25
Feb

Building Down: The New Trend in Homes

Building Down: The New Trend in Homes

The 4 reasons basements are in right now.

 

Building Down The New Trend in Homes

Image via Pixabay

 

If you heard the term “basement” 20-something years ago, you probably wouldn’t associate it with a remodel or addition. Fast forward to present day: Those who hear others talk about their basement are more likely to wonder whether or not it is finished, remodeled or an addition; how many bedrooms or bathrooms are incorporated; or even ask what kind of neat amenities have been included in the space. What’s the reason for this switch? Basement additions, remodels and finishing projects are currently some of the most popular trends in home construction and design, and are equally appealing to homeowners, contractors and builders. Basements fit the need for more space in a growing family’s home, they’re exempt from many zoning codes if a homeowner would like to gain more space, and they’re able to increase a house’s resale value.

 

  1. More Space, Less Money

If you’re looking to gain more space in your home – whether it’s for a recreational, shared family area or a place for more bedrooms – it makes the most sense to utilize the square footage that you already pay for and own. Such space is perfectly found in empty or unused basements – hence the reason home owners choose to remodel or finish the space. This process of remodeling and/or finishing is said to be the cheapest option when increasing living space. Think about it: Adding an entire separate room requires building a foundation, walls and a roof, things that having a basement entirely nixes. When you’re remodeling your basement for more space as opposed to building an entire separate addition to your home, you get the best value per square footage – and don’t have to pay any extra expenses for a normal room addition.

 

  1. Increased Resale Value

While no remodeling project will ever return the entire amount of money invested into it (we can still dream, though), basements are the most likely to increase a home’s resale value.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, no other project designed to increase living space even comes close to holding value as well as basement remodeling projects – so much so that buyers actually expect a basement now in the homes that they are looking to purchase.

 

  1. Doubled Living Space

An average basement remodel will increase a home’s living space by roughly a third – and some basement remodels actually double a home’s living space. That’s because the amount of room you gain from remodeling a basement is a lot more than the space you gain from adding an average-sized, extra addition to the outside of your home – which makes perfect sense, considering how large basements are. The same can be said for basement additions, since the area you are digging out and building will align with the entire dimensions of the home.

 

  1. Maintain the Home’s Exterior

One of the main selling points basement-advocates stand by is the ability to add this aforementioned extra space, all while leaving the exterior of their home untouched and intact. This unchanged space also allows your back and front yards to remain exactly the same size, which definitely isn’t the case if a homeowner were to add on a typical room addition. What’s more is that basement additions are commonly exempt from lot limitations and ordinances which otherwise limit a house’s square footage to a percentage of lot size – meaning free square footage in terms of most zoning codes.

 

If you’re interested in a basement remodel or addition in or near the Orland Park, Illinois, area, Newline Design Center is the right choice for you. A full-service, one-stop shop home-design and selection center, your project will be handled every step of the way. Call our office at 708-949-4291 to schedule a free consultation today.

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