Photo by Jennifer Ryan Jones There’s nothing better than retreating to the peace and quiet of a man cave. Think of it as your very own stress-free oasis. A place where you can relax while being surrounded by your favorite things. No, it's not the same as your bachelor pad. It's even better! You can shoot some pool, throw some darts, display your old trophies and live your manliest life sans toile wallpaper and potpourri. Okay, maybe keep the potpourri. But think of the possibilities! Today's man caves go beyond the traditional lazy boy and bar cart. Why not build the hideaway of your dreams. Hell, you can even share it with the fam. Need some help convincing the Queen of your castle? We spoke to contractor Justin Degregorio to help build your case for the good life. He believes all guys should have a man cave whether it’s for family fun or just for a man to enjoy some personal space. We hear that!
How has the man cave changed in recent years?
Because they've gained so much in popularity, these rooms have evolved into a place where the man of the house has is own space to showcase his interests. And people are uniquely customizing them more than ever before. The man cave is no longer just a place to watch TV.
What is the best room to build one?
They are sometimes built in bedrooms, but the best room is always the basement. And there's no right or wrong space for a man cave. They can range from a hundred square feet to a couple of hundred square feet. One guy, my might need his private space to watch TV while another man uses his nook to entertain his friends. Man caves are typically built in the least used and least desirable parts of a home so they are out of the way.
What should every man cave be minimally equipped with?
Every man cave must have a TV, refrigerator and a sound system.
What will building a man cave run us?
Man caves can range from $1000-$100,000 dollars. It all depends on what the individual using it.
Can building a man cave hurt your home's resale value in any way?
A man cave won't hurt the resale value of your home if it is done right. And it can be future-proofed without regret by picking the right space in your home. It might not be in your best interest to take over a whole basement or turning your garage into a man cave. The person buying your home is probably going to want to use that space for storage or a car. If you still decide to go that route, make sure none of the changes are permanent.
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