If you have very little space, you should consider opting for a basement kitchenette. This is a simple kitchen with the essentials, including a refrigerator, microwave, and a small countertop. Basement kitchenettes offer the functions of a kitchen but on a much smaller scale. They make an excellent choice for small basement renovations because you can have a basement kitchen without the need for house additions. A basement kitchenette is also a great choice if you have a small budget.

When You Need a Medium-Sized Basement Kitchen

When You Need a Medium-Sized Basement Kitchen

If you have more space to work with, you will have more options to explore. Here are some of the best kitchen ideas for a medium-sized basement.

  • L-shape kitchen: This is a kitchen design with two perpendicular countertops that form an L-shape. The reason most people love this kitchen design is because it offers great versatility.
  • Peninsula kitchen: This is basically an L-shaped kitchen layout with additional features. The layout is usually an island that is connected to an L-shaped kitchen. The result is a G-shaped or horseshoe kitchen. If you need your kitchen to have an island, but you don’t have enough space for a standalone island, the peninsula kitchen will be ideal.

When You Have a Spacious Basement

When your basement is spacious, you will be spoilt for choice. The most important thing you should do is always consult a professional contractor before you get started. Here are the two best basement kitchen ideas for a spacious basement.

  • Kitchen island: Most homeowners love a standalone island. This is because the island creates more space for meal preparation and cabinets. You can also add bar stools to transform part of the island into a dining area.
  • Horseshoe: This is also known as the U-shaped kitchen. The kitchen layout has three walls of cabinets and countertop space.

Considerations to Make Before Installing a Basement Kitchen

Considerations to Make Before Installing a Basement Kitchen

While choosing the right kitchen design is important, you need to make a few more considerations before you get started. This is more so when you consider the fact that basement renovations are a huge undertaking. Here are a few pieces of information you need to have before you get started.

To pick the best basement kitchen design, you must first know what you want to use the kitchen for. This will help you understand what you should add and inform your decision throughout the installation process. Having a clear goal will keep you focused.

You need a list of the things you would like to have and the things you must have in your kitchen. This will be influenced by the size of your kitchen space, how the basement will be used, and your budget.

You should be ready to compromise on your wish list. Issues may arise during construction, and this may change the original plan.

The most important thing you should do is look for the best basement renovation contractor. Don’t just hire any contractor. Hire someone that has experience building the type of basement kitchen you want.

Basement Kitchen Renovation Cost in Toronto

While a kitchen in your basement can add convenience and turn your basement into a rental unit, before you get started, it is important to learn a few things about the associated costs. The design you go for, the materials you use, the features you choose and the contractor you work with will all depend on your budget. There are several costs you have to prepare for when you want a basement kitchen renovation in Toronto. Here are the main costs.

  • Electric, Gas, and Plumbing: Depending on what you want in your kitchen, you will require several dedicated outlets, lighting and circuits for appliances. The gas line may also need to be extended if you plan on installing a gas range. Moreover, you will not be able to complete a renovation without affecting the existing household plumbing. Plumbing includes hot water, cold water and drains. Upgrading the electric, gas, and plumbing may cost you thousands. However, if the existing electrical, gas and plumbing lines work with the new systems, you may be able to keep the costs low. Involve a professional to help you determine if the existing lines will work in your new kitchen.
  • Exhaust and Ventilation: Finished basements have basic requirements when it comes to ventilation. If you install a basement kitchen, you will need advanced ventilation and exhaust. This includes installing range hoods that remove moisture, smoke and odors from the kitchen. Venting the basement kitchen adds considerable expenses to the renovation. The amount of customization you do will depend on your budget. Using a microwave vent, the cost of kitchen ventilation can be as low as $100. However, the cost can go up to $3,000 when using a range hood and venting it out of your house.
  • Safety Regulations: You will need hardwired smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide alarm if you have a gas appliance. Although not required, you may also need a fire extinguisher for your basement kitchen. While the alarms are cheap, installing hardwired carbon monoxide and smoke alarms will cost you about $100 per unit.  The total cost will depend on the layout and size of your basement kitchen.
  • Appliances: Kitchen appliances include the basics like a microwave and dishwasher to more fun ones like a pizza oven and a wine fridge. The costs vary depending on what you want. If space is limited, size will be a major consideration when choosing appliances. Buying appliances when they are on sale will help bring the cost down. The costs range from $50 for a microwave to $10,000 for a big refrigerator. The installation of each appliance will cost you roughly $190. When you add the cost of upgrading gas, electric and plumbing, this portion makes up the largest expense in a kitchen renovation.
  • Cabinetry and Countertop: For a secondary kitchen, you will not need all the cabinets or counter space required in the main kitchen. Your secondary basement kitchen will have different needs. For example, if it will be an entertainment kitchen, emphasis will be on the storage of snacks, glassware and serving dishes. This means, unlike a full-meal kitchen, you will need fewer cabinetry and countertops. The size of the kitchen will also determine whether you go with floating shelves or upper cabinetry. Installing cabinetry and countertops can cost $500 for modular or small solutions or as much as $20,000 for the sophisticated options.
  • Lightening: The basement gets little light from the doors and windows. Emphasis will therefore have to be made on lighting. New LED technologies can solve most of the lighting challenges. If you have the budget, you can go for the recessed ceiling lights or even the under-cabinet lighting. Keep in mind there are local codes that dictate aspects of your lighting design, such as the minimum amount of light as well as the distance from the bottom of fixtures to the floor. The installation of kitchen lighting will cost between $75 and $250 per fixture. You can make the most of your lighting with reflective elements like mirrors and glossy tiles. These will cost you more, considering painters charge $300 to $500 per day while tilers charge $25 to $32 per square foot when installing backsplashes.
  • Ceiling and Flooring: You can finish a basement kitchen ceiling with a drop ceiling or drywall. Cladding or painting the kitchen ceiling can permit a drop ceiling while maintaining the height required in the space. A drop ceiling also opens the kitchen up for more lighting options. You can also go with a tray or coffered ceiling, which doesn’t take up too much space and helps conceal ductwork and utility lines with the framed portion.  Ceramic tile or luxury vinyl can be used in basement flooring. The two options are both moisture-resistant and durable. The ceiling will cost about $2 to $25 per square foot when using drywall. On the other hand, surface flooring will cost between $1 and $40 per square foot.

These are the main costs involved in a basement kitchen renovation in Toronto. Don’t forget about a building permit which will cost about $1,305. All things considered, the total cost will depend on your location, the size of your kitchen, and what you want. Our experts at Reno Duck can help calculate the average cost of your kitchen renovation.

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