Need More Space? Remodel the Basement with Style

(HIT) - Homeowners’ attitudes toward basements have changed so much in recent years that builders and real estate agents now commonly market basements as "lower levels." Homeowners no longer just think of them as dark and musty places for washers and dryers or storage.

The basement is now considered a retreat, especially during cold-weather months, and prime living space tailored to match the personality of the homeowner. And, basement remodeling has become very popular recently.

"An unfinished basement has almost unlimited potential," notes Becky Simeral, vice president of Simeral Construction, a custom home builder based in Lancaster, Pa. "It’s a blank slate of usable living space – the design and function is all really up to homeowners’ tastes and needs."

The attitude alteration in basement usage reflects recent design change options in the basement: higher ceilings, more natural light, bigger windows, walk-out doors and kitchenettes. Basement remodels can include those options and more.

	Armstrong HomeStyle™ mineral fiberboard panels absorb sound, making them perfect for a media room.

Homeowners considering a makeover can take comfort in the fact that basement remodels are economical. According to Remodeling magazine’s 2006 Cost vs. Value report, basement remodels recoup almost 80 percent of costs, on average, in the first year. That’s higher than any other home remodeling option.

So, what are the options for homeowners looking to remodel their basement?

"Start with needs," says Simeral. "Figure out what would be the most beneficial addition to the home, and then consider design."

Media rooms are common now that studio-quality sound and video systems are readily priced for the average consumer. Wet bars, wine cellars and cigar lounges are perfect for relaxing or entertaining friends. Traditional uses, such as home offices and exercise rooms, are still popular.

"Today’s homeowner wants comfort and style, no matter the type of remodel," says Ann Miller, product design manager at Armstrong. "Natural and traditional looks are en vogue, and consumers are progressively choosing the ceiling as the design focus."

The ceiling offers an easy option to liven up a basement. Armstrong is one company that offers a diverse line of decorative and traditional suspended ceiling products that emphasize natural styles while allowing for necessary access to the home’s HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems that often run in between basement ceiling joists.

The HomeStyle™ line of mineral fiberboard drop-in ceiling panels offer superior noise reduction and are perfect for media rooms and home offices. The diverse HomeStyle line is distinct and stylish – not the bland, office-setting ceiling panels that normally come to mind. They are applied in a grid system that allows for easy access above the ceiling, and the panels are available in a 25 unique designs.

Utilize the classic, elegant look of Armstrong Metallaire™ decorative metal ceiling panels to brighten up a basement.

To attain a genuine classic touch, Armstrong’s Metallaire™ line of decorative metal ceiling tiles and cornices is available in five finishes: steel, copper, brass, chrome and paintable white. Interior designers such as Simeral utilize the tiles to emphasize the ceiling as a design element because of their elegance and brilliance. They are available in 2’ x 2’ panels for suspended ceiling grid applications



"Metallaire is our most popular traditional decorative ceiling option," notes Rich Wiley, associate marketing manager for Armstrong’s residential ceilings division. "Homeowners love the stately elegance of the panels’ design while allowing for access to the home’s systems above."

Armstrong also offers Definitions™ decorative panels that can be used to divide large spaces in today’s bigger lower levels. Homeowners often use their basements for a variety of purposes, and using Definitions to divide spaces gives the room an added natural feel and flexibility to a lower level that traditional wood-frame walls do not.

The panels can even be used as wall decorations. Available in 2’ x 6’ size and in 16 designs including bamboo, grass, fern and crimson, the Definitions line offers something for every taste.

"Definitions decorative panels are an upscale, contemporary option for the homeowner who wants luxury style in their additional living spaces," notes Miller.

And that’s just the beginning. If you’re thinking about remodeling the basement, start at the top and check out all the ceiling options at www.armstrong.com.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center