When growing households experience household congestion, expanding their usable living space footprint by remodeling the basement ranks among the best solutions, especially when extra recreational and lounging space is needed.
Along with the increased quality-of-life benefits, a remodeled basement reportedly delivers upwards of a 7% return on investment. If you are considering transforming a basement into a rec room or other lounging space, these are things worth considering:
Stairs in older homes can be steeper and narrower than today's building codes permit. But there are ways to improve the safety of these older stairs. For example, you could increase safety by:
One reason many homeowners don't take full advantage of their basement is excessive moisture. The idea of a musty basement is not necessarily a myth. Basements often trap moisture, and homeowners remedy this issue by using dehumidifiers. Draining the water from these units regularly during the hot and humid season often makes many property owners hesitant to invest in a basement upgrade. But there are ways around the moisture issue.
When planning a remodel, connecting the space to an existing HVAC system can alleviate concerns. Adding a designated heating, cooling and ventilation zone to your system is likely to increase the value of the space and make it more comfortable. It will also nix the practice of monitoring dehumidifiers.
Other solutions to moisture involve switching out glass-only windows for products with screens to allow fresh air into the new rec room.
A flooded basement ranks among the more common types of water damage to a home, and that's why flooring materials matter. The idea of a plush carpet's comfort and value must be weighed against the possible replacement after a flood or excessive water accumulation.
Homes in or near flood plains may be best served by upgrading an existing concrete floor. There are a wide range of coatings for sealing the floor and aesthetic enhancement.
Employing this strategy means homeowners won't need to re-carpet the newly-minted rec room. If you want floor cushioning, area rugs provide under-foot comfort and are more easily replaced.
Kim Clark started her real estate career in 1999 and shortly thereafter obtained her Broker’s license in 2002. After working for larger, corporate offices, she realized that her business and clients needed a more personalized and flexible firm. She founded Bayside Realty Consultants in 2007 offering a space of unity, collaboration and encouragement for agents and their clients. Kim specializes in the unique Cape Cod market comprised of primary, vacation and investment properties.
She says "It is great to be a part of helping make a homeowner's dreams come true". Clients and their individual needs can make things very exciting! Kimberly's enthusiasm is contagious and it has been a real asset in her successful career. She says, "Never quit. Just do what you like and the rest just falls into place." She is certified in several real estate designations including GRI, CBR, CRS, e-Certified, and a certified trainer.
