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HOME MARCH 2018 4 Jim Kruger / Steve Herder — Landmark Photography / Herder Photography When considering renovations, you can make a room pop while still making it warm and inviting. (StatePoint) — Building a new home? Overhauling an existing one? Here are three renovation ideas that will add beauty and value. Expand your living space Don't let that basement sit unfinished and unused. Substantially expand your home's livable areas by turning your attention to the bottom floor. Finishing a basement is an involved project, potentially requiring elec- trical and plumbing work, insulation, dry- wall and more — but the end result is worth the effort and expense. What's more, some of the less technical aspects of this renova- tion could even be DIY-ed. Before getting started, consider what type of space would most benefit your household long-term. You may even be able to recoup some cost of the investment. For example, turning your basement into an at-home fit- ness center means ditching the costly gym membership. Want to reduce time and money on your commute? Your basement may just make an ideal home office. Add a focal point Is your interior design in need of a little something? The right eye-catching ele- ments can make a room pop while adding vitality to your living spaces. A fireplace, for example, adds ambiance and comfort while also creating a natural gathering space. What's more, new models pair the charm of a traditional open-front fireplace with the design flexibility of gas models. The Phoenix TrueView from Heat & Glo offers the convenience of gas without the glass, giving homeowners an unobscured view of the flames against the traditional brick or fade-resistant reflective black glass liner. An optional Bluetooth speaker system allows one to hear the fire as well as see it — making it a focal point for the ears as well as the eyes. Boost the backyard If you find that your household spends very little time in the backyard, figure out why. Is there a lack of shade? Are there not enough places to sit? Take a poll so you can diagnose the problem and take steps to cor- rect it. Consider also how to make this space usable for a larger portion of the year, such as adding a fire pit or an enclosed, heated patio. Lastly, consider aesthetics. A bit of landscaping can make your back- yard as visually appealing as your home's interiors. Three home renovations that are worth the effort