Rogers County, Oklahoma
Basement Renovation in Rogers County, OK
Unlock Your Home’s Hidden Potential Below Grade — serving Rogers County, Rogers County, and the surrounding area since 2000.
Basement Renovation in Rogers County, Oklahoma
Cornerstone Homes & Properties is headquartered right here in Rogers County. With over 20 years of experience building custom homes, barns, additions, and renovations across Claremore, Catoosa, Verdigris, Inola, Oologah, Chelsea, and Foyil, we are the trusted custom home builder Rogers County OK families rely on for quality craftsmanship and transparent pricing.
Rogers County, Oklahoma holds a unique place in the story of Cornerstone Homes & Properties. Our office sits on E 430 Road in Claremore, the county seat, and for more than twenty years we have designed and built custom homes, barns, additions, and renovations in virtually every corner of this county. From the lakeside properties near Oologah to the quiet acreage tracts south of Chelsea, from the growing neighborhoods of Catoosa to the farmland stretching between Inola and Foyil, we know Rogers County the way only a locally rooted builder can. When you search for a custom home builder Rogers County OK families trust, you will find that Cornerstone is the name that comes up again and again — not because of flashy advertising but because of the quality of our work and the relationships we have built one project at a time. This is our home county, and every home we construct here is a reflection of our commitment to this community.
Rogers County spans roughly 710 square miles of northeastern Oklahoma, bordered by Washington County to the west, Mayes County to the east, Nowata County to the north, and Wagoner and Tulsa Counties to the south. The county is named after Clem Vann Rogers, a prominent Cherokee rancher and the father of legendary humorist Will Rogers. That heritage runs deep throughout the region — from the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore to the birthplace and museum near Oologah — and it shapes the character of the communities here. With a population of approximately 92,000 residents, Rogers County is the sixth-most-populous county in Oklahoma, yet it retains a distinctly rural and small-town feel that draws families looking for space, affordability, and a slower pace of life without sacrificing access to the Tulsa metropolitan area. Home construction Rogers County Oklahoma projects benefit enormously from this combination of accessibility and open land, allowing homeowners to build the kind of property that simply is not possible on a cramped suburban lot.
The communities within Rogers County each have their own personality, and Cornerstone has built in all of them. Claremore, with more than 19,000 residents, is the commercial and governmental hub. It offers a thriving downtown corridor, Rogers State University, a regional hospital, excellent public schools, and convenient access to the Will Rogers Turnpike and Highway 66. Catoosa, positioned along the western edge of the county near the Port of Catoosa and Interstate 44, has experienced steady growth thanks to its proximity to both Tulsa and Broken Arrow. Verdigris, an unincorporated community between Claremore and Catoosa, has become one of the most sought-after addresses in Rogers County, prized for its top-rated school district and family-friendly neighborhoods. Inola, located along Highway 412 in the southeastern part of the county, offers small-town charm, affordable land, and a tight-knit community atmosphere. Oologah, Chelsea, and Foyil round out the northern tier, each providing generous acreage, quiet country roads, and the kind of wide-open Oklahoma skies that make you want to build a front porch and sit a while.
One of the defining features of building in Rogers County is the variety of land and lot options available to homeowners. Unlike the Tulsa metro, where quarter-acre lots are the norm and prices continue to climb, Rogers County offers everything from five-acre tracts with mature timber and a pond to twenty-acre parcels of open pasture perfect for a custom home, a barn, and room to breathe. Many of the properties we build on are located outside of incorporated city limits, which means the homeowner can take advantage of Rogers County building codes rather than navigating additional municipal regulations. County permitting follows the International Residential Code, and Cornerstone manages the entire permitting process — from plan submission and permit applications through each required inspection — so our clients never have to worry about the bureaucratic side of construction. We have processed hundreds of permits through Rogers County over the past two decades, and our familiarity with the building department and inspection staff ensures a smoother, faster process for every project we take on.
Building on rural acreage in Rogers County often means working with well water and septic systems rather than municipal utilities. This is an area where experience matters tremendously. Cornerstone evaluates soil conditions early in the planning phase, coordinating percolation tests and consulting with licensed septic installers to determine the best system type — whether that is a conventional gravity system, an aerobic treatment unit, or a low-pressure dosing system — for the specific property. We similarly assess well placement, water yield, and water quality, and we factor the cost of these systems into your project budget from day one so there are no surprises. For properties that have access to rural water districts such as Rogers County Rural Water District 3 or the Oologah-area systems, we handle the connection and meter installation as part of the build. Our goal is to take the complexity out of rural construction so that our clients can focus on the exciting parts — choosing their floor plan, picking finishes, and watching their dream home take shape.
Cornerstone Homes & Properties operates as a true design-and-build firm, and this approach is one of the things that sets us apart from other builders in Rogers County. When you hire Cornerstone, you are not hiring a separate architect and then bidding the plans out to a contractor. Instead, our in-house design team sits down with you at our Claremore office or on your lot, listens to how your family lives, and translates those conversations into a custom floor plan that fits your budget and your property. Because the designers and the builders work under the same roof, there is seamless communication from concept to completion. Changes that happen during design are immediately reflected in the construction estimate. Structural decisions are made with real-world buildability in mind. And you, the homeowner, have one point of contact and one team accountable for the entire project. This integrated model eliminates the finger-pointing and cost overruns that too often plague residential construction, and it is one of the primary reasons Rogers County families continue to choose Cornerstone over national production builders or fragmented design-bid-build arrangements.
Transparent pricing is another cornerstone of our business — no pun intended. Before a single shovel hits the dirt, we provide a comprehensive, line-item estimate that details every material, every labor cost, and every allowance associated with your project. We do not bury costs in vague allowances or spring change orders on you after framing is complete. If an unexpected condition arises during construction — and in Rogers County, where soil types range from red clay to sandy loam and rock shelves appear without warning, surprises can happen — we communicate immediately, present options, and let you make an informed decision. Our clients consistently tell us that the transparency and honesty they experience with Cornerstone is unlike anything they have encountered with other contractors. That trust is something we have spent over twenty years earning, and we protect it on every single project.
The range of services Cornerstone offers across Rogers County extends well beyond traditional home construction. We design and build custom garages and oversized shops for homeowners who need space for vehicles, equipment, or hobbies. We construct screened-in porches and covered outdoor living areas that let Rogers County families enjoy the long Oklahoma spring and fall without fighting the mosquitoes and the sun. We build additions — from master suite expansions to bonus rooms over the garage — that give growing families the space they need without the cost and disruption of moving to a new home. Our kitchen renovation team transforms outdated layouts into modern, functional gathering spaces with custom cabinetry, quartz and granite countertops, center islands, and commercial-grade appliances. And for clients who want the open feel of a barn-style structure with all the comforts of a traditional home, we design and build barndominiums and custom barns that are as beautiful as they are functional. Whatever your project, Cornerstone brings the same level of craftsmanship, communication, and accountability.
Rogers County is home to multiple school districts, and the quality of those schools is a major factor in where families decide to build. The Claremore Public Schools district serves the county seat and surrounding area, offering a comprehensive academic program, competitive athletics, and a strong fine-arts tradition. The Catoosa Public Schools district has grown alongside the community itself, with modern facilities and consistently high test scores. Verdigris Public Schools has earned a reputation as one of the top districts in the region, attracting families from across the Tulsa metro who are willing to commute for the quality of education their children receive. Inola Public Schools provides a small-school environment with personalized attention and strong community support. Oologah-Talala Public Schools, Chelsea Public Schools, Foyil Public Schools, and Sequoyah Public Schools each serve their respective communities with dedication and pride. Cornerstone has built homes in every one of these school districts, and we routinely help clients identify lots that fall within their preferred attendance zone — a small but important detail that can make all the difference for a family with school-age children.
The recreational opportunities in Rogers County add another layer of appeal for homeowners considering new construction. Oologah Lake, a 29,500-acre U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Verdigris River, is the largest lake in northeastern Oklahoma and a premier destination for fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife viewing. Many of our clients have built custom homes and lake cabins on acreage near the lake, taking advantage of the stunning water views and the peaceful rural setting. Claremore Lake, located just south of the city, provides additional fishing and picnicking opportunities. The county is also crisscrossed by the Verdigris River and numerous creeks, creating a landscape that is green, rolling, and visually appealing — the kind of terrain that makes you want to orient your home to capture every view. Rogers County also sits along historic Route 66, and the heritage tourism that accompanies that designation brings a steady stream of visitors through Claremore, Catoosa, and the surrounding towns, contributing to the local economy and community vibrancy.
From an infrastructure standpoint, Rogers County provides the kind of accessibility that makes commuting to Tulsa or Broken Arrow straightforward while still allowing residents to enjoy the benefits of county living. The Will Rogers Turnpike connects Claremore and Catoosa to the Tulsa metro in roughly thirty minutes. Highway 66, Highway 20, Highway 412, and Highway 88 provide arterial routes across the county, making it easy to move between communities. The Port of Catoosa, the most inland riverport in the United States, is a major economic driver in the western part of the county. This combination of transportation access and economic activity supports a stable and growing housing market — one that Cornerstone Homes has been an active part of for more than two decades. Whether you are relocating to Rogers County from out of state, moving up from a starter home, or building your forever home on a piece of family land, we understand the local real estate landscape and can help guide you through the process.
Choosing a custom home builder Rogers County OK residents can depend on is one of the most important decisions you will make during the construction process. The builder you select will influence the quality of your home, the accuracy of your budget, the adherence to your timeline, and the overall experience you have during what should be an exciting chapter in your life. Cornerstone Homes & Properties has earned the trust of Rogers County families by doing the same things well, project after project, year after year: listening carefully during the design phase, pricing honestly and thoroughly, building with skilled tradespeople and quality materials, communicating proactively throughout construction, and standing behind our work long after the final inspection. We are not the biggest builder in Oklahoma, and we are not trying to be. We are a locally owned, family-oriented company that takes enormous pride in the homes we build and the community we serve. If you are ready to build in Rogers County, we invite you to visit our Claremore office, walk one of our job sites, and see firsthand why so many of your neighbors have trusted Cornerstone with their most important investment.
Our Basement Renovation Process
Cornerstone Homes designs and builds custom basement renovations in Claremore, Rogers County, and the Tulsa metro area. From finished family rooms and home theaters to guest suites, home gyms, and storm shelters, our team transforms underused below-grade space into the most valuable square footage in your home—backed by 20+ years of craftsmanship and a comprehensive warranty.
At Cornerstone Homes, we believe a basement should be more than an afterthought. Too many homeowners in Claremore and across Rogers County treat their below-grade space as little more than a dumping ground for holiday decorations and forgotten furniture. But that unfinished concrete box beneath your feet represents hundreds—sometimes thousands—of square feet of untapped potential. A well-designed basement renovation can add a fully functional living level to your home without expanding your footprint, increasing your property value while giving your family the room it needs to grow. Our approach starts with understanding how you actually want to use the space. Maybe you need a quiet home office away from the upstairs activity, or a recreation room where the kids can spread out without taking over the living room. Perhaps you have been dreaming of a dedicated home theater, a private guest suite for visiting family, or a home gym that saves you a monthly membership. Whatever the vision, our in-house design team works with you to develop a layout that maximizes every square foot, accounts for structural realities, and integrates seamlessly with your home’s existing mechanical systems. We do not sell cookie-cutter finishing packages—we design custom basement living spaces built specifically for how your family lives in northeastern Oklahoma.
Waterproofing and moisture management are the foundation of every successful basement renovation, and nowhere is that more critical than in Rogers County. Oklahoma’s clay-heavy soils expand dramatically when saturated during spring rains and contract during the dry summer months, creating hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls that can push moisture through even hairline cracks. Add the region’s high water table in low-lying areas near Claremore Lake and the Verdigris River corridor, and you have conditions that demand a comprehensive moisture control strategy before a single wall is framed. Cornerstone addresses this from the outside in: we evaluate exterior grading and downspout discharge, inspect and repair any existing foundation cracks, apply interior waterproofing membranes, and install drainage systems—including interior French drains and sump pumps with battery backup—to ensure your finished basement stays dry through the heaviest Oklahoma storms. We also monitor relative humidity levels during and after construction and specify vapor barriers, dehumidification capacity, and insulation assemblies that prevent condensation on cold foundation walls during Tulsa metro summers when outdoor dew points routinely exceed seventy degrees.
The design possibilities for a finished basement are virtually limitless, and our team has built them all across Rogers County and the greater Tulsa metro area. Family rooms with open layouts, recessed lighting, and luxury vinyl plank flooring create inviting gathering spaces that feel nothing like the dark, damp basements of decades past. Dedicated home theaters with stepped seating platforms, acoustic wall treatments, and pre-wired surround sound deliver a cinematic experience steps from your bedroom. Guest suites with full bathrooms, walk-in closets, and private entries give visiting family the comfort and privacy of a hotel without the cost. Home gyms with rubberized flooring, mirrored walls, and dedicated HVAC zones let you train year-round regardless of Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather. We have also designed and built basement kitchenettes with wet bars, craft rooms with extensive storage, wine cellars with climate-controlled cabinetry, and dedicated playrooms with built-in storage systems that keep toys organized and out of sight. Whatever combination of uses you envision, Cornerstone’s design team creates a cohesive floor plan that balances open living areas with private rooms, maximizes natural light from egress windows, and incorporates the mechanical and storage spaces every basement still needs.
Building code compliance is a non-negotiable part of any basement renovation, and Cornerstone handles every detail so you never have to worry. In Rogers County and the City of Claremore, finished basement bedrooms require code-compliant egress windows—openings large enough for an adult to climb through in an emergency and for firefighters to enter from outside. Our team sizes and installs egress window wells with proper drainage, step-in access, and weather covers that meet or exceed International Residential Code requirements adopted by Oklahoma municipalities. We also ensure that ceiling heights meet the minimum seven-foot clear requirement for habitable space, coordinate fire-rated assemblies where the basement connects to an attached garage, and install interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level. Electrical work is permitted and inspected to current National Electrical Code standards, including dedicated circuits for high-draw appliances, GFCI protection in wet areas, and arc-fault breakers where required. If your basement renovation includes a bathroom—and most of ours do—we handle the plumbing tie-ins, sewage ejector systems where gravity drains are not available, and proper venting to ensure everything passes inspection the first time. Our familiarity with Rogers County and Claremore inspection processes means we know exactly what inspectors look for, and we build to those standards from the start.
Northeastern Oklahoma sits squarely in Tornado Alley, and a basement renovation offers a unique opportunity to integrate a safe room or storm shelter directly into your home’s living space. Rather than relying on a standalone above-ground shelter or a cramped garage-floor unit, Cornerstone can design a reinforced safe room within your finished basement that doubles as a closet, storage room, or utility space during everyday life and provides FEMA-compliant protection when severe weather strikes. We build these rooms with poured concrete or reinforced concrete masonry walls, steel doors rated for EF5-level wind speeds and debris impact, and independent ventilation so occupants can shelter safely for extended periods. For families in Claremore, Owasso, Catoosa, and throughout Rogers County, knowing that your storm shelter is ten steps from your bedroom—not a sprint across the yard in the dark—provides genuine peace of mind. We coordinate safe room construction with the overall basement floor plan so the reinforced space integrates naturally into the design, and we can help you explore FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding that may offset a portion of the construction cost for qualifying safe rooms in Oklahoma.
Ready to transform your basement into the most useful space in your home? Contact Cornerstone Homes for a free consultation. We will visit your property, assess your existing basement conditions—including foundation integrity, moisture levels, mechanical system locations, and available ceiling height—and discuss your vision for the space. From there, our design team develops a custom floor plan with realistic budgets and timelines tailored to your project. Hundreds of families across Claremore, Rogers County, and the Tulsa metro area have trusted Cornerstone to renovate and finish their basements, and we would be honored to help you unlock the full potential of yours. Whether you are converting a raw concrete shell into a finished living level or updating an outdated basement from the 1980s with modern finishes and improved waterproofing, our team has the experience, the local knowledge, and the craftsmanship to deliver a result you will enjoy for decades.
What Sets Our Basement Renovation Apart in Rogers County
Waterproofing & Moisture Control
Rogers County’s expansive clay soils and seasonal water table fluctuations make comprehensive moisture management essential for any finished basement. Cornerstone installs interior waterproofing membranes, French drain systems, and sump pumps with battery backup to keep your space dry year-round. We evaluate exterior grading, downspout discharge, and foundation crack repair before framing begins, and we specify vapor barriers and dehumidification strategies that prevent condensation on cold concrete walls during Oklahoma’s humid summers—protecting your investment from the ground up.
Egress Windows & Safety
Every finished basement bedroom in Claremore and Rogers County requires a code-compliant egress window large enough for emergency escape and firefighter access. Cornerstone sizes, cuts, and installs egress window wells with proper drainage, step-in access ladders, and weather-resistant covers that meet International Residential Code standards adopted across Oklahoma. We also install interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire-rated assemblies between the basement and any attached garage, and arc-fault circuit breakers—ensuring your renovation passes inspection and keeps your family safe.
Custom Living Spaces
From open-concept family rooms and home theaters to guest suites, home offices, and dedicated playrooms, Cornerstone designs basement living spaces that feel as bright, comfortable, and intentional as any above-grade room in your home. We use recessed LED lighting, luxury vinyl plank and engineered hardwood flooring, and carefully planned ceiling treatments to create spaces that defy the old stereotype of a dark, cramped basement. Our design team optimizes furniture layouts, traffic flow, and natural light from egress windows so your finished basement becomes your family’s favorite level.
Electrical & HVAC Integration
A finished basement demands properly sized electrical and climate control systems to function comfortably. Cornerstone installs dedicated electrical panels or sub-panels with circuits sized for home theater equipment, kitchen appliances, and high-draw gym equipment. We extend or zone your existing HVAC system—or install a dedicated mini-split system—to maintain consistent temperatures below grade throughout Oklahoma’s extreme seasonal swings. Every installation is permitted and inspected to current National Electrical Code and mechanical code standards enforced in Rogers County.
Bathroom & Kitchenette Additions
Adding a bathroom or kitchenette to your basement dramatically increases both functionality and resale value. Cornerstone handles plumbing rough-ins, sewage ejector pump installation for below-sewer-line connections, proper waste venting, and finish work including tile, vanities, and fixtures. Our kitchenette builds include wet bar plumbing, under-counter refrigeration, dishwashers, and countertop selections that complement your home’s style. We coordinate every trade so the plumbing, electrical, and finish carpentry come together seamlessly in your Claremore or Tulsa metro basement.
Soundproofing & Insulation
Proper insulation and soundproofing transform a basement from a noisy echo chamber into a quiet, energy-efficient living space. Cornerstone installs closed-cell spray foam or rigid foam board insulation on foundation walls to eliminate thermal bridging and prevent condensation. For home theaters, music rooms, and bedrooms, we add resilient channel, sound-dampening drywall, and acoustic insulation in ceiling and wall assemblies to minimize noise transfer between levels. The result is a basement that stays comfortable year-round and keeps sound exactly where you want it—critical for families in Rogers County who want a true retreat below grade.
How We Build Your Basement Renovation in Rogers County
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Assessment & Consultation
We visit your home to evaluate your existing basement conditions, including foundation integrity, ceiling height, moisture levels, mechanical system locations, and available access points. We discuss how you want to use the space—family room, home theater, guest suite, gym, storm shelter—and review your budget and timeline expectations. This no-obligation visit gives us the information we need to develop an accurate scope of work for your Claremore or Rogers County basement renovation.
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Design & Planning
Our in-house design team creates a detailed floor plan with room layouts, lighting plans, electrical and plumbing locations, and finish selections. You review 3D visualizations of the finished space and refine every detail before construction begins. We also prepare a transparent line-item budget and handle all permitting with Rogers County and Claremore municipal authorities so you have complete clarity on cost and schedule before we start work.
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Waterproofing & Prep
Before framing begins, we address the most critical element of any basement renovation: moisture control. Our crew repairs foundation cracks, installs interior drainage systems and sump pumps, applies waterproofing membranes, and verifies that exterior grading directs water away from your foundation. We also rough in any below-slab plumbing for bathrooms or kitchenettes and install egress window wells. This preparation phase ensures a dry, code-compliant shell ready for finishing.
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Construction & Finishing
With waterproofing complete, our experienced crews frame walls and soffits, run electrical and HVAC, insulate, hang drywall, and install flooring, trim, and fixtures. A dedicated project manager coordinates every trade and provides regular progress updates. We build to the same quality standards we apply to our custom homes—because your basement deserves the same craftsmanship as any other room in your Claremore or Tulsa metro home.
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Final Inspection & Handover
We conduct a thorough quality walkthrough with you to verify that every detail—finishes, fixtures, lighting, HVAC performance, plumbing function—meets your expectations and our standards. All required municipal inspections are completed and approved. We hand you a finished basement backed by our comprehensive warranty covering structural elements, waterproofing systems, and workmanship, plus ongoing post-construction support for anything that comes up after you start enjoying your new space.
Why Homeowners in Rogers County Choose Cornerstone
- ✓Home county and headquarters of Cornerstone Homes & Properties
- ✓Population of approximately 92,000 across multiple communities
- ✓County seat is Claremore, located along historic Route 66
- ✓Oologah Lake — 29,500-acre reservoir for fishing, boating, and recreation
- ✓Eight school districts: Claremore, Catoosa, Verdigris, Inola, Oologah-Talala, Chelsea, Foyil, Sequoyah
- ✓Affordable rural acreage with well and septic or rural water options
- ✓Rich Will Rogers heritage and Route 66 history
- ✓30-minute commute to Tulsa via the Will Rogers Turnpike
Basement Renovation FAQs for Rogers County Homeowners
- How much does a basement renovation cost in Claremore, Oklahoma?
- Basement renovation costs in the Claremore and Rogers County area vary based on square footage, scope of work, and finish level. A basic finishing package with framing, drywall, flooring, and lighting costs significantly less than a full renovation with a bathroom, kitchenette, home theater, and storm shelter. During your free consultation, we assess your existing conditions and discuss your goals to provide a detailed, line-item estimate before design begins. Our transparent budgeting process means no hidden fees or surprise change orders—you know exactly what to expect at every phase of your northeastern Oklahoma basement project.
- Does my basement need waterproofing before finishing?
- In almost every case, yes. Rogers County’s clay-heavy soils expand and contract with moisture changes, creating hydrostatic pressure that can force water through foundation walls and floor joints. Even basements that appear dry may have elevated humidity levels that will cause mold, mildew, and material damage once walls are enclosed. Cornerstone evaluates every basement for moisture intrusion, foundation cracks, and drainage deficiencies before framing begins. We install interior waterproofing systems, vapor barriers, and dehumidification solutions tailored to your specific conditions—protecting your renovation investment for decades.
- Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Rogers County?
- Yes. Finishing a basement in Claremore and Rogers County requires building permits for structural framing, electrical work, plumbing, and mechanical systems. If you are adding bedrooms, you will also need to install code-compliant egress windows. Cornerstone handles all permit applications, scheduling, and inspections on your behalf. Our team is familiar with local building department requirements and inspection timelines, which means fewer delays and a smoother process. We ensure every aspect of your basement renovation—from fire-rated assemblies to GFCI-protected circuits—meets current International Residential Code standards as adopted in Oklahoma.
- How long does a basement renovation take from start to finish?
- Most basement renovations in the Claremore area take six to twelve weeks from the start of construction to final walkthrough, depending on size and complexity. Projects that include bathrooms, kitchenettes, or storm shelters typically fall on the longer end of that range due to additional plumbing, concrete, and inspection requirements. Add two to four weeks of design and permitting before construction begins. We provide a detailed project timeline during the planning phase and keep you updated throughout, so you always know when your new living space will be ready to enjoy.
- Can you add a bathroom to my basement?
- Absolutely. Adding a basement bathroom is one of the most popular upgrades we perform in Claremore and Rogers County homes. If your home’s main sewer line exits above the basement floor level, we install a sewage ejector pump system to handle waste removal—a reliable and code-compliant solution we have used in dozens of local projects. We handle all plumbing rough-in, venting, tile work, vanity installation, and fixture selection. A finished basement bathroom adds significant convenience and resale value, especially when paired with a guest bedroom or home gym.
