Basement remodeling can actually be fun! It doesn’t matter if you hire a pro or take a DIY approach, the return of investment is impressive. Many experts agree that the ROI on basement remodeling is close to seventy five cents on every dollar you spend. So why not go all out and add value to your home? Here are a few ideas on how.
“If there hadn't been women we'd still be squatting in a cave eating raw meat, because we made civilization in order to impress our girlfriends.” - Orson Welles
Sports!
What could be cooler than you own sports bar in the basement? With the game on, a few buddies, and lots of snacks you can make the dream a reality. This is certainly one of the more common man cave ideas. Consider putting the following features in a sports-themed basement:
- Stools
- Dart board
- Neon signs
- Framed jerseys
- Bar
- Fridge
- Kegerator
- Big TV screen
- Pool table
- Big sofa
- Recliners
- Track lighting
Rustic Cowboy Theme
The whole point of a man cave is to have a space to be yourself. If you love the idea of being in a John Wayne movie, why not go the full monty and create your own saloon in the basement? Basement remodeling all comes down to personal preference. So if you loved westerns as a kid or an adult, then saddle up and try out the following ideas:
- Swinging doors
- Wooden interior
- Bull’s head decor
- Western bar
- Firearm replicas
- Saddles
- Old timey signs
- Dreamcatchers
- Animal skin draped over leather chair
- Lantern lighting
- Mechanical bull (warning: significant other may not approve)
Two Words: Wine Cellar
A wine cellar is a great choice for your basement. Did you know that wine is the only alcohol you can store and it can be considered an investment? Whatever your reasoning, a wine cellar is a fine choice for a man cave that even your partner can agree on.
Speaking of investment wines, here are some staples that you should add to your collection that are sure to only increase in value (be sure to wait at least six years).
- Levy & McClellan
- 2010 Sine Qua Non Stockholm Syndrome
- Grand Cru Burgundy
- Most Bordeauxs
- Any Roederer Estate Brut from California
- Macon from France
- American Pinot Noirs
- Any good Chianti
- The 2011 Yquem
- 2009 Lafite-Rothschild
- 2012 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon
Gym
This is one of the more widely used ideas for man caves on a budget. All you really need is some weights, workout equipment, some kind of punching bag, and probably a mirror. After that, you can pretty much search online for a regiment that fits your equipment and schedule.
Make sure your gym has proper flooring, as well. This can be accomplished with rubber pads or old carpeting. Why pay to go to a gym when you can work out in privacy? Add some equipment like these machines to complete your workout:
- Weight rack
- Treadmill
- Bar press
- Resistance bands
- Jump rope
- Exercise ball
- Elliptical
- Stationary bike
- Yoga mat
- Rower
- Stepper
Library/Study
The final and classiest entry on this list, creating a quiet library, den or book-filled study can be relaxing and mentally rewarding. All you really need are some books, a comfy chair, perhaps a fireplace, rug, and table. Tobacco pipe is optional. This is a great idea when you have a small man cave. Maybe the basement wasn’t as roomy as you thought, or maybe the rest of downstairs went to storage. In any case, pick the right man cave for your basement.
But enough about our recommendations, it’s time to get to it! Start by calling a professional basement remodeler for ideas or suggestions. Or visit homeyouto see more ideas.
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