Finished basements offer expanded space and added value for a home

When a family outgrows its home above ground, it's time to look below to design more living space in the basement.

"Basements are the projects that help you improve your living area," according to BasementConsultant.com. "Ranging from home theaters to teenage hangouts, there are a number of ideas that can be used. Finished basements not only increase the size of the house but also add some extra value for your living space."

But outfitting a basement requires materials that are suitable for an area that may draw more humidity in warm months and dampness in the winter. Conserving energy around basement entrances and windows also is a concern for any homeowner undertaking such a project.

Since basement windows are often smaller than windows at street level, a window treatment should be chosen to maximize the natural light available during the day and to provide privacy at night.

Energy-saving cellular shades are a good choice for outfitting basement windows. They offer good insulation from window drafts in either single cell shades or double cell shades depending on how much insulation is needed as protection from the elements.