hen your basement is a well designed flowing extension of your home rather than just a basement, it adds value both in terms of quality of life and as a return on the investment.

At the Parade of Homes, the biggest line in the featured homes always lead to the basement. When a basement is well done, it commands attention. The basement is the adult toy room -- housing home theaters, wet bars, exercise rooms, and wine cellars. It is the one spot in the house where the emphasis is all about having fun.

How can you maximize the value of your finished basement?

A great finished basement places high demands on design and construction. Simply matching the trim, color, carpet, and fixtures with the rest of the house does not make a fantastic finished basement. Integrating professional design and quality construction is what truly maximizes your homes value with a fabulous finished basement.