One day it happened: your youngest child flew off to college and, finally, the house was all yours. If you’re like many couples, one of the first things you did was embark on a major remodel of your now-empty nest. You redecorated your home to reflect your personal style using colors and fabrics that were impractical when children were under foot, and perhaps even converted their bedrooms into spaces to indulge in the hobbies and activities you now have time for.

Alas, just when you have everything the way you want it, you get the news. One of your fledglings is returning to the nest. Suddenly, the dream of quietly enjoying your newly created sanctuary seems threatened.

For a number of reasons, including the rising cost of housing, boomerangs — kids who leave home but return after college or other life experiences — are on the rise. In fact, the job Web site MonsterTRAK reports that 50 percent of 2003 graduates still live at home, and according to market research company Twentysomething Inc., 65 percent of college seniors expect to live with their parents after graduation. And speaking of seniors, a growing number of baby boomers will have aging parents move in. According to a 2004 survey by Harris Interactive, 30 percent of baby boomers surveyed either have aging parents living with them or anticipate they will in the future.

When adult children or elderly parents move in, space, privacy and lifestyle differences can quickly become prickly issues. Many homeowners are searching for ways to add a separate living space to their homes and for many, the answer may lie in the basement.

Just Give Me Some Space
“We are increasingly getting requests to remodel basements to serve as additional or separate living spaces,” says Frank Palmeri, business manager, Owens Corning Basement Finishing System. “Many people are choosing to have family members move in with them but want to maintain their own private, personal space, as well.”

Just as there have been changes in housing trends over the past decades, there have also been advances in basement finishing techniques. For example, there is a system available that was specifically designed for basement environments which offers distinct advantages over traditional wood and drywall construction.

The Basement Finishing System by Owens Corning is installed by trained professionals, takes about two weeks and has virtually none of the mess associated with the typical multi-month traditional remodeling process. It is not only quicker and cleaner but it helps address the mold and moisture concerns unique to basement environments. The system features insulated walls that are mold and mildew resistant, durable and designed to be easily removed to allow access to the home’s foundation, plumbing or electric wiring.

The insulated walls create a warm, cozy space that together with other insulation and weatherization improvements can help reduce whole-house energy costs by up to 30 percent according to the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewal Energy. Plus, it may qualify homeowners to claim up to a $500 energy tax credit under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. In addition, the walls absorb up to 95 percent of sound, helping to provide a quiet, private living space.

“Our customers love being able to provide a warm, comfortable living space for their family members while preserving their own personal space,” says Palmeri. “They can support their parents or children in their home, yet maintain their privacy.”

If you want to have your family members living with you without sacrificing your sanctuary, send them to the basement.

For more information on Owens Corning Basement Finishing System, call
(800) Basement or visit www.basementfinishingsystem.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

This system is only available in the United States.

Basement Finishing System is a trademark of Owens Corning.

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