People are bringing their A-game home.
Sports enthusiasts are designing space in their homes not only to watch the big game on television, butalso to play pool, poker, table tennis, darts or air hockey.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, nearly a quarter of industry experts surveyed predict that an “entertainment room” will remain a key component of new-home construction through 2015.
“A home’s entertainment room is just that: the perfect place to have a party and entertain guests,” says Stephen Melman, NAHB spokes- person.
“This space can have a home theater set-up with a bar and game area. It adds a whole new dimension to a family’s ‘staycation’ experience.”
But, a homeowner has to make plans if the name of the game is having fun.
Before buying anything for an or entertainment room, Ron Greenbaum, owner of J and D Basement Systems in Ohio, says to do your homework.
“Before the design phase can begin, homeowners have to make sure the space is well-prepared,” Greenbaum says.
“That means doing due diligence and controlling humidity in a basement or insulating the space in a loft above the garage. Otherwise, you’re throwing your money away.”
When it comes to remodeling an existing area, Greenbaum says homeowners spend around 10 percent of the value of their home to prepare the space for a game room. The usual spot for a game room is in the basement.
A game room can also be located in a reinforced attic space, or in a sunroom or covered porch in homes without a basement.
A game room should reflect a family’s interests, says Greenbaum.
Recently, Greenbaum’s team helped build a game room that also enshrines Ohio State Buckeyes football memorabilia.
The decor features red and white players’ jerseys, helmets and game balls, while guests can watch the game on the big screen from the comfort of red leather chairs.
“When it comes to the perfect game room,” he says, “it’s all about what the homeowners want and what their interests are.”
