AFTER: Guest Suite Fireplace As seen on HGTV's Elbow Room, this basement was renovated by licensed contractor Chip Wade to include a new guest suite for visitors, home beer-brewing area and entertaining space for the whole family. This is the suite's modern lounging area with a deep fireplace. The space has clean, modern feel that is warmed up by the wood accent walls. Before: Guest Suite Fireplace

Before, the unfinished basement was uninviting and mainly used for storage and the homeowner's makeshift beer-brewing area.

A new seating arrangement allows for the family to sit together with the flagstone fireplace and TV as the focal point in the room.

The basement is a nice size, but wasted space that is rarely used. This dingy old desk looks neglected and very plain against mustard yellow walls.

The sleek new desk rolls easily to make for additional space and fits the style of the library area. The color of the built-in bookshelves breaks up the yellow.

The bookshelf is a similar shade to the mustard walls and does nothing for the space.

The color is a vast improvement, but the real upgrade is the super-cool secret passageway from the bookshelf.

Post-makeover, the basement is once again a family hub full of modern cottage style. The new staircase provides an open wall that separates the living room from the dining room. The stairs are stained to create a warm contrast between the two rooms.

The original stairs were damaged by water and were too weak. Since they were a hazard, they needed to be rebuilt.

The custom open stairs are a bold and strong addition to the basement. Not only are they a wonderful design element, but they also serve a as room divider for the living room and dining room.

Boxes of assorted storage items took up all the available space, but even if they didn't, the water damage from the flooding made this an unsafe space.

Once the basement was cleared, a family room area was placed next to the new staircase. There's a great open flow to the space and the soft palette and lighting bring out the brightness of the room.

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14 Basement Ideas for Remodeling | HGTV

Best 25+ Small basement remodel ideas on Pinterest | Basements, Small basement decor and Basement layout Here are some small basement remodeling ideas you can implement. To make the house well-organized, all things need to have dedicated storage units. For this reason, you should have a shed or something alike to store unnecessary stuff.

Basement Remodel: Home Theater Designs

Basement: Love the oversized chaise couch for watching movies. TV room in basement or flex room? Activities, games, workout could be in basement instead.

Laundry Room & Barn Door (A House and A Dog)

Laundry Room & Barn Door - Good idea for a laundry room door to maximize space in the laundry room.

Gorgeous Basement Finishing

half wall fixes-Basement Renovation Low Ceiling

24 Stunning Ideas For Designing a Contemporary Basement

Railing 24 Stunning Ideas For Designing a Contemporary Basement

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Master bath redesign idea for shower. Traditional Small Bathroom Bathroom Design Ideas, Pictures, Remodel and Decor

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Basement Renovation - traditional - basement - toronto - Fine Design Living - like the way the brought light to the bookcases.and the extra millwork on the wainscoting.

How To Efficiently Add Storage Under The Stairs

Clever office idea: built-in shelves and desk under a staircase. Great for a nice office work space in the basement.

15+ Stairway Lighting Ideas For Modern And Contemporary Interiors

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Even if it& currently cold concrete and crammed with boxes of off-season duds, the lowest floor of your home probabl .

Sunday Inspiration, a little Bar Area

Beverage Bar Idea for our wet bar area

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Best 25+ Small basement remodel ideas on Pinterest ...

As you get ready to take the remodeling plunge, take time to map out your basement layout and determine all its separate functions. Think about what your family needs the space for, and pick a layout that best suits those needs. Once you finalize your plan, determine whether built-ins are worth pursuing. In a vast, undefined space, they're an easy way to differentiate one space from another the extra storage space doesn't hurt either. Finally, decide how you're going to fill the room with furniture. Since there's so much space to cover, picking the right pieces is a little more challenging than usual, so look at other basement design ideas to get a feel for what to look for when shopping. What are basements used for?Every family is different, so when looking for finished basement ideas make sure you pinpoint how you spend your time and then cater to those hobbies and interests. If you host parties often or are beer and wine aficionados, focus your basement remodel on creating a home bar or wine cellar. If you're looking for a kid-friendly hangout, become the neighborhood hot spot with a massive family and media room combo. Give the guy in your family the ultimate escape with a man cave, game room and home gym, or be practical above all else by adding extra bedrooms and another bathroom. Should I use built-ins in my basement design?With such large spaces, basements can hard to define; clever built-ins can help clarify room divisions while simultaneously aiding organization. For the ultimate video game/movie hub, install a custom entertainment center, complete with bookshelves and cabinets for storing small electronic accessories, movies and books. For those family movie nights, add a wet bar that includes a microwave and mini fridge for popcorn and beverages. A craft room with a built-in counter and shelves, or a long booth or bench for extra seating are also popular basement ideas. The options are endless, so consult a designer or builder to see what works for your basement remodel. How should I decorate my basement?If you take a look at most basement decorating ideas, youll see that typically bigger is better. Unlike other rooms where space might be tight, basement designs usually have room to spare, so your furniture can be oversized and chunky to help fill them up. Sectionals are a great way to avoid an empty-looking room, and they provide plenty of seating for when guests come to visit. Be sure to add other common living room pieces like armchairs, side tables and coffee tables to fully complete the look. If your family loves games, add a pool table, foosball or poker table, or include an oversized table for regular board games. Other excellent basement ideas include giving your kids their own corner with an indoor playhouse or swing, or creating your ultimate getaway with a daybed and bookshelves for reading, napping and relaxing.

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All-Time Favorite Basement Ideas | Houzz

Finished basements can be the sites of stunning achievements or apocalyptic home disasters. Problems there can significantly decrease the value of your home, while cost-effective finishing work can add livable square footage, vastly increasing its value.

Whether you're thinking of remodeling your basement or you need to fix leaking or sinking foundations, the cost of your work will vary based on your geographical location, type of soil, kind of repair or enhancement and complexity or amount of work needed.

While a remodel generally happens after a basement has already been finished, you may find that you want to remodel your new, unfinished basement. Remodeling your basement before refinishing it can often save you money.

Installing all of the necessary plumbing and electrical work while walls and floors are unfinished will result in savings.Starting from scratch doesnt require demolition, which can save you around $2,000. Framing may be necessary to define rooms and spaces. System upgrades usually call for minor expansions to the HVAC and electrical systems, but not adding plumbing. The bulk of the cost, however, is in flooring and finishing. After wrapping things up with carpeting, drywall, and ceiling material, you can expect to pay anywhere from $6,500 to $15,500.

Your basement probably houses some of your home's work engines: a boiler, hot water heater, furnace, maybe an extensive network of pipes carrying water or sewage. It's the area that's extremely susceptible to water damage and leakage. Whatever work you do, you probably will want to include waterproofing as well.

Converting a finished basement from a general room to a full-service guest suite involves all of the above and then some. After adding or remodeling a bathroom, a kitchenette, cabinetry, HVAC and electrical upgrades, etc., you can easily spend $20,500 to $50,000.

Some houses only have partial basements. Extending your foundation is an involved job and can cost from $10,000 to $30,000 on top of the above estimates.

The finishing touches you choose, such as ceiling, flooring, and other features, will add to the final costs. When designing your basement, remember to factor in these features to the budget.

Timing

If time is critical, consider a basement finishing kit. A finishing kit has insulated wall panels, and some include a walkable flooring surface and ceiling material for DIY installation. Depending on the size of your basement, these kits can be installed in a weekend. However, the floor wont be carpeted, the walls wont be painted, and there will be no electrical or plumbing. Other features such as doors, trim work, and more also need to be added.

The cost of a finishing kit ranges from around $4.75 sq. ft. for just wall panels that you install yourself to $30,000 for the walls, ceiling, and floor installed by a professional team.

Your Home's Systems

One solution is to paint ceiling pipes the same color as the ceiling to hide them -- or in bright colors to make them interesting. Placing a water heater in a closet is a consideration, but be sure to check local codes before doing this. Large systems like boilers and HVAC units are not so easily to tuck away.

Professionals agree the utility room should not be finished. The ventilation and drainage requirements for these systems are very specific, and you need easy access to the systems for inspection and repair. Consult a professional before settling on a design to prevent any issues from occurring down the road.

Framing - $1 sq ft.

Drywall - $1.50 sq. ft.

Ceilings - $1 - $6 sq. ft.

Pipes and ductwork often hangs lower than the joists. This makes a smooth ceiling impossible. Many repurposed urban spaces mask these features by painting them and the ceiling the same color. A sprayer can be rented for about $100 a day, or you can hire a pro for around $300 to $500.

Drop ceilings are overcoming their bad reputations with acrylic panels that imitate other materials or have attractive patterns. They generally cost between $2.00 to $6.00 per square foot.

Finally, tongue and groove wood such as pine looks great and is lightweight, making it perfect for a warmth-adding ceiling. Expect to pay between $1 and $3 per square foot for the paneling.

Floors - $300 - $5,000

Basement Bathroom Installation

You can fit a full bathroom with tub/shower combination in a room that measures 40-square feet. However, on average, a smaller bath (with just a stand-up shower) or a half-bath usually needs to be about 30-square feet for comfort and functionality. Depending on the basement space and layout, you may be able to go with a larger 60-square feet or more bathroom space. Creating bathroom with a separate water closet may require 100-square feet or more.

For a professional to do the full bathroom installation, expect costs to range from $10,000 to $15,000. Tackling the full installation on your own can cut costs approximately in half.

Additional Rooms and Features

The final touches for a finished basement can make it as amazing as any room in the house. Recessed lighting keeps headspace as high as possible while crown molding adds a luxurious touch. Wall-to-wall carpeting or hardwood floors add comfort and warmth to the living space. Paint and wallpaper can add style while built-in storage adds function.

Finally, if the space is too big to be a single room but too small to be multiple rooms, consider visually dividing the room with a counter. It can be lower for children to use as a craft table, or it can be bar height to become a standing desk.

Permits

Failure to obtain proper permits can result removing (demo-ing) any current finishing work or remodeling already installed. You could also face fines. A stop work order may be issued, which usually causes double the fees when you do, eventually, apply for the permit(s). If you have to file an insurance claim and cant produce any permits, the insurance company may deny the claim. Finishing a basement without permits also can affect the home's resale value.

Permits for most jobs cost about $50.

Foundations

Old homes may suffer from sagging foundation beams as a result of shifting ground or decay and deterioration of the original building materials. Foundation beams can be raised and shored up successfully, but the right tools, like a pneumatic jack, are essential. Depending on how much the foundation beam must be raised, this job may require several days of incremental steps to complete - which means increased labor costs. Hiring professionals is the best option for this job. Expect costs to run about $10,000 for repairs like a shifted foundation.

Pillars are a common element basement finishes and remodels need to work around. The basement pillars most likely provide integral structural support for your home. Do not move them without consulting a professional contractor. Alterations to the structure of your basement or foundation should be done by a professional prior to refinishing.

Water Leakage

Waterproofing comes in a variety of techniques. It depends on the source of the water and its severity. On average, basement waterproofing costs around $7,000, though minor waterproofing can cost as little as $300 to $500. Be sure to get multiple quotes and details about the job. Have your basement checked before beginning any remodel.

Added Value of a Finished Basement

In Conclusion

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2017 Average Cost to Finish a Basement + Remodel, Bathroom ...

When Karen Clark ventures down to one of the three basements of the Logan Library, she always makes sure someone knows where she is. She fears falling down the old concrete stairs and waiting days for someone to find her.

Clark, the library director, heads below on a daily basis to check on the decades-old mechanical equipment that keeps the library running. If the green lights are flashing, thats a good sign.

You have to come down and make sure that everything is working, that youre getting heating and cooling, she said.

She makes sure no alarms are going off and crouches under air ducts to make sure there isnt flooding. On Thursday, a small pool of water had formed next to a sump pump. She said water had seeped in from the irrigation system.

I just have to watch; usually this water dries up, but it takes a while, Clark said.

The flooding hasnt been too bad since they installed the two sump pumps, but at its worst Clark, a 20-year Logan Library veteran, said the water has gone just above her ankles.

Youll notice that everything is up on pallets because the basement floods, Clark said. A lot.

The majority of this particular basement is filled with cardboard boxes containing the Everton Collection. According to a 2005 Herald Journal article, its one of the largest genealogical collections in the country, with 82,000 pieces from different states and foreign countries.

The two other basements are completely disconnected and accessible from opposite ends of the building. They are smaller, used for storage and rarely visited.

According to Logan Mayor Craig Petersen, the library is a conglomeration of six buildings dating back to the 1930s. One section was a dance hall, then Sears Roebuck bought the whole structure. Under the direction of Mayor Newell Daines in the 1980s, the building was converted into a combined city hall and library.

In 2009, the new city hall building was built, and the library took up the entire building.

The facility was never designed for Library use, Petersen wrote in an email. As a result, the space cant be efficiently used.

On the main floor, Clark points up to the ceiling panels where water stains are common. Most library goers probably miss the blue recycling bins that sit atop some of the bookshelves in the adult non-fiction sections, ready to catch drips of rainwater.

We dont even keep books up there because weve lost a lot of collection, she said.

Its worse during the winter, she said. Water freezes and clogs the drain and standing water seeps in through the ceiling.

Looking down, the childrens section has relatively new carpet, but Clark said the carpet in the adult wing is from 1986 and has never been replaced.

We cant even clean it because the cleaners worry about it disintegrating, she said.

A closer look at the flooring shows multiple materials and levels. Clark stepped on a creaking panel where her office used to be before city hall vacated the building in 2009.

Logan Municipal Councilman Tom Jensen, an architect by trade who has worked on libraries, said a number of studies have found that the windows, roof and mechanical system are failing, as well as problems with the flooring and the different foundations from several old structures.

The floor, sometimes youre walking on concrete, sometimes youre walking on plywood with carpet over, Jensen said. Its functionally obsolete, and the systems are seriously in need of replacing.

Another well-kept secret at the Logan Library is the completely unused second floor. Up the staircase the former offices of the mayor, finance department, city attorney and other staff sit vacant.

Now we have a whole upstairs we cant even use, she said.

There is no elevator going to the second floor, no access for people with disabilities and the floors arent heavy-duty enough to hold stacks of books. So it remains unused.

I could have (my office) up here, but then Id have to run down the stairs every time somebody asks me a question, Clark said.

Higher still, on the roof, the air conditioning fans broke last summer forcing the library to close for a week. Clark said the fans broke, and since the unit is so old, the parts arent made anymore so they had to be custom made.

Similarly, Clark said replacement parts for the freight elevator that connects the main basement to the main floor arent made anymore.

As Logan weighs the pros and cons of building a new 21st century library and community center or remodeling the current building, the choice is a no-brainer for Clark. When she hears people say the city doesn't need a new library, she said she feels sad and disappointed.

The new library is not going to be like this, she said. Its going to have so much more availability than what we can offer right now.

If the existing library was remodeled, Clark said she wonders what would happen during the construction process.

Would we have to close for two years? Clark said. Would the remodeling be so much that we had to shut down and not have the library and wait two years while it gets fixed?

In the process of considering the option of building a new library or remodeling the current building, Kent Craven, a registered architect with local firm Design West, wrote a memo detailing some observations about the existing building.

He concluded that the concrete post and beam structure in the main basement limits remodel goals. Mold seems to be present as well as the possibility of asbestos. The building needs new windows. Most of the mechanical systems would need to be replaced. The existing electrical and alarm system would require major replacement or an upgrade.

The memo states three factors that trigger a decision to take a serious look at an aging facility: health and safety deficiencies, outdated building systems and program changes.

All three factors are considered high for the existing library, Craven wrote.

The rule of thumb in the industry is if a remodel costs 65 percent of a new building, its not worth it. Craven calculated that a remodel could cost anywhere between 75 percent to 86 percent of a new building.

Even if it was remodeled, Craven wrote that the building would still be less environmentally efficient, less safe, less sustainable, less appealing, have a shorter life cycle and would be less responsive to the needs of a 21st century library.

You could spend $7 to $9 million dollars to patch up a building that would be functionally still obsolete, Councilman Jensen said. Or you could spend slightly more to have a building that was functional and new and would have much lower energy cost.

Its not just our library its everyones library, Clark said.

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Remodel the library? Experts say it's functionally obsolete - The Herald Journal

SEATTLE Jeff Pelletier approached the achy Queen Anne Craftsman like a skilled orthopedic surgeon, noting the age of the patient, assessing her weary bones and ultimately knocking her out and opening her up.

This was a major operation.

This is the first home for Kaitlyn and Jason Tamulonis, and its an old one, built in 1904. They loved its walkable neighborhood, its proximity to family and its charming aesthetic, but it had been limping along with painfully poor circulation since an unfortunate remodeling incident in the 1980s.

Assorted ailments included a sunken family-room addition that was like two separate homes next to each other; an enormous master bath with no shower; a massive master bedroom with no closets; and a series of really tiny, closed-off rooms, said architect Pelletier, of Board & Vellum.

A lot of older homes typically have large, open spaces; this was the most cramped house Ive ever worked on, he said. Early on, like a ball of string, we could slowly pull it all out and have it make sense. We tried to keep what we could, but the whole house was gutted.

And now its cured, thanks to the fusion of a strong, central spine: One single staircase.

The biggest problem was staircases everywhere: The front stair was like a dollhouse staircase, super-tiny; the one to the basement was like a ramp; and the addition had two staircases to the basement, Pelletier said. The staircase kind of designed the house. Solving the stair problem allowed everything else to happen.

Lots happened. By opening up the main floor, we created a grand space for entertaining, a quiet window seat off the entry and a generous mudroom at the back entrance, Pelletier said. The addition a few steps lower than the kitchen is now better integrated with the rest of the home. The house now has three full levels of living space, including a finished basement and second-floor master suite. Outside, theres a new front porch, an enlarged upper deck and a coordinating new two-car garage in back.

The result: Beautiful, updated balance that works for the way a young family lives (Jason and Kaitlyn have a baby daughter, Julia, and a fuzzy pup, Kascade).

When youre planning, you look at compromises, Pelletier says. How do you turn whats there into opportunity? What battles do you fight? The goal was to have it all make sense, on a budget.

Smaller things made a big difference, Jason said. The upstairs front bedroom was slightly massaged and enlarged just enough after an earlier staircase vacated, says Pelletier, creating breathing room for a cozy nook.

Downstairs, expanded window wells pour light into Jasons office; a guest bedroom; and a big, open play area, where once there were crowded bedrooms, a utility space and a bizarre little bathroom aka, not a space you wanted to hang out, Pelletier said.

Off the family room, a mysteriously sited tall shower made way for a lovely mudroom, with built-in cubbies stuffed with baby and dog gear. And the newly proportional master suite gained a lovely shower and closet space.

Aside from that one critical, fully exposed staircase, Kaitlyn said, We dont feel like we splurged a lot. We got everything done in one go, with everything baby-friendly.

Like any professional with a first do no harm outlook, Pelletier is thrilled to have had a go at rejuvenation in the first place.

As first-time homebuyers, instead of tearing it down and building a box, they kept the bones that were there, he said. I love to remodel older homes. So many are chopped off. Theyre not sustainable. I feel like this remodel lasts another 100 years. The bones of the home are right now.

2017 The Seattle Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC

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A Seattle Craftsman gets a major remodel - The Exponent Telegram (press release) (registration)

The Collinsville Library has a new and improved look and updated features thanks to a major remodeling project that was carried out this month.

Branch Manager Rhonda Weldon said the upgrades came on the heels of the library celebrating the centennial of its opening as a Carnegie-grant institution in July.

The renovation, I think its an extension of our 100th anniversary celebration, she said. It was basically just time for a facelift we just needed a little sprucing up, really.

The scope of the project, which took place August 7-20, involved adding new technology, stripping and refinishing the floors, repainting all the walls, adding shelves and rearranging the layout to make more room for patrons.

Library staff also organized and expanded its media center and childrens book section, as well as created a new nook for kids to play and read together.

The library, were the hub of the community in many ways, Weldon said. The fact that were open again in time for school, thats really important.

One of the major changes carried out during the remodel was removing the main desk and replacing it with two digital self-check machines for customers to use for all library services.

The Collinsville branch is the first in the entire Tulsa City-County Library system to incorporate these high-tech devices, which offer a one-stop shop for patrons to check in and out, browse titles, pay fines, renew their account and more at their leisure.

Weldon said the reason for adopting the new technology was to continue to stay relevant in the digital age by embracing a customer-focused service model.

The customers who need to come in, pick up library materials, check out and go on with their day can do so without needing to wait on a library staff person to be available, she said.

Other structural renovations included replacing the deteriorating concrete steps at the north entry, excavating around the perimeter of the building to install new basement waterproofing and a French drain, and installing new high-efficiency air conditioners in the basement meeting room.

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Collinsville Library reopens after major remodel with improved look, updated features - Tulsa World

Mold was removed from the basement of the Lunenburg Town Hall and on Thursday a couple of employees from ARS Restorations Specialists where finishing up the job by putting a coat of paint on the walls. Luis Puerie mixes some more paint as they work on getting the job done. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE/JOHN LOVE

LUNENBURG -- Mold abatement in the basement of Town Hall is underway, and on Thursday crews were finishing up the $47,000 project.

Wearing a head-to-toe hazmat suit, project supervisor Edwin Albaladejo stood outside Town Hall and explained the process for eradicating the mold.

"We stripped everything out. Basically, if there's no wood, there's nothing to grow on," said Albaladejo.

Town records stored in the basement were removed before abatement began, said Albaladejo.

Town Manager Heather Lemieux said the basement can no longer be used for storage.

"We cannot store anything in the basement from this point on," said Lemieux.

Mold was removed from the basement of the Lunenburg Town Hall and on Thursday a couple of employees from ARS Restorations Specialists where finishing up the job by putting a coat of paint on the walls. Luis Puerie mixes some more paint as they work on getting the job done. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE/JOHN LOVE

Lemieux said the attic at Town Hall is no longer a viable option for storing records, because "structurally the building can't handle the weight that's in the attic."

The $47,000 abatement project comes after the town spent $7,000 cleaning up waste left behind from birds living in the attic.

Lemieux recommended records currently stored in Town Hall be moved to classrooms at the T.C. Passios building, where the schools superintendent and her staff have offices -- and where the Board of Selectmen wants to move town offices.

"All the records need to be moved out so we have to address how that's going to happen," said Lemieux.

Selectmen Bob Ebersole at Tuesday's Board of Selectmen meeting said the records that cannot be stored digitally must be kept in a location that will not be susceptible to damage by mold.

"Any record has to be protected ... it all has to be kept safe and secure," said Ebersole.

On Aug. 15, the Board of Selectmen voted to continue the process that would move municipal offices -- and 56 employees -- into the Passios building. A study commissioned by the town a year and a half ago determined that could be the best option.

Lemieux has said the Passios building requires remodeling, including an update to its electrical and heating systems. The cost of the renovations has not yet been determined.

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Big bill for mold removal in Lunenburg - Sentinel & Enterprise

Like most HGTV addicts, I caught the home renovation bug early on. It's difficult to avoid when designers are throwing around phrases like "clean and open" and "repurposed and refreshed." And yet, there's another phrase that isn't said nearly enough: return on investment (ROI).

Curb appeal, durability, and ample living space are important to prospective buyers, as evidenced by the upgrades listed in Remodeling Magazine's 2017 cost vs. value national report. Ifselling your home is on the horizon, keep these 10 renovations and their ROIs in mind to help you secure a greater profit.

image source: Getty images.

1. Entry door (90.7%): Form and function meet when you replace your entry door with a reinforced steel door. The appeal of safety coupled with an updated look will allow you to recoup nearly all of your investment.

2. Manufactured stone veneer (89.4%): Vinyl siding won't earn you as much when it's time to sell, but replacing it with a stone faade will increase your home's value by about $7,000.

3. Garage door (76.9%): A steel-tracked model with built-in insulation will cost you about $1,750, but this upgrade will appeal to buyers who value car safety and a warm commute during the winter months.

image source: Getty images.

4. Vinyl window replacement (73.9%): Old homes have a certain charm, but not if they're drafty. This update is an expensive one at $15,282, but you can tout a commitment to energy efficiency on the MLS listing once it's complete. You'll also qualify for a tax credit if your windows are certified by Energy Star (more on that here.)

5. Siding replacement (76.4%): Siding protects your home and brightens up an outdated property. Buying and installing 1,250 square feet of vinyl siding will cost just over $14,500, but the low-maintenance material will last decades longer than other siding options..

image source: Getty images.

6. Minor kitchen remodel (80.2%): The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it's no surprise that buyers are interested in aesthetic appeal. A $21,000 budget will allow you to reap a decent return, but keep in mind that this number can decline quickly if you make too many costly changes.

7. Two-story addition (71.1%): Adding a second floor to your home may seem over the top, but it's worth it when the housing market is booming. For instance, while Remodeling Magazine's national report estimates a 71.1% return, their regional report for Seattle projects a 90.6% return due to a competitive market. Take a closer look at the earning potential in your neighborhood to learn if adding an addition is a lucrative option.

8. Basement remodel (70%): Basements are usually reserved for the ever-popular man cave or children's playroom. Cash in on nostalgia by updating the sub-level floor of your home. Renovations that include weatherproofing could also lower your home and flood insurance premiums.

image source: getty images.

9. Grand entrance (70.1%): A fancy entrance gives your home that "wow" factor buyers are looking for, and adding a simple fiberglass gable above your front door's exterior can make your property more inviting.

10. Family room addition (69.3%):Open floor-plans are all the rage in today's market, and adding 400 square feet of living space can set you apart in an older neighborhood. This renovation doesn't come cheap at an average cost of $89,500, but the rewards could be greater depending on your location.

image source: getty images.

These upgrades sound great, but earning a profit means closing the gap between your initial investment and the estimated payout. While your ROI potential depends largely on your local real estate market, save as much renovation money as possible with these options:

image source: getty images.

image source: getty images.

It's still a buyer's market in most U.S. neighborhoods, but it's possible to secure a seller's profit with a little creativity. Take advantage of your local market research and look for ways to make your home the best on the block.

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10 Home Upgrades That Boost Resale Value -- and How to Pay for Them - Motley Fool

Belgrade High Schools initial phases of a remodel are completed, and, Principal Paul Lamb said instructors are currently moving into their renovated classrooms located in the basement of the school.

The remodel, so far, moved 10 classes from a west wing building into the basement of the high schools main building, he said. The west wing was demolished during the phase of the construction, Lamb said, and crews are currently working to replace it.

Theyre in full construction mode to construct the new west wing, Lamb said.

The new building will be two stories and house a new cafeteria area, art and business classrooms and 10 math and special education classrooms. In total, the high school will be adding 17 new rooms and additional instructors by the time renovations are completed, Lamb said.

During the construction, Lamb said, 50 parking spots from the west side parking lot would be out of commission. This includes for athletic events, school and other events hosted by the high school.

But, he said, the construction would not impede on the students education, citing there will not be any use of portable classes. Students should expect construction zones when they arrive back from their summer vacation, Lamb said.

Belgrade Superintendent Leland Stocker said he was pleased with the progress of the renovation.

I always find construction to be an exciting time because we are anticipating the final product, Stocker said. We are very pleased with what we are going to provide the students with this year.

Construction crews ran into one hiccup while doing the basement remodel, which school officials said is normal when remodeling. In the basement, under the flooring, construction crews found that the electrical was integrated in the cement of the building.

Even with those surprises, were in a good place, Stocker said. Were still on schedule.

Lamb agreed with Stocker that renovations were still on schedule to hit their completion deadline.

Theres always hiccups in construction, but there has been nothing that has moved our timeline back, Lamb said.

The expansion project comes in light of a forecasted spike in attendance for the high school, Lamb said. The capacity of the school was for 900 students, but the remodel can accommodate about 1,300 students.

The next phases of the remodel include modernizing the entryway of the school. The lobby and cafeteria area will be wide open with a taller ceiling that exposes support beams for a second floor of classrooms, and glass panels to let natural light in the building.

More functional spaces would also be made for the choir and band and the technical education would expand to include three shops. The culinary arts program will also get its own home in two large rooms near the school kitchen.

School officials are predicting that renovations would be completed by 2019, and cost an estimated $25 million.

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First phase of BHS remodel is complete - Belgrade News