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.
Meet Kimberly Jokela:
With a genuine passion in people Kimberly loves helping her clients make their real estate dreams or needs come to life! Specializing in Luxury, Vacation, Retirement or Investment properties.
Born and raised in the midwest in a family with a strong work ethic, filled with creativity & dedication.
Her determination lead her to attend college at the "Philadelphia Performing Arts" where she had the opportunity to follow her passion in the Arts & to travel. Living in California with her husband Rick for 15 years together they built a successful business. After the birth of her beautiful daughter Brittany, seeking a "small town” coastal lifestyle, they took a trip to Naples Florida & fell in love with all it has to offer and made the jump!
With now over 17 years experience as a licensed Realtor serving Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero & Fort Myers.
A great listener, negotiator & connector, Kimberly is dedicated to helping her clients looking to BUY their ideal Florida property!
Her warm & friendly personality is present in everything she does on her clients behalf!
Kimberly’s creativity & "out of the box" thinking gives her clients the extra leverage they need when SELLING a property.
Her well organized marketing includes professionally produced photography, video, drone imagery, media presentation in print, numerous online websites & social media!