Ideas On Basement Finishing
Why finish a basement? Some might think that the work involved is not worth the payoff. But for many, the monetary payout is well overshadowed by the change of limited storage square footage to comfortable, useable, livable square footage. The transformation that can happen is amazing. Who wouldn’t want to increase the value of their home and possibly double their living space?
There are as many different ways a basement can be finished as there are people finishing them. Mother-in-law apartments, nurseries, home theaters, teenager hangout, home offices and even just an extra family room are all examples of different types of basement finishing ideas that could be used.
Of course, these are the mundane types. Truly, the only limits are size of pocketbook and space. How about a permanent haunted house? An exotic “Arabian Nights” tent? A train-lover’s oasis? A nightclub? Do any of these sound appealing? Just because the basement is being finished, does mean it has to be boring.
Basement finishing ideas can also be found at your local hardware store. There are professionals that can help you decided what would work best with the space in your home and what materials would best be used. Since basements are below grade, there are some materials that should not be used, or used with caution, depending on what type of climate there is.
By finishing the basement, not only does it increase the size of your home and give value extra living space, it also saves money. How? By basement finishing walls and floor, they are insulated, which will keep the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and all cost less while doing so. So, while it is expensive to do so, finishing the basement will payoff in the long run in reduced heating/cooling bills and increase the value of your home.
Something to keep in mind about the value increase, it is not a dollar for dollar increase. Unlike kitchens and baths that almost all the money spent is recouped in value increase, basements are not as valuable. So keep that in mind. Just because you spend $40,000 finishing your basement, doesn’t mean you will get the $40,000 back in increased value. The amount of return is subjective to your housing market and neighborhood. So do your homework beforehand.
As you can see, basement finishing ideas are as myriad as the world is. Just make sure you have a clear plan, a good budget and a realistic idea of what the whole process entails. If you do so, enjoy the new living space and increased home value you have just engendered. You deserve it.