Often the unsung part of a home, a basement holds possibilities for much more than just a storage space for seasonal items and toys. An increasing number of homeowners are electing to extend living spaces by getting creative with this below-ground space. Don’t let the dust bunnies scare you away — your basement is brimming with potential. With some sweat and creative energy, you can transform this underground space into your new favorite room in the house for only a fraction of the cost of building a home addition.

Consider some of the many ways your basement could become the hottest spot in your home:

From sophisticated wine cellar to neighborhood pub to eclectic cocktail lounge–whatever you’re serving can be fun and festive in your own home bar.

“Probably the most popular and the most dramatic is when you walk down to a home theater type of environment,” Warzecka shares.

Video games are fun, but why not create a space for ping pong, pool, foosball or classic pinball games to entertain kids of all ages? Add a table and chairs for board games or cards.

With pandemic-related gym closures and a new wave of high-tech fitness equipment, more Americans are embracing at-home gyms. In HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights report for Q3 2020, a survey of more than 1,100 real estate agents across the country, 22% of top agents report home gyms among other private amenities as a top priority to luxury homebuyers.

Kids love space to let their imaginations soar and, with a little imagination, basements make great stand-ins for just about any location. They are also the perfect place to store toys, games and art supplies so they are out of the way but also ready to go at a moment’s notice.