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When I mention pool house you probably envision a detached building that looks like the main house.  It's lavish with large windows and an entertainment area that includes a kitchen.

The pool house doesn't have to be detached from the house.  Your basement can give you the same options.  Large full bath to shower and change in.  Kitchen area to serve food and drinks to your guests.  Open entertainment area to play and relax in.  A place for your guests to sleep over and have their own space.  And this room can be used all year long.

Really looking for that pool house feel.  Consider adding additional french doors or glass doors to make the area feel more open and connected to the pool area.  You may even consider using a glass wall system like the NanaWall System, as seen in this picture.  With this wall system you would truly get that vacation feel in your own backyard.

Guest posting also at Ask the Pool Guy.

Photo provided by: NanaWall Systems

Carpets need to be cleaned every 6-12 months to maintain their health and beauty.  Even if your carpets don't look dirty it needs a professional cleaning.  Your carpet is a giant filter that holds onto dust mites, allergins, dirt, and pollutants.  I have used Susan Klein from Crystal Chem-Dry for years for my carpet cleaning. 

Give Susan a call, she has a January special.  Let her know I sent ya.

Crystal Chem Dry: 888-613-3078

From the Designers Desk: Katie Gilbert

This porcelain tile has been a very popular selection lately.  And for good reason.  It looks like slate without the cost and maintenance of real slate.

Natural slate needs to be sealed to prevent staining, this porcelain tile is non-porous and will not require sealing.  Natural slate also has a tendency to flake a little at first, as the loose bits and uneven edges wear down.  This porcelain tile has a smoother texture so your bar stools won't rock or get jammed up on the rough edges, like they would on a natural slate stone. 

With 3 color pallets to choose from, you are sure to find one that will look great in your bath, kitchen or bar. 

Green details: Made in the USA- with materials from the USA.  With more than half of the content pre-consumer recycled materials , and little post-consumer recycled material thrown in as well, this is a very eco conscious product and is GreenGuard Certified.

Photo taken by: Finished Basements Plus.    Job Location: Superior Twp. Michigan

As Chuck Gaidica declares, "Cuddle Alert!"  It's frigid out, so it's time to snuggle up with someone.  Make it picture perfect by snuggling up in front of your fireplace.

No fireplace you say.   Then consider adding a gas or electric fireplace.  One can be installed anywhere in your home or basement by using a vent-free-gas or electric fireplace.  A vented-gas fireplace is very versatile, but requires a bit more work, than an electric, if it isn't installed on an outside wall.

There are several options to finishing the surround of a fireplace.  Go modern by installing it high with no mantel or hearth.  Add a tile surround with a simple mantel to keep it classic.  Raising the fireplace for a hearth and adding stone to the surround with a large, wooden mantle will give you cabin-like charm.  Whether the style of your home is classic or modern, just be sure to keep a snuggle buddy near.

Photo taken by: Finished Basements Plus.    Project Located in Highland Twp.

We have been installing backup sump pumps in basements for years.  They are an added level of protection against flooding.  Typically there are two types, water powered and battery backup.  Both are good and have pros and cons to each.  For example: we installed a water powered sump pump in a basement but, a few years back when we had the brown out for several days the water pressure dropped.  In this case, since there was no water pressure to drive the pump his basement flooded.

The ultimate protection has been found - the "TripleSafe Sump Pump."  This pump has a main pump, a backup pump and battery back up.  This is a great product and when you add a Water Watch Alarm it offers the best protection on the market for failing sump pumps, rising water table or power outage.

Guest Post

If you are like many homeowners, you will find yourself hosting friends and family that visit your home.  By taking the time to provide a relaxing, welcoming space for your guests, you will help ensure that their visit is pleasant.  Giving guests their own bathroom is key to making them feel comfortable in your home.

Purposeful Placement

Choosing the location of your guest bathroom is important.  Making sure that the bathroom is located close to their bedroom helps them feel comfortable using it as their own, and is also helpful for them if they need to use it during the night.  Whether adding a bathroom in suite or next to the bedroom, consider putting in a full bathroom.  Providing a full bathroom gives them additional privacy for bathing as well as a place to store their toiletries.

Style and Design

Aim for a relaxing, spa-like environment.  Soft, muted colors will provide a relaxing vibe for your traveling guests.  Keep decorations simple - candles and fresh flowers provide a luxurious atmosphere.  Make sure that the vanity area is free of clutter.  Leave a couple open shelves or a designated place for guests to keep their toiletries.  Hang fresh, fluffy towels for their use and provide an extra hook or shelf for them to place their clothes while showering.

Welcoming Extras

Make your guests stay even more comfortable by providing everything they might need during their stay.  Make sure that basic supplies like extra toilet paper and towels are easily accessible.  It's nice to keep a decorative basket stocked with shampoos, soaps, razors and toothpaste just in case they forget anything.  By keeping these little "extras" within view, guests know that they are free to use them and don't have to worry about bothering you - and they feel like a special guest!

Last, before your guests arrive, make sure your bathroom is clean and fresh.  Wipe down the sink, tub and toilet, to remove any dust that may have collected since the room was last used.  Let guests know that they can use the guest bathroom as their own and make sure they know where everything is located.  A warm, inviting bathroom is key to making sure that your guests feel welcomed and valued while staying in your home!

Written by Adam Coholan, an active blogger remodeling, renovation, and interior design based on his experience working with luxury Queens condos around the New York area.  You can follow him on Twitter @Coho22.

Photo: Taken by Finished Basements Plus.  Project located in Brighton, Michigan.

A contractor wants to do your job the cheapest and fastest way possible.  He is not going to want to go to the trouble of moving mechanicals and incur the extra expense and time into a project.  He wants to get in and get out.

A designer, on the other hand, is looking to make the best use of space and do it right.  He/She will move the underground plumbing, even if it is only a few feet, to make the floor plan work.  He/She will make sure cabinets are ordered correctly so drawers and doors are sure to open properly.

I was just listening to Steve and Katie talk about moving duct work to make a basement bath plan work.  She didn't want to settle on a poor design if a little extra effort would make a better, more fuctional space.

A designer is looking out for your best interest.  A designer is looking for ways to fulfill your needs and criteria.

So... your thinking your basement could add  a lot of valuable living space to your home?  You're  right.  If you have a basement, you can increase the square footage of living space in your home by 30-50%.  But most people haven't the slightest clue what a project like this would cost.

Remodeling projects will vary greatly in price based on size, finishes, quality of material and workmanship.  So it is very difficult to figure out what your project might cost without talking to someone and getting a quote.  But there are some generalities to make sure you're thinking in realistic terms when it comes to budgeting for a basement project.

Home builders often use a square foot price of $100 per sq.ft. when talking about new construction.  Most contractors don't bid basement jobs in terms of square foot price, but for the sake of understanding costs, that is what we will be talking about.  A simple basement; floor-walls-ceiling-electrical, no bath or bar, might run in the range of $30-$40 per sq.ft.  When you start to add in cabinets, granite countertops, plumbing fixtures, pricier floors, and architectural details like archways, molding and ceiling treatments, that average can quickly go up to $50-$70 per square foot.

In order to help get a realistic frame of mind, finishing 1000 sq.ft of your basement will probably cost $30,000- $60,000.  Again , there are a wide range of factors in determining the cost.  Call a professional contractor to quote  your families needs.

guest post-

Glass tile is a huge trend in home decor, and for good reason, because it has a lot going for it.  Not only is it easy to clean and maintain, it's completely versatile, lending itself to kitchen and bathroom styles ranging from traditional to ultra-modern.  Here are some ideas for ways to use the glass tile to fit in with any bathroom or kitchen backsplash:

COLOR

One of the best things about glass tile is that it comes in nearly every color imaginable, and you can mix and match to create a glass tile mosaic to fit any style.  You'll also never have to worry about the color chipping or fading, since it is fired directly into the glass.

If your kitchen and bathroom are traditional or country in style, a good option to match the look is to choose neutral glass tile colors such as deep browns or earthy greens.  Glass tile mosaics let you add beautiful variety to your bathroom and kitchen backsplashes by combining colors to match the rest of the room exactly.

For a more modern look, hues such as red and turquoise can be used to make a bold statement.  Other ideas are using black, white, or gray tile to match industrial decor and stainless appliances.

STYLE

Traditional glass tile is generally square shaped and small, with each of the sides measuring less than an inch in length.  These glass tiles, when used monochromatically or as a part of a larger design, add interest to any kitchen or bathroom.

Glass tiles also  come in larger pieces, wave tiles, and rectangles, commonly referred to as subway tile.  For eye-catching backsplash, different tile styles can be used simultaneously to create unique patterns and designs.  This functionality makes glass tile ideal for any kitchen or bathroom.

TEXTURE    

Texture also plays a big role in making glass tile such an attractive option for so many bathrooms.  From frosted to ceramic, there are a myriad of beautiful finishes that complement a wide variety of styles and personalities.  The glass tile can also be mixed with other tiles like stone.

For a wide variety of glass tile designs, colors, textures, and personalized assistance in creating custom orders, check out GlassTileWarehouse.com.

We are very excited about our new "thank you program".  For every project we complete we will make a donation in honor of the families we've worked with.  Finished Basements Plus has chosen to donate to a  local charity, Hope for Autism Foundation, as this is a cause close to our hearts.

Hope for Autism Foundation, is a LOCAL charity to help build a future for children affected by autism.  The goal for Hope for Autism is to raise funds to build transitional housing for high functioning autistic young adults.  These homes will offer a source of independence for young adults by providing a small apartment with the freedom to function on their own along with the support to transition into society.  Additional programs will be offered including education on general housekeeping, bill paying, social interactions, job search support, transportation and overall aspects of being able to live alone and feel comfortable doing so.

I would like to donate to Hope for Autism Foundation too.