While in the process of constructing a house thought should be given to whether or not to spend the additional money to have a basement included in the plans. Today more and more people are opting for a walkout basement that is built into the lot in a way that allows natural light to be abundant due to the window placements and the French doors or sliding glass door access to the outside. Set-ups such as these adapt well to game room furniture often consisting of ping pong or pool tables. Racks lining the walls can hold equipment needed to play providing immediate availability to paddles for ping pong and billiard balls for pool. When arranging for this type of family entertainment it is wise to plan ahead and anticipate how the area will be used in order to furnish it in the best way possible for easy functioning. Some things to consider are:

• Lighting: Is there ample light for everyone to be able to enjoy their chosen activity? From needlework to intense competition playing ping pong or pool, good lighting is necessary to provide the best atmosphere and to make the basement as inviting as possible.

• Heat Source: Is the basement adequately heated in winter for maximum comfort and that homey feeling that is so necessary when having family activities? Some families enjoy having a fireplace in the basement to provide a cozy ambience to the area. Another good option is to employ baseboard heating that can be turned on when needed but use no extra energy when it is not necessary.

• Bar or snack area: When planning for a basement retreat, it is an excellent thought to think about what types of food and drink your family enjoys the most. Many people choose to have a bar that is well stocked and that also provides an area for serving dishes. One more thing that comes in handy is a little refrigerator that can hold foods that need to be kept at a cool temperature. It is much more convenient to have these foods within easy reach rather than running upstairs each time someone would like a snack.

• Storage space: Having a designated space to store games, sports equipment and puzzles is almost a necessity and it is most always easier to plan for this built-in when designing and building a basement. Good quality shelving or bookshelves are good alternative choices when storage is needed and it must be provided after the basement is already built.

• Comfortable furnishings: It is important to have very inviting furnishings to complete the look in the basement. Couches and chairs that are high quality and easy to care for are key to a good functioning family room atmosphere. Throws or comfortable quilts or blankets are good decorating touches and can give cozy warmth while watching television on reading a favorite book.

• Bright Paint: The colors in a basement set the stage for family enjoyment. This is where a family can express its personality by choosing the colors that best fit them. Many times different sections of the basement can be painted to delineate how you want the basement to be used.