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As a wise budgeter, you have planned to reuse that old refrigerator from the kitchen to save some money on the bar in your basement.  While this seems to be extremely practical, and fiscally responsible, reusing the old refrigerator could be a stain on your beautiful new bar.  If you didn't like that old fridge in your kitchen you most likely will not like looking at it downstairs. 

A common theme in basement bars is to incorporate an undercounter refrigerator.  Undercounter refrigerators come in two styles; free standing and built-in.  Free standing models are the more affordable of the two, pricing around $100-$400.  These are typically what a student would buy for their dorm room.  A more desirable look would be select a built-in refrigerator.  This option doesn't require an air gap around the unit for air flow so you can snug the fridge up to the cabinets for a custom look  (photo right).  Built-ins are a pricer option starting at $1,000 and quickly go up from there.

Design Reminder - When designing your kitchen or bar, it is ideal to have your appliances picked out before hand.  This will insure that your new appliances have the required space in the new design and all electrical and plumbing requirements are known before construction starts.

Photo: Finished Basement Plus.     Project Location: White Lake, Michigan

           BEFORE: Finished Basement                  AFTER: Lower Level

This basement was already finished.  It had rubber flooring, paneling on the walls, a sagging drop ceiling and a full bath.  Prior to reconstruction the homeowners were mostly using the space to exercise and store unused items.   It wasn't a warm and inviting space that they wanted to spend too much time in.  The new basement plan took into consideration some elements of the existing space that could be reused. 

         BEFORE: Finished Basement                       AFTER: Lower Level

Before the remodel, the exercise equipment was out in the open.  The new design enclosed the exercise equipment with a french door, which let in the natural light from the doorwall, but also kept the exercise equipment separated from the entertainment area.   The 2x2 florescent lights were replaced with recessed cans to add warmth and coziness to the room.  One of the structural columns was captured in the wall during construction to eliminate as many exposed columns as possible.  The remaining structural columns were finished off with custom trim so they feel more like a piece of furniture instead of a pole holding up the house.

The homeowners were very pleased with the finished product and now are enjoying more than just exercising in their new Lower Level. 

Photos Taken by: Finished Basements Plus.    Job Location: West Bloomfield  MI

Ugh...your upstairs ready for bed and are wondering if you turned the lights off downstairs  You think you turned everything off, but not sure.  Here's a cool little feature that makes your life easier.

Add an illuminated three way switch that lights up when in the off position.  So if the light switch is illuminated you know the light is off.  This feature also acts as a night light so you can see the switch when looking for it in the dark.  With the three way switch feature you can turn the lights on and off from upstairs or downstairs.  This isn't ground breaking technology, just a value added feature to your home.

Image: Image: scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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