Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Top Basement Design Trends

 Basements once were dusty, forgotten spaces used as a catch-all for clutter. Today these underused spaces are getting an exciting new life that contributes to the home’s function and value. St. Louis Park basement remodeling experts, Executive Remodeling share the top trends in transforming basements into beautiful, usable spaces. 

Apartment Space

One of the most popular trends in basement remodeling is turning the basement into a separate apartment space by adding a bathroom, small kitchen, bedroom, and living space. Savvy homeowners are using this as a flexible way to provide a living area for aging parents or as a transitional space for semi-independent young adults. This space is also beneficial for creating additional income by using the remodeled space as a rental space. 

Dedicated Home Office

More people than ever have transitioned to work-from-home and now need a dedicated space to conduct business. By discussing their needs with a remodeling contractor, homeowners can design a space that is perfectly fit to meet their needs, whether they need soundproof rooms, creative studios, or a way to accommodate office equipment. 

Extra Bedrooms

Rather than moving, many homeowners are remodeling basements to accommodate a growing family by adding more bedrooms. These rooms also provide a cozy and comfortable space for guests away from the main living space. 

Exercise or Workout Space

Whether it is a pristine and open space for yoga or a well-equipped home gym, converting the basement into a workout space is one of the hottest basement remodeling trends as we move into 2023.

Home Pub

Another rising trend is creating a mini pub, a space accommodating home brewing and sharing times with friends. More than a bar, a home mini-pub includes spaces for entertainment like television, darts, a pool table, and comfortable conversation areas. 

Indoor Play Area

For families, a safe and well-equipped play space is of utmost importance. This is why creating an indoor play area is one of the most popular basement remodels in St. Louis Park and surrounding areas. Parents are using the space to create safe and age-appropriate playgrounds that can accommodate playgroups or just occupy the children without concern for weather or other issues. 

Family Entertainment Space 

One of the most common reasons homeowners consider a basement remodel is to create a space for family entertainment. These spaces include areas to enjoy television, games, food, and fun in a more casual environment. 

Ultimate Man/Woman Cave

Another rising trend Executive Remodeling is seeing is converting basements into the ultimate man cave. From a comfortable space to have friends over to watch a game, or a multipurpose space that includes a bar, entertainment, a private office, and a home gym, the basement can become a private getaway from the cares of the world. 

Home Business Space

Whether as a side gig or a full-time entrepreneurial pursuit, many people are pursuing a basement remodel to create a space that is conducive to running a successful business. These spaces often include quiet office spaces, creative or production areas, and meeting rooms. 

Craft Room

Many basements remodel today also include a specially designed craft room. Many include large work surfaces, specialized storage, and durable flooring, among many other features. 

Minneapolis-St. Paul Remodeling Contractors 

A basement remodel adds space, functionality, and value to a home, so it is important to get the job done right. If you are looking for a “basement remodel near me,” it is time to consider the St. Louis Park home addition experts. Executive Remodeling is a full-service home renovation company with nearly 20 years dedicated to industry expertise. Connect with the team by calling (612) 230-1561 to schedule a free consultation.

Executive Remodeling

5810 W 36TH ST UNIT B

ST LOUIS PARK MN 55416-5108

Top Factors to Determine if Moving or Remodeling is a Better Option

 When a family has been at home for a while, there comes a time when it may not meet all of the growing needs. When this happens, most homeowners struggle with whether moving or remodeling an existing space is the better option. St. Louis Park basement remodeling experts, Executive Remodeling share the top considerations in making the big decision. 

Moving and home remodeling are both huge undertakings. The only way to determine what is suitable for a particular circumstance is to weigh all the most critical factors. 

Determine the Cost of Moving

Moving is exciting, but it does come with a cost. First, selling a current home costs about 15% of the home selling price in commissions, repairs, and other fees. Buying a new home also involves costs such as home appraisals, insurance, and closing costs. Most times, a move will also include expenses such as new furniture, appliances, or repairs. In addition to these factors, it is also important to calculate the actual moving costs, whether that includes rental trucks, gasoline, movers, and time off from work. 

Moving to a new home may also include other financial considerations such as higher property taxes, increased mortgage rates, higher utility costs, or increased cost of living. 

Determine the Cost of a Home Remodel

Determining the actual cost of a home remodeling project requires the help of a qualified and experienced general contractor.

While improving the home can increase property taxes, it does so because it also increases the home’s value. Different types of home remodeling projects recoup different values, and some of that value is seen in an immediate value added to your home. Some of the value is recouped over time as the homeowner lives in the home. 

Is Moving More Practical or Advantageous?

In some cases, it may be easy to decide to move if there are factors that make it more practical such as:

  • The new home meets your needs
  • Selling the current home is easy and profitable
  • Changing schools is not a problem
  • You do not want to live through a construction project
  • It is less costly to move
  • It is closer to work
  • Is it a better financial decision

Is a Home Remodel More Practical or Advantageous?

There are advantages to moving and remodeling, but a home remodel may be the better option in many circumstances.

  • Moving may be more expensive
  • The home has unutilized space, such as a basement, that can be converted 
  • Homeowners are established in the neighborhood
  • It is important that space be customized
  • Will remodeling make the home more attractive to future buyers
  • Would the remodel add other values, such as better energy efficiency
  • Is the current square footage ample but just poorly designed 

When it comes to whether or not it is best to move or opt for a home remodel, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Before deciding, it is best to do some due diligence by talking to financial and real estate experts and local professionals in home renovation to help weigh your options. 

Minneapolis-St. Paul Remodeling Contractors

Home remodeling can add value, space, functionality, and efficiency to a home, so it is essential to work with trusted professionals. If you are looking for a “general contractor near me,” it is time to consider the St. Louis Park home addition experts. Executive Remodeling is a full-service home renovation company with nearly 20 years dedicated to industry expertise. Connect with the team by calling (612) 230-1561 to schedule a free consultation.

Executive Remodeling

5810 W 36TH ST UNIT B

ST LOUIS PARK MN 55416-5108

Tips For Converting A Basement Into A Rentable Side-Hustle

 Turning a basement remodel into a rental side hustle is a smart investment that offers lasting benefits. St. Louis Park basement remodeling experts, Executive Remodeling, share what to consider for a successful project. 

Whether intended as a full-time or short-term rental, turning an underutilized basement into an apartment offers many advantages. A professional basement remodel adds value to the home, can provide a side income, and offers flexibility for future life changes. But the process can be challenging. Here are some ways to ensure the process is as stress-free as possible.

Find a Qualified and Experienced General Contractor

No matter how tempting it may be to take it on as a DIY project, it is always best to rely on qualified basement remodeling contractors. An expert provides the peace of mind that elements such as wiring, HVAC, and plumbing are done properly and safely. Often, contractors have relationships with suppliers and can get materials at a better price. Experts are also ready to get the job done quickly and can easily navigate any problems. Because of these and many other reasons, working with a contractor gets the homeowner to the finish line faster so they can start recouping the investment. 

Know the Local Laws and Regulations

There are many local laws that govern home remodels and rentals. The International Residential Code (IRC) sets living space standards, but there may be additional local requirements that exceed the IRC. These regulations dictate the number of separate points of access, how many windows are in each bedroom, ceiling height, and more. Any deviations from these regulations can result in very costly corrections, so it is important to research these laws and obtain the proper permits before diving in. 

It is also important to know the laws governing rentable space versus livable space. In most jurisdictions, an apartment must have a separate entrance to be considered rentable. It may not need an entrance if the space will be occupied by someone already living in the house and is a non-paying tenant. 

Have a Plan But Be Open to Change

Again, here is where talking to a general contractor comes in handy. An expert will have done many basement remodels and be able to make recommendations to avoid common mistakes and know how to get the job done well for the best price. For example, the hope may be to have a space that has a kitchen, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms configured in a certain way. The contractor may recommend configuring it differently to minimize plumbing expenses. An expert can overcome all of the challenges while providing suggestions for adding value.

Consider Real Use

Creating the most rentable space means considering usability. Having a beautiful chef’s kitchen may be dream-worthy but may not be an ideal use of space, for example. Create a valuable area for a greater number of people and situations. Providing enough space between bedrooms is important for privacy, and rooms that are of nearly equal size are better to attract those who will have a roommate. Kitchens that incorporate counter space and barstools can eliminate the need for a dining table or allow for a smaller-sized table so that the space can be better utilized. Tape out the area before the build and let it help guide some of the planning. 

With planning and expertise, basement remodeling can provide homeowners with a viable long-term revenue stream. It is always best to start with a feasibility study with a licensed general contractor to see what it would take to meet local requirements. 

Minneapolis-St. Paul Remodeling Contractors

A basement remodel is a serious undertaking, so it is important to work with local professionals to ensure a positive outcome. As a full-service home renovation company with nearly 20 years of dedicated industry experts, Executive Remodeling is dedicated to helping customers achieve their design goals. 

If you are looking for a “general contractor near me,” it is time to consider the St. Louis Park home addition experts. Connect with the team by calling (612) 230-1561 to schedule a free consultation.

Executive Remodeling

5810 W 36TH ST UNIT B

ST LOUIS PARK MN 55416-5108

Aging-in-Place: Home Remodeling for Safety, Comfort, and Accessibility

 Aging-in-place refers to the ability of individuals to live independently in their own homes as they grow older. With their expertise in ho...