When you choose to tackle a custom remodeling project, such as a home theater, wine cellar or golf sim room, the original space is a blank canvas limited only by your imagination (and budget). Do you want to use the space for hosting or entertaining guests or are you imagining a man cave complete with the latest home theater equipment? The possibilities for your specialty project are endless, but before you get started there are a few things you should consider.
Read on to learn more about how to survive the preparation and construction phase of your remodel!
Check the Qualifications of Your Space
Often, when homeowners choose to pursue a specialty remodeling project, they will pick the basement as the space to create it. After all, unfinished basements are a blank slate for building whatever your heart desires, and it doesn’t have to be your typical basement remodel.
When taking on a large-scale, custom project, it is important to make sure that you have a qualified, experienced contractor on your side. An established contractor should be able to show proof of quality work and a good reputation in his or her field. Their experience allows them to deal with contingencies that may hold up your projects, such as moisture, mold, or cracks. At Lynch Design | Build, for example, our contractors have decades of experience transforming unfinished spaces while keeping our clients’ timelines and budgets in mind.
Time to Purge
Over the years, the space in your house that you’re choosing to remodel has likely accumulated many possessions you no longer need. Even the best of home decorators probably have a corner or two of their spare room or basement overflowing with things they no longer need. There is no better time than when you are remodeling your largest storage area to channel your inner Marie Kondo and purge the space of everything that no longer sparks joy.
Think about it. Would you really need six closets in your remodel project if you weren’t trying to store 17 tubs of holiday decor that haven’t been opened since Big Mouth Billy Bass was the holiday gift of choice? Do you still own a Big Mouth Billy Bass that’s lurking in a pile behind one of these holiday tubs? Getting rid of possessions you may not have used in years allows you to remodel your space with practicality in mind—leaving more space for the items and activities you truly enjoy.
Ensure the Permit Process is Properly Completed
For basement remodels, the permitting process can be cumbersome, but it is a necessity to ensure that your remodel is done by the book, follows all city or municipality specifications or codes, and can be incorporated into your living space for future resale value. An experienced contractor–such as a team member at Lynch–will confirm (in writing) that they have properly pulled and secured all permits before they begin your custom project.
Design Ideas to Take Your Specialty Project to the Next Level
You might be intrigued by the idea of a specialty project remodel—but where does one start? Below, our team lists out a few design ideas to get your creative wheels turning:
Seek Out Inspiration From Existing Projects
Think about your greatest passions or hobbies and how you can incorporate them into the custom renovation of your dreams. If you’re having trouble conjuring up an image, it’s always recommended to seek out inspiration from existing projects. For example, Lynch Design | Build has years of experience creating dream spaces for our clients.
Consider this luxury wine cellar we created for a homeowner who is an avid collector. It feels like you’re transported to another period of time when you enter the room; the rustic atmosphere is cool, cozy and inviting. Complete with a barrel ceiling, custom-made cabinetry, a tasting table, and an Italian chandelier, this space accomplished a true wine cellar experience.
For a more family-friendly experience, a home theater might be higher on your priority list. We created this home theater for a family who wanted a place to relax, unwind, and watch their favorite films together. We wanted this space to look and feel like a real movie theater, and we accomplished this goal by installing the right lighting that gave the space a “theater” effect and choosing elevated seating. We also went for luxury reclining seats in the back and a spacious, C-shaped sectional sofa in the front of the theater.
Ultimately, your specialty remodel can be anything you want it to be; the world is your oyster! Get design inspiration by browsing our special projects gallery here.
Don’t Skimp on the Storage
Prior to beginning this remodeling project, it is likely that you used this space for storage–especially if you’re choosing to remodel your basement. That need does not go away just because you’ve pared down your possessions and beautified the space, but there may be more creative storage solutions that allow your basement to serve multiple purposes. Consider enclosing unsightly ductwork and plumbing by adding a storage closet (or two). This gives you both a place to store off-season or infrequently used possessions and makes the space easier on the eyes. It’s a win-win!
Start Your Specialty Remodeling Project with Lynch Design | Build Today
The value you can get out of a specialty home project is truly limitless. At Lynch Design | Build, we’re passionate about working with Maryland homeowners to bring out their home’s potential. We’ll spend time perfecting the design of your home theater, home bar, gym, or wine cellar so that you’re ecstatic with the finished product. To talk to us about designing and building the basement of your dreams, or to learn more about our luxury remodeling services, contact us today by calling 410-879-5510.
This article is part of our “Awkward Stage” series where we dive into how to prepare for and survive the construction phase of home remodeling. To read the second article in our series, “How to Survive a Bathroom Remodel,” click here.
