Although no man is an island, definitely, he wants to spend some time alone once in a while. Or probably he likes to sip wine after an exhausting Zoom meeting or relax with friends without distracting the kids and the wife. Maybe all he desires is a man cave.
In Utah, building a man cave seems easy and attractive. One, you have professional contractors specializing on the job. For instance, there are experts for basement finishing. These people can follow building codes to a T (and they should, as the rules can vary between cities and states).
Also, many houses in the Beehive State are large. While they are no McMansions, they still beat properties of other cities and counties. The average size in the country is around 1,650 square feet, while that of the state can already reach over 2,000 square feet. In other words, there’s enough space to make one.
Third, man caves can potentially increase the property’s resale value, adding at least a percent, based on reports. That’s great news in case some Utahns plan to sell theirs within the year while it’s still a hot seller’s market.
But like home additions, man caves need thorough planning. Here are two important parts of a list of to-dos for those at a loss on where to begin:
1. Know the Potential Costs
The average costs for man caves can widely vary, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. The more luxurious it feels and complex the project is, the more it breaks the bank.
As a guide on how to know the possible costs properly, consider the following questions:
- Where is the property located? For homes near a body of water, such as a lake, it might not be wise to convert the basement or even make one because of the risk of flooding unless the homeowner and the contractor can work together to prevent that from happening, like installing proper drainage.
- How huge is the space? This can help identify the theme and use of the basement. Masculine Male reveals that a typical bar area that can seat four people measures 112 inches by 105 inches. A poker table is around 9 feet by 9 feet. If the user wants the cave to hold a car, it needs to have the size of a single garage, which is 12 feet by 12 feet.
- What is the theme of the man cave? For those who like to create a gaming center, note that a gaming PC alone can already worth at least $2,000. A zero-gravity gaming chair, meanwhile, is available in the market for around $3,000. For guys who like to build an indoor movie theater, the minimum cost is $2,000, but it can also balloon to over $30,000. The average price is nearly $20,000, according to Home Advisor.
- What is the condition of the basement? Bankrate.com shared that the cost of basement finishing can be as cheap as less than $3,000 or as pricey as $33,000 for a space that measures between 400 and 1,500 square feet. The average spending is $18,000. Some basements, though, will need a lot of work, especially if it feels moldy or the area is prone to flooding. This will make the project more expensive.
2. Apply for a Permit
Usually, creating a man cave is a major home improvement project, especially if it involves the basement. For this reason, homeowners (or their contractors) may need to apply for a permit.
To get the permit, the owner has to provide a detailed floor plan—a sketch with measurements of the space, location of the rooms, and their uses. It also needs to show plumbing, electrical systems, lighting, furnaces, and other modifications. Moreover, it may request information on windows, doors, clearances, ductwork, and ventilation.
The planning authority may also offer suggestions to make the man cave design building code compliant. For example, it may need to have an installed carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors. If the man cave has a bathroom without a window, it should be paired with mechanical ventilation.
Based on the state law, homeowners can apply for the permits and even accomplish some of the tasks, such as putting up the drywall or even electrical work. However, because details are essential, it’s best to leave these requirements to the experts. Doing so will also significantly minimize the risk of costly and dangerous mistakes.
A man cave can be an excellent reward for the daily toil and a perfect excuse to invite friends and family. It can also serve as family entertainment on days when snow is heavy or when the state is experiencing an inversion.
However, its success depends largely on the planning stage. Make it work by remembering the two essential tips above.
