A couple of months ago I had a chance to talk about basements. Boring? Nope – finished basements are an opportunity to give a home that extra pizzazz and personality that can help it sell. In fact, that was the point of "Reinventing the Basement," one of the featured articles in the current issue of Maryland Distinctive Properties published by The Daily Record.
Journalist Carrie Oleynik found me through - of course - Active Rain. She asked about what kinds of things I have seen in basements over the years. What haven't I seen?! As she says in the article, there have been the usual in-law or au pair suites and personal retreats. But I've also seen hair salons, wine cellars, specially designed rooms for any kind of collection you can imagine, home-school rooms, and areas just for the convenience and care of pets. Home offices, media rooms, and home gyms are common, but how about an Olympic-sized ping pong table and competition area?
One of my favorites was this amazing basement that had a restaurant-sized C-shaped lighted glass block and granite bar. Greek columns visually divided the area that had room for shuffle board, a pool table, big screen TV, gaming table etc. Custom built-ins included wine storage, and the wood burning fireplace added warmth. Behind mirrored doors was a walk-in cedar closet with plenty of storage. Marble floors, a powder room, and separate entrance created the perfect party place.
Basements are one area where people can carve out a very personal space and mold it to their special interests. What interesting and unique basements have you seen?
Bryant, Basements are a big deal in Baltimore! I have sold a few without but it is definitely not the norm. So many uses for basements and it is a good place for all of us to keep our toys including the occasional hubby who has to live down there.
My ceramic studio was in my basement aka as the lower level.
Chris,
We have lots of pool tables and lots of media rooms.
Could really use some Florida type homes here. Plenty of buyers would be happy with a rancher sans lower level.
One thing with basements is that they are very personal. Often, despite the huge cash that gets tossed in, the renovation doesn't add much value... unless there is a buyer looking for the same thing. It figures that if you have a media room, the buyers will be looking for bedrooms. If you have bedrooms, they'll be looking for a wine cellar and pub.
BTW, one of my clients put in a wine cellar, pub, and game room. It is a great space.
Lane, You are right ,basements are very personal. Sometimes the basements are not finished. This can be a plus for some because they can then design for specific needs. Many times that media room can be used for a bedroom. As long as the space is finished there are many different ways of utilizing these areas.
When I have a listing with unfinished area...my description reads.." Lower Level ready finish to meet your special needs!"
Max, You are so right about this space not being already designated.
I remember one client, an avid golfer, who dug his basement way deep and then put in and a Driving Range with a heavy duty net, of course.
Decorating basements can be a lot of fun! I once saw with in a Betty Boop theme. I wish I had taken pictures. I could only imagine the fun parties that took place there.
Margaret,
My friend used to have lots of rooms in his...we also called it the hang out... Rob's Rainbow lounge.:)
Kris, That Betty Boop basement must have been a fun place.
Neal, Bet you had a lot of good times in Rob's Rainbow lounge.
Missy, Basements do keep the kids home and I find that most people absolutely want a basement.
Joey, Thanks for stopping by and glad that this post brought back some good memories.
Sounds like your basement was a highlight of your youth.
Diane, Enjoy the races today!! Fourth Annual Dachshund Race in Downtown Mooresville