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Are you a wine collector with a basement that is currently not being used for anything? You can transform your basement into a wine cellar. Yeah, really. And yes, it is awesome.
From a laundry room to an entertainment area, your basement is a versatile area of your home that can be used for anything. But for wine lovers and collectors, it is the perfect space to build a wine cellar. Great storage, less temperature fluctuation, and bonus points for being very fancy. It can even increase the market price of your home!
This is definitely more than an ordinary DIY project. You are probably going to need the help of a good contractor who you trust.
Here are a few things that you can take into consideration when transforming your basement into a wine cellar.
Have A (Realistic) Budget With any project, you need to start by setting a budget. Your budget will be determined by how large your potential basement wine cellar is. Hiring professionals will probably take up the majority of your budget, but you will also need to take wine racks , tasting areas , and accent pieces into account.
Determine Your Floorprint Whether you use your entire basement or part of it, consider how much space you want to allocate to your wine. If you have hundreds of bottles or just a few, you need to ensure that your cellar size fits your collection comfortably. Remember that you can also repurpose a closet or a small storage area in your basement to use as a wine cellar if you donโt have a ton of spare space. Be creative and find the best layout for your home.
Climate Control If your budget allows for it, invest in a wine room-specific HVAC system. An HVAC system is a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology. When you install a room-specific HVAC system, you are able to perfectly control a small space and optimize your wine cellar. It will keep the balance between temperature and humidity perfect so that your wine is well kept. If you donโt install an HVAC system, the quality of your wine will decrease over time.
Insulate Your Wine Cellar An HVAC system is definitely not something that everyone can afford. If it does not fit your budget, try using insulation to ensure that the temperature is properly controlled. Youโll need to consult a professional as this has a lot to do with your geographic location. If you live in a humid area, you need to create a moisture barrier on every wall as well as the floor and ceiling of your cellar. You also need to add closed-cell foam insulation to prevent condensation buildup and mold.
Use Paint With Zero-VOC If you decide to paint your cellar or wine racks, make sure you use zero-VOC paints and finishes. This will prevent your wine from becoming corrupted as VOC paints and finishes can evaporate into your collection.
Install Your Tracking System If you have a larger collection, consider installing a tracking system. You can use a systematic way to mark your racks with one of the many available wine room management software programs. This will help you to tag your wine and quickly find the exact bottle you are looking for when needed. Itโs like having your own wine shop in your basement.
Add a Sink and Storage Space for Your Glasses If you have available room for entertaining, try adding a small sink and
cabinet to store and keep your
wine glasses . Installing
wine glass holders under a cabinet can be a great way to dry and store your glasses in a safe convenient location.
Contact the Professionals Once youโve done all of the above, you can contact a professional designer and contractors. From materials to layout, a professional designer can assist you with everything you need.
Now that you know what to take into consideration when conceptualizing, designing and building your cellar. Now you can start transforming your basement into a wine cellar. If you are not sure where to turn, find qualified home project assistance on Task Rabbit and get $10 OFF your first task!
Bring your wine cellar dreams to life. Cheers!