I am a reporter for a nationally syndicated real estate section published weekly in newspapers across the country. I’m looking to interview real estate agents, brokers, attorneys, and other housing experts on the following topic:

BIG OPPORTUNITIES A FEW STEPS DOWN: WHY FINISHING YOUR BASEMENT CAN BE A SMART INVESTMENT. This story would explore how/why completing an unfinished basement can add practical living space and increase resale value, how to go about the project, and what to avoid. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to for this story. Please respond with your interest, availability and phone number. My deadline is noon central time, Tuesday, April 29.

1. Why do so many new construction homes today come with unfinished basements vs. finished basements?

2. What are the advantages of investing in finishing a basement, whether it’s on a new construction or existing home? How would it benefit resale value as well as expand a home’s practical living space? Please provide examples. Also, provide various examples of what a finished basement can be used for (e.g., home theater, fitness room, home office, etc.)

3. How much can it cost to finish an unfinished basement? Provide a hypothetical example or two based on a given market, given size/style/age of home and given size/finish level of a basement. If you can, provide a price range (low-end project vs. high-end project).

4. What are some important things homeowners/sellers should consider before investing in a basement finishing project?

5. When is finishing a basement cost-prohibitive and not recommended (give a few examples if you can)?

6. How would you recommend a homeowner/seller embark on this project—how should they get started?

7. Whom should they consider shopping for/hiring to do the job, and based on what criteria?

8. Do you have any statistics/data/research that underscores the return on investment/resale value increase that a basement finishing project can have on the overall worth of the house? Are renovation dollars often better spent elsewhere in the home for a better bang for your buck/ROI?

9. Any other thoughts, tips, suggestions on this topic that I failed to ask about?

10. What is your full name, title, company, and location where you are based?