Basements

Basements, like attics, are one of the most ignored areas in a home and, typically used to store things we don't need on a daily basis. Reclaiming that space to create livable square footage can prove rewarding, and you could recoup as much as 72.9% (Remodeling.hw.net) of your remodel costs! Consider adding a home theater - with the typical lack of natural light a basement affords, you don't need to worry too much about getting it dark enough. A music fan? Create a music studio - soundproofing can be installed to keep your family and neighbors happy and sane. An exercise buff? Build a home gym. If you have kids (or even if you don't), creating a recreation room, complete with bar, large flat-screen TV, pool table, dart board, and other games, can be a great way to "get away from it all." Whatever room (or combination of rooms) you choose to create, consider the following:

• Add a bathroom (or include the existing one in your remodel).
• Add lighting (or ensure there is adequate lighting) - perhaps recessed lighting in the darker corners to fill in where natural light from the windows can't reach.
• Create easy access - which can mean widening that staircase or adding an additional entryway.
• If you're considering creating more than one type of space, section off areas so they can be easily differentiated - ie. paint the walls in one area different from the others or erect half-walls (DIY Network).
• Combat moisture problems before you get started! Basements can be the coldest and most humid area in your home - if you assume you don't have a moisture problem and don't investigate, your new space will soon become your "ew" space.