by Michelle Moore

Created on: February 04, 2008

There are many reasons one may consider remodeling a basement. For one, it will add value to your home. If your basement is currently not a finished basement, it will double the living space in your home.

If your children are reaching their teens it may be nice for them to have a place to hang out with their friends instead of their bedrooms, or in the middle of the family room. Or if your children are young, a play room might be in order.

You may also consider turning your basement into a recreation room for yourself. A place for you to enjoy your friends, that doesn't mean converting your family room every time you have guests.

Even a fitness room in the basement can be a great reason for a basement remodel.

When remodeling a basement be sure to consider adding special storage areas to the space. A room made especially for storage of holiday decorations can be well worth the space used.

Once you have decided on your basement remodeling idea, it's time to start planning your project. The best way to start is to sketch everything out on graph paper. Start with any permanent fixtures that already exist, like a furnace or water heater.

Before you get too deep into your basement remodeling plans, you will need to decide on a budget. Browse through some magazines or visit web sites which contain basement remodeling pictures. Then go to your local hardware/lumber store and you can get an idea of what the project expenses will be like. Keep in mind, most remodeling projects normally go ten percent over budget.

If you do not intend to do the project yourself you may want to make a preliminary call to a couple of contractors to see what you are looking at as far as your basement remodeling price.

Start with the basement floor, ceiling and walls when considering your budget. These are the primary pieces of any part of your home.

If your basement is not currently finished, you may want to check with a basement specialist to make sure it is sealed properly.

If you are building a fitness room, you may want to consider special padded flooring. In a laundry room you may be comfortable using linoleum. If you are building a family room, play room or recreational room, carpet may be in store. Again, if your basement is currently unfinished, it may be necessary to lay a sub floor prior to installing your floor covering.

Next, putting up the walls can be as simple as putting together a jigsaw puzzle. To begin with, you'll need to have standard 2 x 4's along the walls and then choose your covering, such as drywall or paneling.

Finish off your project with a simple drop ceiling material or use drywall for a professional look. Top it off with the paint color of your choice.

Keep in mind if you are planning to use a contractor be sure to get a minimum of three quotes before deciding on which contractor to use for your basement remodeling project.

Once you've added your personal touches to the room like lighting, equipment or games you're all set. And best of all, you just increased your property value.

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