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22 · NEW HOMES, March 31, 2006 Bril iant basement ideas for new homeowners By Perry Walker SPECIAL TO PORTFOLIO OF NEW HOMES Coundess Canadian' s across the country have been looking for whatever ways possible to expand the living space in their home. What may have been forgotten somewhere along the line is that the best expansion space is right below them, and if you' ve yet to finish your basement, the same can be said about you. Don' t be discouraged by your basement' s flaws, such as lighting, obtrusive plumbing ducts and beams, or a low ceiling - treat your basement as superficially as you like and have those flaws adjusted to your liking. If necessary, relocate interfering beams, maximize your win dow area (existing window wells can be dug deeper) and keep your ceiling as high as possi ble above the most used areas. While you're remodelling the basement, remember that keep ing the floor plan open and strong lighting will erase any thoughts of a "dingy" basement. Do whatever is necessary to make your basement as personal as you want it before you begin fur nishing. That means consider flooring (tiling suits entertaining better while carpet may be best for children), make sure you have enough electrical oudets, and having a bathroom put in if possible will always make you happier in the end. Basically just treat your basement as if you are putting an addition on the house, and don' t let the tide "basement" be your excuse for not maximizing its use. If you have kids and you're running out of reasons for them to spend more time outdoors, furnishing your basement to their liking will benefit you just as well. If that' s not your deci sion though, you're probably thinking of taking the entertainment route. Whether you're enter taining yourself or you're entertaining company, the choices you make will likely be the same, and why bother denying it, you're thinking about electronics. You're thinking about TVs; widescreen, flatscreen, plasma, high definition, and whichever advancement it is they've come out with since you last looked. Maybe you're thinking about the best sound quality you can get or the best DVD players available - combine all three and you will have already made your last trip to the movie theatres without realizing it. When it comes-to making these purchases, do your best to contain yourself to avoid phone calls from your favourite creditors, which means consider buying used (but guaranteed) appliances or rationalize how much use you're really getting out of what your paying for. Your basement can be used for whatever you need most, so if that means another bedroom or a study, then go for it. If what you seriously need most is storage space, than don' t rush into fin ishing your basement. Just keep in mind that an unfinished basement and a willing bank account can combine to significandy enhance your home' s value to you now and when it' s time to sell. adult Empty nesters are making the move to Beamsville home - and that's exactly w h a t Phelps Homes offers at Royal Orchards. A d u l t L ifestyle C o m m u n it y In Be a m s v il le Luxurious AttachecTBungalows In A Private Garden Enclave phelpshomes.com Steps from the Escarpment Large Open Concept Plans Custom Inspired Quality Close to the QEW SALES CENTRE HOURS: TUESDAY-FRIDAY 1-5, SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12-4 FOR MORE INFORMATION With 30 years of success in the homebuilding industry, Phelps Homes has trans formed much of the Niagara region into landmark neighbourhoods and masterplanned communities. A builder who believes that customer service goes well beyond simply handing over the keys, Phelps Homes lives up to the reputation for credibility and professional ism that has garnered them a loyal clien tele. Now homebuyers throughout Halton and GTA are being drawn to Phelps Homes' adult lifestyle community in Beamsville because of its quality, affordability and the forethought that has gone into building bungalows that suit the needs of the mature adult. Phelps Homes recognizes that the 50 plus age bracket faces a plethora of changes in their upcoming stages of life: the kids finally moving out, retirement, and the coveted'increase of leisure time. Facing so many life-altering transformations and new freedoms, you may find that your home just doesn't suit your needs anymore. Why not consider the comfort and easy accessibility of bungalow living? Royal Orchards features a collection of 54 attached bungalows, ranging in size from approximately 1,100 to 1,300 sq. ft. all with the convenience and ease of a onefloor layout. Overlooking the Niagara Escarpment, these homes afford residents breathtaking " views of the nearby orchards, as well as a location that allows easy access to the entire Golden Horseshoe. "The -community is close to St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, as well as the Halton area," said Ann Parsons, Sales and Marketing Manager for Phelps Homes. The easy highway access is one feature that is - drawing Halton homebuyers out to Beamsville. And let' s not forget the affordability The attached bungalows begin at $199,990. Call 905-563-0927 for more information. CALLf 9 0 5 -5 6 3 -0 9 2 7