Add Living Space and Value To Your Home

One of today's most popular home remodeling projects has become one of the most versatile. Homeowners now have numerous options when finishing the basement or lower level. A new recreation area, family room, play room, audio visual room, spare bedroom or even a second kitchen are just a few of the options available, when you basically add an entire floor of living space to your home.

"We don't even call them basements anymore, they're known to us as lower levels," said builder Jim Faydenko of Remodeling Remedies in South Lyon.

These improvements can add from 30 to 50 percent more living space while increasing the value and beauty of your home. With a creative imagination and years of experience, Faydenko can offer numerous suggestions to clients throughout the planning stages.

The Faydenko's own lower level is a typical example of what he can do for clients - create a functional and fun family area. A recreational area is probably one of the most popular options, according to the South Lyon builder. As hockey buffs, they enjoy the air hockey table as well as a game of pool. For the younger set there's a children's play area. A built in fireplace adds focus to a sectional sofa seating area and a big screen TV. Wife, Karen, has her own craft room as well.

The recreation area creates a perfect environment for entertaining and parties. Faydenko finds that today's remodels are more family focused with "snack areas," instead of bars.

Keith and Margie Pankow of Brighton decided to call Remodeling Remedies to improve their lower level and increase living space. They appreciated Faydenko's creativity and flexibility while working on their project.

"Quite often, we would come up with an idea, and he would go with it and expand on it," said Margie Pankow.

They appreciated that Remodeling Remedies crews were reliable and showed up when promised. When complete, the renovation surpassed all their expectations.
"We're so happy because we had the idea that we would end up with a fixed up basement, and it ended up being a living space, a part of our home," she said. "He put enough care and thought into it as though it was his own home."
Pankow's finished renovation resulted in an entire living area, dining area, bar, and full bathroom. Faydenko even converted wasted space into a small storage area.

Small details are what give a more polished look when designing a lower level.
"The idea is to have it not feel like a basement," Faydenko points out.
For example, instead of the traditional dropped ceiling with fluorescent lighting, he prefers the finished look of drywall and recessed lighting. Track lighting is used over the pool table. Lush carpeting with thickly cushioned padding adds warmth and insulation against noise.

Like the Faydenko's, many of today's newer homes enhance their spaces with higher 9-foot ceilings. That doesn't mean older homes can't enjoy a fresh new look. Remodeling Remedies will use their years of experience and knowledge of spacial relations to make the best possible use of existing space. This entails working around ductwork or support poles, if necessary. It's a bit trickier, but it can be done.

"I'm good at camouflaging," Faydenko adds. Using a licensed builder is crucial for these kinds of renovations. A licensed builder will ensure that all proper codes are followed and permits are pulled. In case of insurance claims, homeowners may not be able to collect on work where permits were not pulled, for example, in a case where faulty wiring was not inspected. Do your research, Faydenko recommends.

Ask to see their credentials, particularly if they're licensed and insured.

Remodeling Remedies includes theirs in an informational packet for clients.
Randy Sapelak, building inspector for the Village of Milford, states that an egress window is necessary for all lower levels finished off as living space. These windows are now a requirement mandated by the State of Michigan. "Basically it prevents someone from getting trapped if there's a fire." Codes require that certain requirements are met. Minimum size of windows are 20 inches wide and 24 inches tall. Height can be no more than 44 inches high, opening up to a minimum of 5.7 square feet of space. The well area needs to be no smaller than 3X3 feet. If the bottom of window to grade is higher than 44 inches, it requires a ladder. "You have to know how to excavate and install these windows or your newly finished space may flood." said Faydenko. "While there is some expense in adding egress windows, the safety precaution makes it worth every dime."

Jim Faydenko is a licensed, insured contractor and a Member of the Oakland County Building Industry Association (BIA) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).