Recently, the idea of devoting a room of your house as a sanctuary to male design, hobbies, and entertainment (Commonly referred to as a “Man Cave”) have become increasingly popular. This is an arrangement that works for most couples; the husband receives one room of the house, usually a basement, spare bedroom, or garage, to decorate and entertain in as he pleases, removing this occasionally disruptive presence from the rest of the house. As “Man Caves” increase in popularity, it is prudent to make sure that if this is a project you are going to undertake, that it be done correctly.
Here is a list of things to remember before embarking on this task.
1. Be sure that you have a design/plan
This tip is so often the stumbling block for any home remodeling project. Before you get out the sledgehammer and tool belt, take a moment to plot out what you want the finished product to look like. Make a note of any tools you will need, take measurements to make sure things will fit, and have a concept of what the final designs will look like.
Take your time with this step. There is no sense rushing in to a project that, once completed, shouldn’t need to me remodeled for years to come. Be sure to ask for input from close friends and family, AKA your future frequent guests.
2. Measure twice, cut once
This tip is the other significant stumbling block that can be the undoing of even the best planned project. There is nothing more demoralizing that finding out that your couch will not fit in the space designed for it, the TV is too large for the shelf (a good problem to have, but a problem none the less!), or the pool table won’t fit through the door. This tip is, to a degree, and echoing of tip number one, however it deserves to be restated.
Be sure to do your due diligence in the design and planning process to ensure that you will not encounter any unforeseen problems (note: every project will encounter some unforeseeable issued and concerns. These should not in and of themselves discourage you from completing your project. However, it is critical that you take the necessary steps to ensure that the foreseeable problems are taken care of, and that large issues like spacing are appropriately managed and measured).
3. Choose an appropriate space
Is your man cave going to be centered on automotive interests? Perhaps the attic is not the ideal place to work on your vehicles. Are you an avid cigar aficionado? Think twice before you begin renovating that windowless room. If this cave is a space you intend to entertain in, perhaps the basement is the best place host a noisy group of guests, especially on a week night.
Be sure that the space available is sufficient and convenient to play host to the activities you would like it to. If the space cannot, you should consider remodeling a separate area of the home or, if no other space is available, you might want to reconsider the theme and activities of the room.
4. Pick one item you really like, and base the design around that
Obviously, the feature item of most man caves is going to be the television, the shrine to televised sports. However, should space permit, it would be forward thinking and utilitarian to add other items that can help round the room out. Most likely, not everything you want will fit in the room, so it is prudent to pick a “favorite” item, and base the rest of the dcor around that.
Some common ideas are pool tables, juke boxes, sports memorabilia collections, car memorabilia collections, or really anything else that can act as a decoration, but ideally also has sentimental value to the lord of the cave. Once you have properly planned how to display the “marquee” item, the rest of the design can centered on that.
5. Don’t be afraid to hire a professional
If you project is going to involve modifications to plumbing, electrical wiring, HVAC, or the framing of the house, you should be hiring a professional for that portion of the job. Unless you have expertise in this area, working on the more complex systems in the home can not only be dangerous, but can also result in this project costing you a lot more than you intended (electrical fires and flooding are not cheap).
If you are considering a remodel that would include these modifications, there are many companies specializing in custom homes in Milwaukee that would be happy to assist you with your project.
6. Make the room as useful as possible
If this room is to be your sanctuary, you want it to be as utilitarian as possible. If you enjoy working out, add sports equipment, free weights, a treadmill, or any other equipment that will enable to use this room to fill that need. If you prefer a mental workout, add an area for puzzles and games. If you enjoy reading, add a section capable of holding a small (or if you prefer, large) selection from your library, and a comfortable spot in which to read. If you are a writer, include a desk with all the tools of the trade. An avid car enthusiast might prefer an area with tools, to allow him to work on automotive projects and pursuits.
Essentially, make this room your own, and make it reflect who you are. This space is to not only your sanctuary, but also your trophy. When new friends visit your home, it should be a space you are proud to show off, one that is comfortable to entertain both small and large groups, and a space you can enjoy alone if possible. If you have children, this space might be utilized as a “child free zone” at times, but you may also want to consider it as a place you can spend time with your family. It might be a man cave, but it doesn’t have to be a men-only cave
These are just a few suggestions to help ensure that your man cave project is a successful one. If you want to continue to ensure success, be sure to do your research, and read up on other helpful ideas and tips. Best of luck to you with your project!