Are you looking to add value to your home? One of the easiest places, and most neglected, is your basement. Most basements either sit unused or are home to “storage” – another word for clutter that just gathers dust. By renovating and updating your basement, you can add square footage of livable space to your home, increasing its value. Whether you are interested in selling your home or just want to make a change, the following are some ideas on adding value to your basement.

1)    In-law suite. 

One of the most popular and most lucrative ways of adding value to your home is by adding an in-law suite. The suite usually contains a bedroom and a bathroom, but depending on your space and what you ultimately want to use the suite for, you can include a kitchen and washer/dryer as well. These types of suites can be used for visiting parents (where the name “in-law suite” comes from); older children who would like a space of their own; or even revenue, by renting it out. In-law suites should also have their own entrance.

2)    Recreation. 

Also called a “rec room,” you can easily turn a basement into a fun place to play games and spend time with the family by adding carpeting and a washroom. If you are interested in playing pool or cards, specially designed lights can be added above the table, making it your very own gaming hall!

3)    Entertainment theatre. 

The basement is a perfect set-up for movie viewing, as there are usually little or no windows for you to cover up. By adding a state-of-the-art speaker system, soft lush carpeting and comfortable seating, all you need is the popcorn and a movie for an enjoyable evening at home! This arrangement is also excellent for gaming, as all the ingredients are already there for a video game marathon.

4)    Entertaining. 

You can turn a basement into a lovely place to entertain, by adding appropriate wall coverings and flooring, and even a bar complete with bar stools at one corner. Ideas abound for this subject, as you can include seating for as many friends and family as you would like.

5)    Library. 

Another idea for your basement is a library. The additions of a fireplace (gas is ideal as it is easier to install), bookshelves, a comfy chair and some reading lamps can turn your basement from a boring old room to somewhere to curl up with a book. 

For all your Calgary Basement Renovation needs contact Supercrew Projects Inc.

Tel: (403) 880-2228
Web: http://www.supercrew.ca

Whether your basement is in dire need of repair or if you just want a fresh coat of paint for your home, a renovation can be quite the undertaking. Instead of doing it all yourself, why not hire a home renovation company to complete the project? Not only does Supercrew Projects do a fantastic job, they can set you up with financing as well! The following are some benefits to choosing Supercrew for your renovation, with financing from TD Financial Services.

1) The numbers.

With Supercrew's financing, you can get financing from 5.99 per cent, plus zero down financing may be available. Essentially, this means you can pay for the project on a payment plan, rather than paying down a certain percentage, like a mortgage. Your renovation loan can also have an up to 10-year amortization, meaning you can adjust your payments to the amount you can afford. As well, there will be no payments for up to one year - how's that for saving money?

2) No early payout charges.

If you come across some extra cash - say, you win the lottery - you can pay out your loan without any extra charges! This is a bonus, giving you the freedom to pay out your loan any time you wish! Supercrew's financing also gives you both variable and fixed rate options.

3) Quick approval.

Say, for instance, that you call Supercrew in for an estimate to redo your basement ... instead of having to wait around for an answer as to whether or not you are approved, you will have an answer that same day! That way Supercrew can get started on your project right away.

4) Everything done at once.

If you cannot afford to pay for your entire project right away, you will be able to still get everything done, without having to say install a bathroom this month, put in the tiling the following month, and so on and so forth. All of the renovations you want to get done are completed all at once.

5) Peace of mind.

By getting everything done at once by the same renovation company, you will have peace of mind that everything actually will get done. There is a chance that if you only get one thing done at a time (see above example regarding a bathroom), the same renovation company will not be able to do the job - or if you are continuing the same job, the same type of tile may not be available.

1) Using low VOC paint.

VOC, or volatile organic compounds, are used in some types of paint such as acetone and ethyl acetate. The VOCs can be hazardous to your health - a regular type of paint can hold up to 10,000 chemicals, of which 150 may cause cancer. These VOCs are released in the air when the paint is drying. The highest level of VOCs is right after painting, but they continue to discharge these chemicals years after painting. Low VOC paint, or one with no VOCs at all, will curtail this issue.

2) Replace your appliances.

If you are remodelling your kitchen or redoing your laundry room, look into purchasing energy-efficient appliances to replace your old ones. A glass-top stove not only looks more professional and is easier to clean, it will be easier on the environment - and your energy bill - as well. Other appliances that can be purchased "green" are fridges, microwaves, dishwashers and laundry machines.

3) Low flow irrigation.

Do you go on frequent vacations? Or constantly find yourself forgetting to water your lawn? You can now buy low flow irrigation equipment for your yard. This type of irrigation will run a steady drip of water throughout your yard, saving you on fines when there is a limit on the amount of water you can use - and saving the environment as well.

4) Use eco-friendly flooring.

Instead of using man-made flooring such as linoleum or tile, you can choose natural wool carpet, cork, bamboo, reclaimed wood or linoleum. Cork can be hypoallergenic plus has the added benefits of keeping in the heat and keeping out the noise. Reclaimed wood can be quite beautiful, especially if aged like planks taken from an old barn.

5) Use low flow plumbing fixtures.

When you are remodelling your kitchen or your bathroom, look into low flow plumbing for your home. Not only is there low flow toilets, there are low flow showerheads and other fixtures as well.

Whether you are remodelling, renovating or just want a change, by using energy-saving appliances or environmentally friendly products, you can not only save money, but save the Earth as well!

1) Qualifications.

You should choose a basement developer that is registered with the Canadian Home Builders' Association, and being accredited by the Better Business Bureau is always a good idea as well. If the company you choose is registered with the CHBA, you know that it is a well-established business, just as being a BBB member means the company is reputable; all BBB companies have a set dispute system. For renovators, another thing to look for is the Renomark Renovators Mark of Excellence.

2) Insurance and licensing.

Ensure that the company is properly licensed by both the city as well as the province. In order to be a pre-paid contractor working in your home the company must have a provincial license and must be bonded. The company should also be able to provide you with certification that they carry a liability insurance policy as well as Workers Compensation. This will give you peace of mind that should anything happen during the renovation you will be covered for any liability.

3) Testimonials.

Try to choose a basement developer that either includes testimonials on their website or can provide you with referrals. This way you can see what other types of projects the company has completed in the past, as well as what results the clients receive. You should not base your entire decision on testimonials, as it is possible for shady companies to lie or bend the truth with this information.

4) Extras.

Does the company provide any extra services? Do they have a partnership with a financial institution so you can easily arrange for financing? Does the company have any promotions or sales going on? Will they provide you with a drawn design before they start working? A reputable basement developer will also arrange for permits before they start working on any renovation.

5) Experience.

Choose a company that has as much experience in renovating or remodeling basements as possible. The more experience a company has, the better they can complete your project on time, as they will be able to handle any problems or issues that they come across. Experience also means the job will be done right the first time, without calling in for any extra help.

6) Trades.

All professional renovators will use qualified trades people to perform the various aspects of the project. Using professional trades people will ensure that all proper permits will be acquired and inspections will be done.

7) Guarantees.

Does the company guarantee that it will complete the project on time, and within the budget? You do not want to deal with a company that will try and slip in "extra" charges, or worse, does not complete the job on time, or sometimes, at all. What types of promises does the company make?

By looking at a company's testimonials, qualifications and guarantees, you will be sure to end up with a basement developer that will complete your job on time and on budget. You will also ensure the job is done to your standards and completed properly.

For all your Calgary Basement Renovation needs contact Supercrew Projects Inc.

Tel: (403) 880-2228
Web: http://www.supercrew.ca