Do you own a lake or mountain home in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region that has unfinished space just waiting to be enjoyed? Remodeling unfinished home spaces—like attics, basements, and over-garage rooms—adds valuable square footage for hosting, relaxing, and storing what matters.
According to recent 2025 data, home remodeling projects continue to deliver strong returns:
- Bathroom additions have an average ROI of 51.8% to 51.5% depending on the scope. (per This Old House)
- Attic Room conversions can yield a return of 50% to 80%. (per LVBuild)
- Basement remodels offer up to an 86% return on investment. (per Southern Living)
- Minor kitchen remodels top the charts with an ROI of up to 110.8% for the New England region. (per JLCOnline)
At Lighthouse Contracting Group, we specialize in reimagining unused square footage into functional, beautiful living spaces that reflect the Lakes Region lifestyle.
Design Details:
- Laundry Room Folding Counter: Italian Waves Quartz
- Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams Site White (laundry, bath, closet), Sherwin Williams Gray Screen (bedroom)
- Shower: MAAX KDS Series Acrylic Unit
- Vanity: Eastman Street Woodworks
Over-Garage Remodel: From Empty to Elegant
In one of our Gilford, NH remodels, we transformed a large unfinished room above the garage into a private master suite retreat. What began as open subfloor and insulation became a sophisticated layout complete with:
- Master bedroom
- Walk-in closet
- Laundry room
- Private bathroom
This remodel gave the homeowners a self-contained sanctuary, adding both comfort and value to their home.
Basement Bath Addition: Smart Design in Small Spaces
Downstairs, we added even more functionality. A once-unused corner of the basement became a full guest bathroom, linen closet, and laundry room. We designed the layout to include a toilet tucked beneath the stairs and a 48″ acrylic shower to preserve an open feel—proof that limited space doesn’t mean limited potential.
Basement Bath Features:
- Paint: Sherwin Williams Pearly White
- Vanity: 30” Signature Hardware White Lander with Porcelain Top
- Shower: MAAX KDS Series Acrylic Unit
Crystal Lake Family Home: Bunk Room & Bonus Space
At this Crystal Lake getaway, our client wanted a peaceful upper-level retreat where kids, teens, and even adults could comfortably sleep after long lake days. We added custom Twin XL bunk beds with privacy partitions, a home office, and a new powder room—ideal for hosting during long weekends, holidays, or family reunions.
This project is a perfect example of how remodeling unfinished home spaces can help families comfortably host and make lifelong memories.
“Lighthouse Contracting recently finished our lower level refresh/remodel, which included a family room, bar area, 3 bedrooms and bathrooms. From the beginning we were impressed with the entire team; their professionalism, great communication, follow thru and attention to detail is unmatched. Jason was the PM/lead carpenter, he is knowledgeable and skilled and was a pleasure to work with. Jeremy and David were always available as well. We would highly recommend Lighthouse Contracting for any renovation job, big or small. You will be satisfied with the results.”
Pricing Guide for Basement Remodels:
Minor Remodel (1,000 sq ft): $85K – $175K
Major Remodel (wet bar, full bath): $150K – $250K
Trends in Remodeling Unfinished Home Spaces
In the Lakes Region, we’re seeing a strong trend among homeowners—especially those with vacation or secondary homes—investing in remodeling unfinished home spaces to better suit their lifestyle. Here’s what your neighbors are asking for:
🏠 Guest Suites
Thoughtfully designed bunk rooms and private sleeping quarters so visiting family always has a place to stay.
📅 Home Offices
Private, quiet workspaces with built-in shelving and great lighting for remote work success.
🍽️ Entertainment Zones
Durable floors, built-in bars, and fireplaces for cozy get-togethers year-round.
🧘 Wellness Areas
From compact home gyms and yoga studios to infrared saunas, these calming spaces support both physical and mental health.
🛋 Built-In Storage
Customized solutions for seasonal gear, lake-life accessories, and the demands of growing families.
FAQ'S ABOUT REMODELING UNFINISHED HOME SPACES
Remodeling unfinished areas like attics, basements, or rooms over the garage can significantly increase your home’s livable space and value. These projects often offer high ROI, improved comfort, and greater functionality for guests and family alike.
The cost of basement finishing varies based on size, materials, and complexity. On average, homeowners can expect to invest between $85,000 and $250,000. For more details, explore our Basement Remodel New Hampshire Guide.
Most basement finishing projects take between 4 to 16 weeks depending on the size and scope of work, permitting, and level of customization.
Check your attic’s structure, ceiling height, insulation, and access. Make sure it’s code-compliant and fits your intended use—like adding a bedroom, office, or guest space.
Basement finishing contractors provide expertise in design, code compliance, and efficient construction. Hiring a professional ensures quality results and peace of mind.
Homeowners love adding home theaters, wet bars, guest suites, gyms, and offices. Don’t forget moisture protection, lighting, and built-in storage.