Basement remodeling has become a popular project, as people look to remodel their existing space instead of moving. While we’ve all seen rec rooms in basements, there are lots of other options.

Adding a Home Theater in the Basement

Want a fun place to watch movies? The basement is ideal because you typically don’t want lots of light and windows in a home theater. All you need is:

• An enclosed space
• A large wall for a television or projection screen
• Plenty of seating like couches or large comfy chairs

Add in a small kitchenette with a microwave and an under-counter refrigerator and you’re set. Even if you don’t get as elaborate as these set-ups in Home Theater Design Magazine, you can create a comfy place to relax.

Basement Remodeling for the In-Laws

Basements also are ideal for guests, as it creates a private place for them to hang out. One option is an in-law suite, as noted on CNN, that would pair a bedroom and bathroom to provide a full hotel type package. Tuck the room at one end of the basement for maximum privacy.

Exercise Away With Your Basement Remodeling

If you’re tired of going to the gym for workouts, why not create your own exercise space? A 10-foot by 8-foot room is plenty of space for a treadmill, exercise bike and a few weights. If you can swing a bathroom down there, make them accessible to each other. Bob Vila has some great tips for home gym design.

Basement Remodeling Highlights

In most homes, the basement is a wide open space that can be divided into two or three special area. Because the space is away from the main rooms of the house, it’s also a little easier to deal with contractors moving around and related noise. With the right contractor and space plan, basement remodeling can be a fairly easy project.

Trying to decipher a remodeling estimate? You’re not alone, as many home owners find this a tricky part of the whole remodeling process. There are many details to cover and contractors have different ways of presenting their information. Here’s what to do:

Remodeling Estimates 101

As you talk with contractors, make a list of what you want, including any special brands. Then ask each contractor to bid on those specifications. This way you’ll be comparing apples to apples instead of laminate to granite countertops.

Otherwise, you might be delighted that one contractor’s bid is less than another’s. The only problem is, he didn’t know that you wanted a Jacuzzi tub, so he included a less expensive one.

It’s All in the Remodeling Details

Before sending off the contractor to put together a bid, talk about your expectations. Some contractors include 10 pages of details in an estimate, down to the type of caulk they plan to buy, while others only hit the highlights. The key items you want included in the contractor’s bids are:

• Scope of work: demolition, repair, rebuild
• Materials list: lumber, plumbing fixtures, make and model of what is going to be installed
• Cost breakdown: labor, materials, deliveries, contractor oversight
• Payment breakdown: when are payments due

Communicating with the Contractor

Communication is the key, so make sure you find a contractor you can talk to and who will listen to your needs. A good contractor will ask lots of question, so be prepared with your wish list.

According to Ask the Builder, many contractor estimate go astray when the home owners don’t provide enough details. If you want a granite countertop, make it known. When you compare those bids, you’ll quickly see that it’s all in the details!

Storage–or lack of it–is one concern that leads many people down the path to bathroom remodeling. This is especially true in old houses where the space is limited.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal for Bathroom Remodeling

If you’re starting a bathroom remodeling project, ask the contractor whether you can expand the room by stealing space from a bedroom closet. This can add three to six feet of depth and make a big difference.

That extra bathroom storage space can become a linen closet for towels, cleaning supplies, or hair care items. Combined with over the door storage, corner shelves and other bathroom storage products–like these from Space Savers–you’ll have a home improvement bonanza!

Bathroom Storage Solutions

Even Martha Stewart (or her editors) realizes that bathroom storage is key to making the space look organized. Just beware of glass cabinets: no matter how stylish they are, you should consider what you’re storing and how neat the interior of your cabinets will be.

Bathroom Remodeling: Go In and Go Vertical

One secret to successful bathroom remodeling is using every inch of space. Ask the contractor to look for areas in the wall framing where he could add recessed shelving. This also works in the shower for recessed soap dishes It may also come in handy around the house, as shown on HGTV.

Vertical space also is important, so look for bathroom storage cabinets in tall sizes that take the cabinet above eye level. You’ll want a balance, however. Keep everyday items easily accessible, while less frequently used things can be stored in out of the way places.

Another home improvement option is to have the contractor build a shelf running around the room several feet below the ceiling. This can be a great place to store decorative knick knacks. The shelving also helps pull the eye upward and adds visual interest.

Bathroom storage can be a challenge, but with a little creativity you can make the space more functional.

We all like to think we can do our own home repairs. A leaking faucet. A wall that needs paint. While there are many home repairs for the novice to moderately skilled DIYer, other projects need an experienced hand. Here’s how to know.

• Home improvement equals time. Let’s face it. Home improvement takes time. If you have a party in a few weeks and your dining room wall is a mess of peeling paint, can you take time out of work to fix it? If not, try a painting contractor. The contractor will have the crew to come in, fix the wall, prime and paint, and put all the furniture back.
• Home improvement means lots of tools. It’s easy to nail a piece of molding back into the wall, but if one breaks, do you have the tools to create a miter cut? This is when you should call in a contractor who knows how to add the new piece of decorative molding seamlessly. Buying home improvement tools can get expensive, so consider how often you’d use them. If you don’t plan to build shelving regularly, it’s often easier to hire a contractor instead of investing in the tools.
• Home improvement takes skills. You may be well qualified to paint your kitchen cabinets, but can you install new ones? That’s a much different job, as it requires demolition, carpentry skills and perhaps some electrical work. Often, it’s better to find a good remodeling contractor for a full kitchen overhaul. You’ll save time, aggravation and get the job done right.

Home Improvement and the Leaking Faucet

Still want to fix the leaking kitchen faucet? Try these instructions from the Do It Yourself site. For bigger projects, find a good contractor with the skills you need.

It’s the little things in life. While many people focus on large remodeling projects, don’t overlook the little touches that can boost a home’s appeal.

Baby Steps Toward Kitchen Remodeling

Take the kitchen for example. If you’re not ready to live without one for two or three months during a full remodeling, look around for some little touches. Kitchen cabinet hardware is a favorite, as it adds a big bang for only a few bucks. Big chunky knobs, like these from Amerock, are great for making a statement.

One design tip is to add a little contrast to really create a focal point along the cabinet door. Try pewter cabinet hardware with light maple kitchen cabinets, for example. Hardware is also available in a wide range of whimsical designs, like knives and forks.

Remodeling With Paint

Next stop . . . the paint store. Everyone knows the value of a fresh coat of paint, but how about taking it a step further? Try a bold color or a warm taupe to add some depth. Another option is to paint a faux finish along one wall for impact.

A faux stucco finish can add a Tuscan feel and bring in texture at the same time. It’s a project for the seasoned DIYer or one you can hand off to a contractor. Here’s the skinny from DIY Network.

Brighten Kitchen Cabinets With Glass

A glass door or two also can turn your kitchen design around. Glass kitchen cabinets can help create a bright, open look in your kitchen. Pick a door on each end of a run of cabinets and have your contractor replace the wood with stained, opaque, or decorated glass. Try to blend the colors in the glass with your countertop, tile or rug for continuity.

Little touches around the room can quickly turn into a medium sized kitchen makeover.

The exterior of you home says a lot about who you are and how much attention you pay to your home. If you’re considering re-doing your wood or vinyl siding, spend a little time researching potential contractors.

Surf for Siding Contractors

The Internet is one place to start gathering information on potential contractors. Some sites allow reviews of businesses and others provide ratings. Also ask friends and check with local home improvement stores for referrals. Vinyl siding vendors often know the best home improvement companies to do the installation.

You can get an idea of the cost of vinyl siding installation by comparing rates and quotes online. But don’t rely only on online reviews. Make sure you check a potential contractor’s:

• Business practices: Does the contractor return calls promptly, have a legitimate business address, and provide solid reference for home improvement work?
• References: Call a few on the phone, but also try to drive by some sites. Ask for names of people who had vinyl siding installed a few years ago. This can give you an idea of how the siding and installation holds up over time.
• Quality of work: When inspecting a contractor’s work, look first at the overall picture. How does the wood or vinyl siding look from the curb? Then narrow in on the details. Are there boards out of alignment? Is the color consistent? Has the owner had any problems with water infiltration? The Federal Trade Commission provides an extensive list of things to look for in potential contractors.
• Licensing and bonding: Many states require licensing for home improvement work. Requirements vary from state to state, so check for your local requirements. Make sure the company carries insurance and is bonded.

Your Contractor and Curb Appeal

Wood and vinyl siding are important exterior elements that add to your home’s appearance and value. Make sure any contractor you hire has good references and a solid history installing siding.

Are we there yet? Anyone who has kids has heard that one, but it also applies to remodeling. Is the room addition done yet? Is the painter done yet?

Many people know that remodeling projects often take longer than expected. But, how long is that? Here’s a look at some common examples. According to Remodeling California, you should allow two to three months for a kitchen remodeling, for example.

Are We There Yet? The Contractor’s Response

A project timeline can vary based on the complexity of the work and the number of workers involved. When you add in electrical, plumbing, and carpentry, the weeks stretch out.

Kitchen remodeling: If you’re doing a kitchen remodeling, plan for at least three months of fun! If the remodeling project involves breaking down an adjacent wall or drastically enlarging the space, add a few weeks or a month. This should cover the contractor’s demolition time and the time to put it back together.

Bathroom remodeling: Remodeling a powder room or hall bathroom can take one to two weeks. If you’re gutting the room, add three to four days. When remodeling a master bathroom projects like adding a steam shower and a large spa-like relaxation area can add a few weeks. Consider these bathroom remodeling trends for 2010, but be sure to consult with your contractor to make sure they fit your timeline.

Painting a room: Most painting contractors can paint a room in a few days. What slows the contractor down is wall repair and drying time for paint and primer. Well, that and, the home owner switching colors midstream.

Refinishing floors:A good flooring contractor can sand three or four rooms in a day. Adding the stain and polyurethane can take a few more days for application and drying time. The National Wood Flooring Association explains what you should expect.

Remodeling involves many different steps, often by different people. Before you scream “Are we there yet?” try to understand what’s involved and how long it should take.

Yes, that’s right. It’s spring…well, almost. It may not look like spring in many parts of the country, but it’s spring in home improvement land. This is the ideal time to plan your remodeling projects–before the daffodils start to break through and the contractors get busy.

Plan, Plan, Plan for Home Improvement.

There are many benefits to planning your home improvement projects now. You’ll have time to talk with contractors, review their sketches, apply for permits, and shop for replacement windows without feeling rushed.

Home improvement planning also allows you to sit and mull the drawings, cut out pictures, and really think about how you’ll use the space. Here are key questions to ask yourself:

• How big should the room addition, deck, patio be?
• How do you plan to use the space?
• What size furniture do you need?
• If you’re buying replacement windows, which style really fits your architecture? Drive around the neighborhood and make note of what you like and don’t like in replacement windows.

A Bonanza of Remodeling Projects

According to information from Owens Corning, here are other practical (yet necessary) spring home improvement projects.

• Adding attic insulation
• Buying replacement windows
• Checking roofs and gutters for damage and doing those home repairs as needed!

Some of these remodeling projects can be handled on a DIY basis, while others are better left for a contractor.

Spring into Outdoor Home Improvement

This is also a great time to talk with a landscaping contractor about any outdoor projects, such as a patio or deck. Then get the planning going before the main season starts. Think about adding a shade tree near the patio or fragrant roses to enhance the experience.

As the Times Observer notes, many of these outdoor home improvement projects require little maintenance once installed. New decking, fencing, and patio materials make it easy to create an outdoor escape without a lot of upkeep.