A picture-driven book of ideas for creating living space and organized storage  in the basement.

Design Ideas for Basements presents hundreds of ideas for turning a basement into stylish, comfortable living space. It also provides the information a homeowner needs to know before embarking on the project, including advice regarding permits, how to tackle moisture issues, providing light and access, and camouflaging the furnace and pipes.

Many examples of finished projects are featured: media and game rooms, home theaters, laundry facilities, offices, wine cellars, guest quarters, familiy rooms, built-in storage and closet, plus and more.

Introduction

Ch. 1. Adding Space without Adding on

An overview of the benefits of a finished basement. For example, it's a relatively easy way to add living space...and value...to a house. Also addressed are the things a homeowner will have to seriously consider before tackling the project...will they need a permit for the job? How will they address moisture problems? What will they do to camouflage the furnace, pipes, and so forth?

Ch 2. Your Possibities

An overview of what kinds of living spaces are easiest or best suited to a finished basement (specific "rooms" will be showcased later in other chapters). Are some projects more cost-effective than others? A look at different "themes" some homeowners have created, i.e. Irish pub, ski resort, etc.

Ch 3. Finishing Finesse

An overview of the latest materials and the kinds of details that really transform the space. Examples include various wall systems and paneling, ceiling treatments, flooring built-ins (closets, bookcases, etc.), trim, fireplace and stove surrounds, how to conceal support posts, and so forth

Ch 4. Light Matters

How to bring more light and air into a basement. Windows and doors will be included along with ventilation and lighting systems.

Ch 5. Media and Game Rooms

An overview of the various types of entertainment rooms, from home theaters to bowling alleys

Ch 6. Laundry Rooms

An overview of how to organize this space to make everything from spot cleaning to dry cleaning less of a chore

Ch 7. Home Offices and Crafts Rooms

An overview of efficient, good-looking designs for both the professional and part-time home office. Also included : crafts centers

Ch 8. Home Gyms

An overview of at-home personal-fitness rooms

Ch 9. Great Closet Ideas

An overview of both custom designs and closet systems

Ch 10. Workshops

An overview of both custom-designed shops and workshop systems

Resource Guide

Glosssary

Index

 

Wayne Kalyn is a freelance writer and editor. Previously, he was Editorial Director of Health Books at Reader's Digest, as well as the Project Editor of 1001 Do-It-Yourself Hints and Tips (Reader's Digest Books). He was also the Senior Editor at Men's Journal Magazine.

Wayne Kalyn is a graduate of Syracuse University. He lives in Cranford, NJ.

According to a recent survey of home buyers conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, more people are including basements in their plans for a new home. In addition, owners of existing homes recognize the potential of a finished basement as extra living space and as a bonus at resale time.

Design Ideas for Basements offers new and existing homeowners the inspiration they need to transform basements into comfortable, stylish living space. Hundreds of examples illustrate the benefits of a finished basement that can be used as a home theater, a second family room, an organized work place, guest quarters, and more.

Looking for a way to create more living space without building a costly addition? Design Ideas for Basements has the answer. See what other homeowners have done to stretch their space and their remodeling dollars by making their basements livable and stylish.

Imprint: Creative Homeowner
Distributor: Creative Homeowner Press
Publication Date: 08-19-2008
Pages: 208
Measurements: 10.88in X 8.50in X 1.50lb