Mighty Man Caves

     

In a world of increasing uncertainty and challenges to their individuality, an increasing number of men are finding the best way to deal with the pressure of modern society is to go back to the cave. One of the hottest trends in domestic reconfiguration is the concept of the “Man Cave” – a designated space in or around the home where a man can seek refuge from worldly or domestic distractions and immerse himself in personal indulgence.

For some, it’s a simple retreat outfitted with a second-hand television and a worn out sofa in the garage. It’s a place men can gather to smoke cigars, watch football and drink beer without being a burden on traditional domestic tranquility.

Others seek a designated location in which they can surround themselves with types of prized possessions most women don’t understand and won’t allow to be showcased in their homes. Men understand prized possessions like sports memorabilia, a vintage slot car setup or a vintage collection of Playboy magazines shouldn’t be hidden away or tossed in the trash.

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Thus a compromise is reached. Women get full rights to domestic property, including home and yard, in exchange for a fortress of solitude where the man of the house can temporarily escape his wife, her friends, his kids and anyone determined not to be cave-worthy.

While any self-contained enclosure can be designated as Man Cave, the preferred space should be separate and distinct from traditional living space. A spare bedroom can do in a pinch, but a detached garage is better. A prefabricated metal building constructed a distance from the house is better still.

Whatever space is designated for your Man Cave, you’ll want to address basic issues of comfort and security. The Houston climate is known for weather extremes, so basic heating and cooling is a must if your Man Cave is to be used year round.

Retired architect Robert S. of The Woodlands believes modest improvements to electrical service, insulation and ventilation can pay big dividends in terms of comfort and functionality.

“Humidity can be a problem for fabrics and electrical equipment over time,” he said. “It’s better to invest a little time and effort and have something you can enjoy.”

If running ducting off of central heating and air conditioning is not practical, a window unit can handle small to medium Man Caves. Basic upgrades by professionals can cost a few thousand dollars – less if you’re up to doing some of the work yourself.

For those building more elaborate Man Caves, Robert said retrofitting a larger space could go as high as $10,000 to $15,000, depending on the level of sophistication required.

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January 7, 2010