- If you need additional living space, consider a basement remodel.house image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com
Remodeling your basement can add lots of livable space to your home. Whether you're planning on making the basement a game room for the kids, a man cave for you and your buddies or an informal living room, having a plan and a vision for the space will ensure that the resulting space is one in which you will want to spend your time. - Get a contractor to give you a quote on how much making your basement a livable space will cost or, if you're handy, come up with an estimate based on everything that will need to be done, such as hanging drywall, putting in flooring and wiring lighting. Add to that the cost of furniture, any electronics or appliance you plan to buy for the space, and décor. The Homewyse website recommends limiting the cost of a basement remodel project to no more than 5.45 percent of your home's total value.
- Use light or bright colored paint and provide lots of lighting. Most basements have a very limited amount of natural light, if any, so they can look very dim. Additionally, dark colored paint will give the space a small, closed in feel. Mirrors can also help open up the room by reflecting light.
- When selecting furniture, fixtures and other accessories for your newly remodeled basement space, make sure to choose items that go with the room size. While you may want to put a 60-inch television in your new man cave, a huge TV in a small space may not provide the best viewing experience. And large, overstuffed couches in a small basement may make the room appear cramped.
- While you may be anxious to get the basement remodel done so you can begin enjoying the space, take time to ensure that the space is a safe one. Install smoke and carbon smoke detectors. Also, make sure there are two clear exits out of the basement. One can be a door leading to the outside and the other can be the door leading up to the rest of your home.
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