Gone are the days of dark, dank basements. Finished basements with amenities like home offices, home gyms, game rooms, and in-law suites are in perpetual demand.

The next big trend in lower-level or basement amenities is secondary kitchens. Whether it’s a full kitchen or just a couple of appliances and some counter space, the additional prep area and storage make entertaining easier and clean up faster.

If you are remodeling your basement, or thinking of remodeling it, consider adding a second kitchen. Repurposing this underused space in your home will provide many benefits.

A space for entertaining and special occasions

If you have a big family or like to entertain frequently, a basement kitchen can provide an ideal space for get-togethers. There’s no need to run up and down the stairs or worry about a mess.

Adding a basement kitchen allows you the ability to entertain large crowds with easy access to cooking and cleanup—and without disturbing the main part of the home.

Entertaining becomes even easier if you have a separate entrance and a bathroom in your basement. Guests have no reason to go up and down the stairs and you can keep everyone in one area.

Overflow kitchen storage

In every household, there’s never enough storage. A basement kitchen can be a great way to store extra dishes or small appliances. It can also be a great way to store additional food staples and supplies. It’s like having an extra pantry.

Have family heirlooms or unique items you picked up on your travels? Showcase them in open shelves or glass door cabinets and highlight them using accent lighting.

Build an apartment or in-law suite

Do you have a young adult moving back home, or a parent or in-law that you want to keep close? A basement with a kitchen is easily converted into an apartment or in-law suite. By adding a door to the outside and a full bathroom, you have an apartment-style living quarters, which provides you with an extra rental income opportunity. Make sure to provide all the proper exiting and safety precautions if the space will be used for an extended period of time.

Improve resale value

A home with a basement kitchen is more valuable than one without. Money spent on your basement kitchen will produce a return on investment up to 85% of your expenditure. The added amenities, such as a wet bar, appliances, and storage space, will also increase the home’s value should you decide to sell.

Basement kitchens are fairly new but are gaining in popularity, so having a home with this feature is unique. This will make your home stand out on the market, attracting buyers who like to entertain or have need for an additional living space.

Start now

If a basement kitchen sounds like something you need in your home, we are ready to start making it a reality. Peruse our basement portfolio for more ideas. You can also subscribe to our mailing list or schedule a call to start a conversation about your basement kitchen project.