Remodeling or adding on a patio is fairly common. On average 6% of homeowners add a patio onto their home annually, and 5.5% remodel an existing one each year. With these sorts of statistics, all sorts of new trends have arisen, leaving you with far more options to choose from.
This article covers extensively how to remodel your basement, things to look for in a professional, and things to request a professional to make your basement the best it can be. It also includes a major section on getting a home theater system installed and what you should look for.
This is an article that gives a realistic approach on what a first time apartment renter needs to prepare for when its time to find the right space in the right place.