Article Ten - Things That Will Add Value to Your Home - Finished Basement

Tenth article of a ten-part series of things that will add value to your home

Finished Basement
In the past ten years, nobody really cared about a finish basement, but in today’s market, now everybody wants them. Years ago, finished basement were not always on the plus side for potential buyers because homeowners usually did a do-it-yourself finish with old paneling, improper electrical installation issues, not using the proper treated studs in room division and the list gets longer. Sometimes homeowners didn’t investigate possible water problems and generally just designed poor usage of space. If a basement has water problems, then it is a negative. If it is dry, then having a finished basement is definitely a plus and can bring added value to your home’s market value.

While a basement could be used for anything that a normal area of the house could be used for, it can be the best area for certain types of rooms. When coming up with a basement finishing plan, remember that this below-grade space provides a uniquely quiet, private space that makes it perfect as a separate area in the home.

The most important questions are, what to use it for, and how to layout the space.

Total Basement Finishing dealers offer free basement design consultations and quotes for your basement remodeling ideas. There are great sources on-line to research. Here is the Do-it-Yourself website: http://www.doityourself.com/
If you're finishing the basement and are looking for some great basement remodeling ideas to help you decide what to do with that extra space in your home, here're some great ideas:

Home Theater Center

Having your own home theater with surround sound is definitely an exciting concept and leaves open endless opportunities for design and confort. Here is a website I ran across that shows many possibilities for Home Theaters, including a mobile home set up which was absolutely beautiful and unbelievable! http://www.hometheaterdesignmag.com

Basement Office
Installing a home office in the basement is a great way to have a quiet, tucked-away workspace in the home. With a home office you can work in the house without feeling like work and home are one and the same. A basement home office provides a great space to work, use as a creative space, or use as a productive "office away from the office" when you need a change of scene.!

Basement Bathroom
In most basements, the water pipes and other utility lines run naturally into the area. Because of this, a basement bathroom can easily be installed in these areas, creating a convenient basement bathroom for the homeowner and their guests to enjoy. In a growing family with a tight schedule, having this additional space can be a lifesaver!

Finished Basement In-Law Apartment
A remodeled basement can make a great area for a comfortable private in-law apartment or guest area for the home. Naturally separated from the rest of the house, a basement in-law suite allows for a layout that can allow the guests or live-in family members to relax as if in their own home.This of course works best if you have a walkout, daylight or separate entrance to the basement.


Basement Bar in a Family Recreation Room
A basement bar can offer a relaxing center for entertaining guests in a home. Add a pool table, a couch, and a plasma TV mounted on our strong EverLast basement wall panels, and you have a fantastic location to spend time with friends and family. And a basement bar can serve many purposes in a home, such as a place to serve breakfast or hold children's birthday parties. If you have adolescents or young adults in the home, stocking the bar with sodas and snacks can turn the area into a private place for them to spend time together!

Children's Play Room
Creating a children's play room with of warm, durable materials is an ideal choice!

Basement Home Gym
Installing a personal gym in your basement is a great way to keep in shape from the privacy of your own home. With a basement gym, you can exercise completely on your own schedule without the need to fight for parking or waiting to use equipment. Installing a basement gym will create a convenient environment for a healthier, happier you.



No matter which basement finishing idea you choose to go with, a finished basement can bring added value to your home and years of enjoyment to you and your family.

Shirlee McGarry® is a freelance writer and published author in Utah
Pictures - Fotosearch stock photos