A finished basement is not only a great investment; often it's also a center of family living, with amenities such as home theaters and family entertainment centers, wet bars, game rooms and even a guest room and spare bath.

Today's basements allow for high ceilings, good lighting and sunlight access. And of course you have a a wide range of finish options to choose from, ranging from quietly utilitarian to plush opulence.

For basements in older houses, the challenges can include providing additional structural support and working with aging mechanical systems, along with ensuring that your addition fits seamlessly with the rest of the house. As you can imagine, these projects require extensive, hands-on experience.