How To Increase Your Home Value With A Finished Basement

While the basement is usually the darkest room in the
house, that doesn't mean it can't be converted into living
space. Converting a basement from just a storage area to
one that adds value to your home requires that you put a
little thought into the remodel. Besides the absence of
light, moisture is a factor in basements that has to be
addressed. You don't want to finish a basement only to have
people feel it is halfway done or badly done.

Utility

Basements have been about storage for many generations.
When you are thinking of converting it to usable space, you
will want to figure out what you want to convert it to. If
you try to add bedroom space, it's likely it won't add much
resale value to your home. There are few people who would
consider sleeping in the basement a good bedroom space.

However, many people think of basements as fun rooms.
Adding a wet bar, entertainment area can help to enhance
the feeling of fun. It can be converted into a family room
or children's playroom, all of which have great appeal to
today's modern family.

Plan your remodel with a professional to really nail the
plan down. Have blueprints of your plan with measurements
to scale. Create a budget and estimate the material costs.
Get some estimates from contractors to find out the labor
costs. In the end, you may need to hire a contractor if you
have to get permits to finish your basement. Check with
your local government offices.

Take Care Of The Details

Obviously, you can't just put a couch in the basement and
call it a family room. You will have to make sure you've
locked out moisture and added lighting. In addition, sound
insulation may be needed if you have appliances like
furnaces running in the basement. You will want to make
sure there are sufficient outlets for whatever new
appliances you want to add. The basement should be well
ventilated too - no musty odors!

If plumbing is an issue for a wet bar or a closet bathroom,
you will have to take these large expenses into
consideration. Don't overdo the budget so that the value of
the remodel when added to the value of your home brings it
way above your neighbor's home values. You won't be able to
recoup your investment if the value added is not similar to
homes in your area. This is very important when you are
planning your remodel. Don't add anything so extravagant
that when it comes time to sell, the finished basement is
considered an oddity rather than a sales feature.

Decorating And Remodeling

Here you can let your creativity flow. Paint, wallpaper,
paneling, ceramic, laminate and a myriad of other home
improvement products can help you convert your basement to
usable living space. Don't try to make the basement match
the rest of the house. Instead, let it have it's own unique
character to give it the air of a secret hideaway.


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How to Choose a Contractor for your Next Home Improvement Project

The plan is ready. All the details are in set, so far, so
good. You have decided you cannot do all, or even any, of
the project. You need to hire a contractor. How, then do
you pick the right one for the job? If this is not your
first project, you know the drill. Merely repeat it or
rehire the contractor you had previously employed on other
jobs. If they are available or did a good job.

If you are new or need a refresher course on the dos and
don'ts consider the following as a brief guide into hiring
the right contractor for the job.

The Plan

It is always necessary to know first what you want done.
Create the plan before you even attempt hiring. Write it
all down so it can be easily circulated and understood.
This is not the final draft but will be a work in progress.

The Search

You could look in your local phone book under contractors
but there are other ways to go. Word-of-mouth is the most
common means of referral. Ask any of your friends,
acquaintances or colleagues about any work they have done.
Find out how they liked the quality and overall execution
of the work.

Check with building material suppliers, building
inspectors, insurance agencies, banks, local builders'
associations, brokers, real estate agents, architects and
the Better business Bureau. This should supply you with
names, numbers and varying degrees of references from
glowing to non-committal to condemnation.

You now have enough information to make the initial
contact. 

First Contact

The first contact with a contractor should be over the
phone. Explain the basics about your project. Without going
into excessive detail explain what it is you want done, the
size of the project, the location, a possible time-frame
and any essential deadlines as well as a cost range. Find
out the contractor's availability and notice any expressed
enthusiasm or disparaging remarks. Find out, as well, the
certification or licenses possessed and, maybe, obtain a
free estimate.

Conducting Interviews

An interview is restricted by a number of factors,
including whether any of those contacted want to attend. It
is, however, an essential part of finding the right
contractor for your project.

The interview should focus on such aspects as availability,
the kind of work crew hired, the structure of a contract,
the relationship to the all-powerful permit granters ( a
bad one can hold up work), and former projects. Check out
the contractor's portfolio. Are jobs similar to yours
listed? If so, how long ago were they completed? This
information will paint you a picture of that particular
side of the contractor as well as providing information on
references to be contacted later.

The plan should be trotted out. A good contractor will
really listen, making astute comments, indicating positive
aspects but noting where improvements or changes could or
should be made.

If possible find a little about the personal life of the
contractor. Emotional turmoil or serious drama on the
home-front could complicate or interfere with your project,
extending dates and resulting in chaos where there should
be order.

Whittling Down the List

After all the interviews are completed, contact the
supplied references, see what they have to say. Whenever
possible, go to the contractor's past and current work
sites to see how it is operated.

Check on their stated qualification to obtain verification
and compile a list of pros and cons. From it select the
final candidates. Hopefully there will be two or three.
From them obtain bids or, at least firm estimates.

Factor this into the total equation of compatibility,
competence and price. Only after all this leg work is done
should you decide who is the best candidate for your next
project.


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Top 5 Tips for Restoring an Older Home

You may have fallen in love with an older home but it needs
some loving care. Before you attempt to remodel the
appearance of the home, you may do yourself more of a favor
to check and restore the structural foundation of the home.
Many older homes, while quaint, require some upgrades as
they age so that the home can continue to be livable for
years to come.

Water Damage

Older homes may have more water damage, which attracts
termites. Make sure to have the wood structures inspected
thoroughly. Replace any wood damage and treat the
foundation for termites. Make sure that when it rains,
water is diverted away from the foundation of the house
with appropriate gutters and spouts.

Settling and Cracks

Old homes have had more time to settle and so you might see
cracks in the foundation walls. If water penetrates those
cracks, you can have some serious problems. Make sure the
foundation, basement walls and floor, are sealed against
moisture intrusion. Exterior sealing may not be possible if
you have a lot of landscaping. However, if it has not be
done prior (as in homes that are about 40 to 50 years old),
then you can think about doing it now to help seal out
moisture and safeguard your foundation.

Upgrade The Wiring

Old homes can have wiring issues due to the electrical
codes being different then they are today. Have the
electrical wiring inspected and make sure there are
sufficient grounds in place. Check the outlets to see if
they are two-pronged or three. If they have only two
prongs, they are not grounded. You will have to change them
out. If they are three-pronged you will still need to
ascertain if they are fully grounded in accordance with
code. Replace the electrical box if necessary. Check most
of the wiring in the home. You may or may not have to
replace some of it.

Check For Lead and Asbestos

Unfortunately, older homes have older materials, some of
which are considered highly toxic today. Old houses often
contain lead paint and this can be difficult to remove and
expensive. However, it must be removed. The same with
asbestos if it is the kind that is easily released into the
air. You can have it in floor coverings, insulation, and
even the home's siding. To remove lead or asbestos, usually
trained professionals need to be hired to do it safely.

Increase Energy Efficiency

Older homes are not as energy efficient as newer homes. The
windows were single-paned and unglazed. Replacing the
windows will add a big boost to the energy efficiency of
the home by reducing heat loss.

Think about replacing old appliances with newer, more
energy efficient versions. The furnace, the hot water
heater, and any other housing system might be a good place
to put your money. Even refrigerators can have an impact on
your electricity bills, if you are exchanging an old model
for a newer, energy efficient model. The savings on your
utility bills can make up for the cost of the replacement
in just a few years.


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