The Advantages of Basement Renovations

When most people think of an addition to their home, they think about adding on to the existing structure. What many seem to forget is that their "addition," already 30% completed, is literally right under their noses in the basement.

Realtor surveys consistently show that finished basements rank just behind kitchen renovations and bathroom renovations in recompensing homeowners. Payback on the cost of remodeling the basement comes in at between 20% to 115%. Keep in mind, though, that this meansprofessionally finished basements. Unprofessionally finished basements are a minus.

Homeowners are recommended to delay or not undertake the renovation at all if they cant afford to do it properly. Prospective buyers have consistently shown themselves uninterested in undoing . . . or living with . . . the mistakes and miscues commonplace when would-be do-it-yourselfers find themselves in over their heads.

By remodeling their newly-found additions, homeowners gain several advantages:

  • Basements are naturally insulated by the earth, which means theyre cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
  • Moving the family room, home entertainment center, home office, or childrens playroom to the basement frees up additional space in the main living area, which can mean an expanded kitchen or bath, a larger master bedroom, or an additional guest bedroom or living quarters.
  • Of course, if the house does not currently have room for a family room, home office, etc., one can be built economically in the basement.
  • By putting a home entertainment center, exercise area, workroom or other "activity" room in the basement, the rest of the house can be quieter and more stress free. Conversely, a den, sauna or whirlpool can be put in the basement as a quiet retreat from other household activity.

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