If you enjoy a good glass of wine now and then, having your own wine cellar can be a huge benefit. You can enjoy your favourite vintages at any time from your basement wine cellar. If keeping wine bottles in the fridge or stacked on the counter is proving to be inconvenient, consider turning your basement into a wine cellar where you can get proper storage for your wines. Building a wine cellar will ensure that you have a proper place to house your wine collection.

The first thing you need to do before renovating the space is to get a professional inspection. You need to make sure that the space is ideal for use as a cellar. The basement has to be in good condition, and this means that you may need waterproofing depending on the condition of the space. Talking to an interior designer can help to ensure that you have the right space for your wine collection.

•    Consider your space

You need to think about the space that you have when designing the cellar. You do not have to convert the entire basement into a wine cellar unless you have a large collection. Remember that the design will determine the cost of construction. If you are on a tight budget, you can repurpose a small storage area or closet. Think about the design that will work well with the space available. If the cellar is part of a separate entertainment area, make sure that you install a cellar that will enhance the overall design.

•    Ensure climate control

It is important to ensure that the basement is climate controlled before the conversion. If you can afford it, a good HVAC system can help to ensure that you maintain the proper balance between humidity and temperature. A system that is designed specifically for a wine room will ensure consistency and proper balance that may not be possible with the conventional HVAC systems. The system may cost you more, but it is worth it especially if you take wine collection seriously.

•    Insulating the space

Make sure that you have adequate insulation in the basement. If you cannot afford to install a HVAC system, you can use proper insulation to ensure proper temperature control. It is important to get a professional assessment because insulation will depend on your geographic location. The climate in your area will determine the best way to create a moisture barrier while preventing mold and condensation build-up. Closed-cell foam insulation is ideal for most humid locations.

•    Choosing the design

Decide whether you want a contemporary look or something more traditional. Choosing the best design will help to ensure that you have a wine cellar that is both attractive and highly functional. For a contemporary look, choose stainless steel materials. It is important to prevent airborne contaminants and for this, you should choose wine racks made from materials that will not give off gas. Stainless steel is perfect when you are looking for a contemporary aesthetic while natural wood is perfect for a traditional look. Choose a wood like walnut, mahogany or cypress that requires a mineral oil finish.

•    Painting the basement

The paint you choose for the basement can affect the quality of your wine. It is important to choose paints with zero-VOC if you decide to paint the different surfaces such as the wine racks. The paints and finishes that are zero-VOC treated will help to ensure that your wine is not corrupted. It helps to consult a wine expert or professional wine cellar designer so that you can find out the best way to ensure safety of your wines. This is especially important when you need to store wine for a long period.

•    Think about the lighting

It is important to pay attention to the basement lighting when converting the space into a wine cellar. Choosing the right bulbs and voltage tracks will help to ensure that you have the right atmosphere for your collection. You can find cost effective lights that are dimmable using the readily available standard dimmers. The quality of light that you get can be the very best that halogen lighting has to offer. Look at the options available and get an electrician to ensure proper installation.

•    Wine tracking system

It is a good idea to come up with a system that will help you to track your wines especially if you have a large collection. The tracking system can be a convenient way to know the wines that you have and those that you have consumed. This can be a good security mechanism that can make you aware if something is amiss. You can use readily available technology that consists of software programs that are designed for effective wine cellar management.

Last but not least, when designing the basement space, think about the best way to ensure that your collection is safe while enhancing the aesthetics. Have fun transforming your basement into your private wine cellar and stand back to admire your fruits of labor when you are done!