Housing News

A Man Cave Is Good for Dad's Health

What do dads need? It turns out, they need some space—and not just on Father’s Day, but all year round.

While homes tend to be used for practical reasons, they also meet emotional needs. Studies have found that one’s home environment correlates to an individual’s overall sense of well-being. People destress when they can settle into a space that is their own for some time each day. This type of social withdrawal to a place filled with things of personal significance is seen as a healthy coping mechanism. For husbands, and dads in particular, that place tends to be a man cave.

More than an Excuse for a Kegerator

At its core, a man cave isn’t as much an indulgence as it is an investment in Dad’s health. The key, however, is that the man cave be a personal expression of its dweller. It doesn’t matter if it’s part of the garage that has been converted into a workshop, the traditional finished basement with a wet bar and entertainment system, or an outdoor barbeque station with a hammock and weatherproof sound system. The space will be worthwhile if it reflects the man and he finds it relaxing.

The necessary investment can vary widely. It depends on whether a room needs to be renovated or added to the home or if it just requires better lighting, some shelves, and a comfortable chair.

Appealing to Buyers

While it’s hard to put a price on Dad’s health, it may help to know that potential homebuyers do see man caves as appealing. Potential buyers tend to respond well to things that help them see themselves occupying the space. Just as a basketball hoop or swing set helps children imagine living there, having a spot already designated for downtime can help a husband or dad bond with a property.

The caveat to this is that it helps if the space is adaptable to future users’ interests. While team loyalties may be an obvious color scheme, when it comes time to sell, Real Estate Agents recommend treating those loyalties similar to personal photos. They should be removed before marketing the home to avoid distracting a fan with different loyalties from appreciating the merits of the room.

Once the man cave is established and the kids are settled into their spaces, it may be time to get to work on a “she shed.” After all, moms need their quiet zones, too.