Basement Ideas That Work

How do you turn your basement into the place to be? You transform it from a cramped, musty space to terrific rooms your family members will want to be in. No more dreaded trips to put in a load of laundry in a dark, dank locale or retrieve something from gloomy, cavernous storage. Instead, you'll enter a warm, welcome family room, a cozy home office, or a slick gym.

For the motivation to pull these basement renovations off, look to Basement Ideas That Work. Filled with practical and budget-friendly advice, Basement Ideas That Work not only helps you to get more enjoyment from your home, but increases its value in a single leap -- a finished basement reportedly earns an average of 90% of its remodeling cost back at resale.

The most extensive basement design book ever!

• Part of the Ideas That Work series from The Taunton Press
• Invaluable whether your basement rehab plans are grand or modest
• Covers every aspect of turning your basement into prime living space... The Ups and Downs of Stairs, Adding Windows, Waterproofing, more
• Covers every aspect of transforming your basement into your dream place! Home theater and entertainment center, play area, craft and hobby retreat, secluded study, personal gym, laundry room you'll love, more
• 20 amazing case studies, 250 full-color photos (Be inspired by incredible ugly-duckling-into-sensational-swan success stories)
• The latest exciting options in flooring, lighting, sound proofing, electronic equipment
• Savvy solutions for a basement's special problems -- moisture, heating, plumbing, dealing with immovable obstructions
• Don't let another day go by without exploring the possibilities awaiting you "downstairs"...send for Basement Ideas That Work!

About the author
Designer and builder Peter Jeswald's accomplishments include residential homes, medical facilities, retail stores, restaurants and schools. The author of two building books, he makes his home in Massachusetts where you're very likely to find him at work or play in the basement!

Introduction 2

Chapter 1
From Storage to Living Space 4
Transforming Your Basement 6
The Ups and Downsof Stairs 8
Lighting the Way 12
Putting It All Together: Rehabilitating a Bad Remodeling Job 14
Flooring 16
Walls and Ceilings 18
The Essentials Wall Surfaces 20
The Essentials: Ceiling Materials 24
Adding Windows 26
The Essentials: Types of Windows 27
An Open and Shut Case for Doors 28
The Essentials: Types of Doors 29
Putting It All Together: From Storage Room to Family Room 30

Chapter 2
Planning Your Finished Basement 32
Make a Wish List 34
Understanding Basement Construction 36
Putting It All Together: Opening Up the Stairs 38
Dealing with Obstructions 42
Waterproofing Your Basement 48
Moving into the Design Phase 52
Putting it All Together: A Period Remodel 53

Chapter 3
Gathering Spaces 56
Open Floor Plan versus Multiple Rooms 58
Putting It All Together: A Remodeled Basement for the Entire Family 60
Family Rooms 62
Putting It All Together: A Family Room that Entertains 70
Entertaining Areas 80
Home Theaters 88
The Essentials: Incandescent versus Fluorescent Lighting 97
Putting It All Together: Lighting a Home Theater 100

Chapter 4
Activity Spaces 102
Home Fitness Rooms 104
The Essentials: Flooring 112
Play Spaces 114
Putting It All Together: A Playroom for Kids of All Ages 118
Putting It All together: Creating Zones for Multiple Activities 122
Craft and Hobby Spaces 128
Putting It All Together: A Craft Space with Flair 129
Laundry Rooms 132

Chapter 5
Private Spaces 136
Home Offices 138
Putting It All Together: Ready for Work 140
Studies 154
Guest Rooms 158
Putting It All Together: Raising the Ceiling to Add Light and Views 164
Putting It All Together: Home Away from Home 168

Resources 172
Credits 173
Index 175

Let's face it. When it comes to remodeling, basements often don't get much respect. But given the way basements have been treated in the past, it's easy to see why. Viewed as cheap space, most basements were literally done "on-the-cheap." Design and space layout were virtually ignored. Little attention was paid to the unique requirements of basement construction. And most of the materials installed in basements looked like leftovers from bargain bins. As a result, many basements were just not inviting places. Over time, they reverted to their previous function as storage depots.

Perhaps motivated by increasing home prices and construction costs, homeowners and builders have begun to take a fresh look at basements. Time is now spent thinking about how to effectively use basement space. Advances in building science provide an understanding of proper basement construction techniques. And quality materials are becoming the rule, not an exception. After all, you wouldn't use inferior materials in a kitchen or bathroom remodel, so why should a basement be treated any differently?

Is your home bursting at the seams, every nook and cranny filled by your growing family? Do your children need a place to get away from their parents -- or vice versa? Perhaps you'd like to telecommute and need a home office. What about a place to exercise so you can keep up with your kids? You've thought about moving, but you love the neighborhood and the schools. Rearranging the furniture won't solve the problems: You definitely need more space. Building an addition seems like the best solution. Or is it?

Basement Ideas That Work shows you that a better answer may be right under your nose. The following pages will change your image of basements forever. In fact, you might turn a page and find yourself exclaiming, "That can't be a basement." You'll see that basements can accommodate almost every housing need or activity you might have. And there's a lot of nitty-gritty information that will help you determine if remodeling your basement makes sense for you. Even if you?re already sold on a basement remodel, Basement Ideas That Work has something for you. In addition to inspiration, this book provides you with tricks and techniques to overcome the special challenges basements present.

So set aside your preconceived notions of what remodeled basements used to be and enjoy a tour through the world of the up-to-date basement.