Secret doorways can be a fun way of maximizing space in your basement and improve its beauty and design. Design Your Basement was recently featured by in the Houzz blog post on secret doorways – “How to Create a Secret Doorway Behind a Bookcase.” Hide Unsightly Equipment Sump pumps are useful, but not very attractive. Unfortunately, […]
Why do I need a basement design to finish my basement? At DesignYourBasement.com we get this question a lot. The answers to this go to the heart of why we started DesignYourBasement.com. Save time and money with a basement design When remodeling a home, some people like the idea of flying by the seat of their […]
The Best of Houzz Badges for 2014 Are Up!
We could write a small book on how to find, qualify, interview, reference-check and write contracts with contractors. But a lot of people already have. So we won’t re-write it all here. Rather, you can check out the sources listed in our Resources section. Two of the best resources are: 1. The Home Owners Guide […]
The key to creating a finished basement that gets used and brings maximum resale value is design. And it’s not as simple as it looks. Finished basements pose unique design challenges. Obstructions like poles, pipes, soffits, HVAC, electrical, furnaces, stairs, water heaters and foundation anomalies all conspire to make designing comfortable, appealing lower-level living spaces […]
Before finalizing a contract for your finished basement project, make sure that your contractor: Is licensed to perform construction services in your jurisdiction Warrants that all permits and inspections will be obtained and all building codes strictly observed Is adequately insured for property damage and workmen’s compensation If you plan on doing some or all […]
You might wish to know how much of your original finished basement investment you can recover if you later sell your home. Unfortunately, there’s no scientific answer to this question. Once built, your finished basement is inseparable from your home, and home improvement costs are not itemized in the listing or sales contract for your […]
If money is an issue, then these tips should help you get what you want while avoiding unpleasant or disastrous surprises: Set a realistic budget for your project and stick to it When you are careless about managing costs, things can easily get out of control. Seek out a good designer to help in […]
Before you begin talking with contractors about your basement remodel, it’s a good idea to write down some basic information about your space and what you are looking for. A sample Planning Outline is included below. By preparing this information ahead of time, you will make communications with contractors and family members easier and avoid […]
