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.


----------------------------------------------------
For help with home organization, visit Get Organized at
http://www.shopgetorganized.com