Refinish a Basement for a Warm Winter Retreat

If you’ve ever considered a basement remodel, now is one of the best times. Creating a versatile space for your family to enjoy can both increase your square footage and add value to your home. Plus, it makes a fun escape from the winter weather and you can shop after holiday sales for some good deals on supplies. 

To transform an unfinished basement into a liveable space can range anywhere from $6,500 to $18,500 on average, according to an analysis by Home Advisor. What are the major factors that drive the price differential? Setting up plumbing for a new bathroom or kitchen can be expensive as well as any mold removal, leaks, or general structural issues that need to be taken care of. 

Mold and moisture are common basement problems that you’ll need to look into if remodeling is in your future. Most professional finishing specialists can advise on waterproofing to ensure that your space isn’t going to have any unexpected issues. Many basements are generally underinsulated and have leaky windows so if you’re going to improve the space, these basic updates are well worth the cost. Plus they’ll help the energy efficiency throughout your entire house. 

Once the basics have been considered, you’ll need to think through what you’re using the space for. Do you envision a home theatre or a mancave for Sunday football? Would a playroom for the kids be the perfect addition or is a teen hangout more your speed? No matter what you decide to do, think long-term. Little kids grow quickly and teenagers will soon be out of the house, so design for flexibility and change.

Whatever you decide to use your space for, one of the most important considerations will be low ceilings and light. Recessed lighting is a great option as it gives the illusion of height and it’s easy to install, especially if you’re working with a drop ceiling. Speaking of drop ceilings, you won’t believe how many stylish options there are to make those squares pop. From clean modern lines to pressed metal, basement ceilings can actually be a lot of fun to design. There are even acoustic absorption solutions to help control noise from televisions and home theatre systems. 

Next, consider your storage needs. Most people use their basements to keep clutter out of sight, but once the space is remodeled, where will all that stuff go? I am a big fan of creating zones in the basement that can be used for different people with different needs. I always recommend keeping at least one section available for those old clothes, holiday decorations, and air conditioning units as storage space is a valuable commodity in every family home. The key is to keep the clutter to a minimum. 

With all the basics considered, it’s time to have fun designing your space. A basement is a great place to experiment with an aesthetic that’s more daring than the rest of the house but the key is to keep it comfortable and transitional. Lastly, if a real estate transaction is in your 10-year plan, think about the next family that might be making memories in the home. A basement remodel can add serious dollars to your list price if it’s done appropriately.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visithttp://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Bathroom Upgrades Worth Their Resale Value

The pandemic put plenty of homeowners into a remodeling frenzy but for some people, a home facelift is a seriously daunting prospect. One area of the home that can make a major difference without a huge cost or time commitment is the bathroom and the payoff is big both in terms of zen and resale value. Here are eight ideas to give your bathroom a boost without spending a fortune.

Health & Safety

If your bathroom doesn’t have proper ventilation, you will end up with mold and mildew growing on the walls and ceiling. A replacement fan will cost under $100 and you can install it yourself to ensure that the moisture caused by the shower is being extracted properly. Remember, you’ll need to measure the bathroom first to ensure you get the right fan for the job. 

Environmentally Friendly

If you want to do your part for the environment, you can update your bathroom with water-saving fixtures. Both Lowes and Home Depot carry eco-friendly lines that can cut water flow by upwards of 30 percent, making for a healthier planet and a happier utility bill. 

Neat & Tidy

If you can’t stand cleaning the shower, this one's for you. Today you can find shower doors that are finished with a water-resistant coating that sheds the droplets that leave unsightly little stains. If you’re constantly walking around with a squeegee in hand, this upgrade might just make your weekend cleaning routine just a little easier. 

Semi-Custom

If you’re looking to replace your cabinetry, take a look at some of the semi-custom options available from the major retailers. There are even companies that spruce up IKEA cabinets to make them look more personalized and stylish. If you can’t afford to replace the cabinets, a new lick of paint can breathe new life into old wood.

Get Organized

If your cabinets are in good shape but they are tough to reach or annoying to get into, a cabinet organizer might be for you. Most systems include sliding surfaces which make reaching items in the back a whole lot easier. No more digging in the dark. 

Lights and Mirrors

Dated mirrors or lighting fixtures can bring a bathroom down. Kick it up a notch and keep an eye on the sales flyers for accent pieces to give your bathroom a boost for very little effort.

Counters

Granite countertops are a pricey remodeling project, but these days you can get the look for less by getting creative. Talk to your local countertop expert about where to look for remnant slabs, or consider cheaper options like a preformed laminate finish.

Spa Touches

Make your shower more luxurious by replacing the old head. I personally love a rain shower, but a handheld sprayer can feel great after a long day and it makes cleaning a cinch. You can also replace your old shower curtain with a more modern update for less than $20. You won’t believe how a little change can make a big difference. 

This list is just the tip of the iceberg and I bet you have a few creative ideas on how to update your bathroom for less. I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Facebook at www.facebook.com/odonnellbros.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Designer Driveways With Big Appeal

These days a driveway is so much more than a place to park your car. In fact, with new designs and fresh takes on old materials, a driveway upgrade can both add curb appeal and increase the value of a house that’s being prepared for listing. 

When choosing driveway material, there is plenty to consider and what works for one house might not work so well for another. So let’s go through the pros and cons of the four most popular options to help you make the best decision for your home.

Asphalt

This is the most popular driveway material and for good reason - it’s practical and easy to install. An average asphalt driveway can typically be laid in a day and if properly maintained, it can last for up to 30 years or more. An asphalt driveway is also a safe bet with our cold winters and hot summers as they can stand up to severe temperature changes. Sounds pretty good right? I think so, but there are a few drawbacks to be aware of. For starters, asphalt only comes in one color - black. So if you’re looking for something special to match the aesthetic of your home, you aren’t going to find it here. Another thing to consider is that asphalt does crack and crumble with age, but problem areas can be resealed so you don’t need to replace the whole driveway with every blemish.

Gravel

For people looking for a solution on a budget, gravel might be the way to go. While they aren’t as popular as they once were, gravel is great for very long or intricately shaped driveways. On the flip side, using loose stones can get very sloppy and you’ll likely find yourself regularly going out to get new materials to replace what’s been lost from both the weather and everyday use. Gravel is also tough to plow and shovel, so take that into consideration if your driveway gets a lot of snow.

Pavers

No one can deny the beauty of a brick or stone driveway. Homeowners love them for an upscale look that can mimic the style of the property while still offering a strong and reliable material that will last for decades. Of course, with beautiful pavers also comes high product and labor costs as each piece has to be laid by hand. Take this into consideration when you’re thinking about which material to use because paver installation will likely have your driveway out of commission for a lot longer than some of the other options.

Concrete

If you’d like a driveway with unique features but don’t want to fork over the cash for pavers, concrete might be your best bet. Concrete is poured quite easily so the installation is relatively fast, although you’ll need to wait a week to drive on it. There are also many options to stamp or dye the material to create a unique look, including mimicking the design of pavers. While concrete is still more expensive than asphalt, it also lasts a really long time - 30 years or more. The downside? Concrete can be susceptible to cracking and can be pricier to fix.

No matter what type of driveway material you decide on, the end result will only be as good as what’s underneath the material. A qualified professional will discuss elevation, drainage, and environmental factors to help you make the best choice for your home.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.