Whether you’ve been in your home for years or you’ve recently moved to a new home and want to customize your space, a basement renovation is a great way to accomplish this. However, before you add colorful or eye-catching furniture and accessories, there are some things you should do to prepare for the renovation. Here are a few suggestions and things to look out for that will ensure your basement remodel or construction is a success.

First, you’ll need to evaluate the entire basement space. Measure the walls and floors and get the dimensions of the entire area. This will let you know which window treatments would be best for you and give you an idea of the furniture and appliances that would be best in the space.

You’ll also need to determine how you want to paint the walls and paneling for the basement. If you’re using the basement for a play area of kids’ activity space, it may be best to choose a neutral color so you can continue to redecorate the space as your children get older. Or, you can select paint in bright colors that is easy to remove so you can decorate the space according to your children’s style preferences through the years.

Next, you’ll need to consider the flooring for the basement. Some basements have concrete flooring, and if you want to keep the floors, you may need to call a contractor to ensure the floors are level, remove cracks or leaks and add a protective coating to the floor. Or, you can provide engineered wood or hardwood floors in the basement, especially if you’re converting the basement into an entertainment space or additional living area. Tile is also an option for the basement, and it’s easy for you to add decorative carpets to any type of flooring, since this can make the basement warmer and especially welcoming. Work with a contractor to get the best flooring for your basement and to take precise measurements so the flooring will be installed to your liking.

Window treatments are a great way to add more character to the basement as well. Once you measure the windows, you can get high-quality glass that is durable and will let natural light into the basement in an attractive way. You can also add curtains to the basement for additional privacy or add special paneling that coordinates with the rest of your home. If you paint the windowsills and paneling in the same color, the basement will have a more uniform look, which is ideal if you’re making the space a living room or den or if you want to add a small kitchen area in the basement.

During each step of the process, it’s important to work with a contractor so that each part of your renovation is successful. Take pictures of your progress and make sure that you’re aware of each renovation step so you can make changes as soon as possible if necessary. Once your basement is finished to look more like the rest of your home, you’ll have the inspiration you need to make the basement into a space you and your family will love.