Very good points. While I couldn't keep it in the basement (the average temp is still 55º and I don't think cigars create heat), it is definitely worth trying it out somewhere upstairs. The insulation would even out day-to-day temps, and maybe the average temp is high enough in the winter and low enough in the summer to be OK.

If that doesn't work out, adding the heating capacity is an easy fix (just cut a hole and insert the controller).

The other thing I am considering is purchasing a simple 100 stick humidor from cigar bid (~$30-40) and using that upstairs for short term storage, and building the heated coolidor for the basement. One of my concerns with the upstairs thing is that a large plastic cooler doesn't exactly fit my home's decor ;)

Even if the heating thing is overkill, I think it may be my only option if I want to have a large storage solution.

My main concern is about that ability to heat the space and not damage the cigars. I just haven't seen anyone with a heated humidor so I definitely don't want to spend the coin if heating would be bad for some reason.

Thanks for the help!