Sweat Equity

Amy's Basement (6x2)

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Amy Matthews bought her home years ago because it was in a great location close to walking and biking paths plus the neighborhood also has charming cafes and coffee shops just steps from her home. Amy's two-bedroom 1920s bungalow has been meticulously maintained and offered just enough space. Amy loves the neighborhood and doesn't want to move right now - but needs a little more elbowroom. She'd like to cut the top off the house and add a second story - or make the most of the unfinished 650 square feet of living space in the basement. Because the upstairs addition would be cost prohibitive and might not give the return, Amy will concentrate on making the most of the basement space. Going green will be at the heart of the design as she finds space for a TV room, a bathroom, laundry room and mudroom. We know that Amy can do nearly all the work herself, but is it a good idea to put $30,000 into a basement remodel in a 1,000 square foot house? And will she really see that money back in the end or will the up charge on some of the green products hurt her return?