The basement is no longer a dark, underutilized space used primarily for storage. In fact, homeowners’ attitudes toward basements have changed so much in recent years that builders and real estate agents now commonly call them “lower levels.”

Basement remodels are a smart investment because today’s homeowner needs every room in the home to be functional–and they’re using all available space. While the housing market has dipped in recent years, home remodeling remains strong as homeowners are choosing to renovate rather than buying new.

The basement is now considered a retreat, especially during cold-weather months. But more importantly, the basement can be tailored to the individual needs of any homeowner. They can be media rooms, bedrooms, laundry rooms, wet bars, home offices, exercise rooms or children’s play rooms.

“An unfinished basement has almost unlimited potential,” notes Katie Hamilton, DIY expert and co-author of Home Improvement For Dummies. “It’s a blank slate of usable living space–the design and function is all really up to homeowners’ tastes and needs.”

Homeowners considering a makeover can take comfort in the fact that basement remodels are also economical. According to Remodeling magazine’s 2007 Cost vs. Value report, basement remodels recoup 75 percent of costs, on average, in the first year. That’s among the highest of home remodeling options.

So, what are the options for home-owners looking to remodel their basement?

“Start with needs,” says Hamilton. “Figure out what would be the most beneficial addition to the home, and then consider design.”

“Today’s homeowner wants comfort and style, no matter the type of remodel,” says Ann Miller, product design manager at Armstrong. “Natural and traditional looks are en vogue, and consumers are progressively choosing the ceiling as the design focus.”

With the popularity of recessed lighting in basements, naturally the ceiling offers an easy place to start. Armstrong is one company that offers a diverse line of decorative and traditional suspended ceiling products that emphasize natural styles while allowing for necessary access to the home’s HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems that often run in between basement ceiling joists.

Armstrong’s HomeStyle™ line of mineral fiberboard drop-in ceiling panels are perfect for basements, as they offer the ability to block noise room-to-room and come in a wide variety of designs. And they’re much more distinct and stylish than the bland, office-setting ceiling panels that normally come to mind. Applied in a matching grid system that allows for easy access above the ceiling, the panels can be cut as needed to make way for lights and fans.

For homeowners that desire something a little more traditional and stately, Armstrong’s Metallaire™ line of decorative metal ceiling tiles and cornices is available in five finishes: steel, copper, brass, chrome and paintable white. Home improvement gurus, such as Hamilton, utilize the tiles to emphasize the ceiling as a design element because of their elegance and brilliance. But most of all, they can also be placed in a matching grid.

“Metallaire is our most popular traditional decorative ceiling option,” notes Rich Wiley, associate marketing manager for Armstrong’s residential ceilings division. “Homeowners love that they can have something that looks fantastic while still allowing access to the home’s systems above.”

-COurtesy Home Improvement News and Information Center