Synopses & Reviews
A fact-filled, 240-page manual that covers every aspect of designing and planning a basement conversion/remodeling project. With more than 600 color photographs, this book goes into thorough detail on crucial subjects like moisture and climate control, egress, ventilation, lighting, and many other issues. It deals comprehensively with adapting home mechanical systems to basement conditions. The many featured projects include finishing a bathroom stub-out, installing an all-new basement bathroom, insulating, repairing foundation walls, installing sump pumps, dehumidification strategies, as well as many other projects designed for livability. A special focus new to this edition presents information and projects for aging in place, including home elevators and chair lifts, monitoring and communication systems, and creating an accessible basement apartment. You will also find projects that show how to upgrade with luxury amenities, including a fireplace, sauna, home spa, exercise room, basement club/lounge and more.
Review
About.com (5 star rating)“This is a fat, 250+ page guide that takes you from inspiration to completion. I am not exaggerating when I say "complete," either. For instance, the guide not only presents you with at least six different basement flooring options, but goes into intricate detail about how to install each type of flooring. “How do these Creative Publishing guides excel? The images. The images are what make these Black and Decker guides. As with previous guides, we still have the same elaborately constructed sets populated by a diverse set of people--everything well-lit and professionally photographed. “Younger readers may be startled by the professionalism of these images. To these readers, the images may not seem ‘real’ enough. If you want ‘real,’ spend a day or two searching for user-generated content online and see what kind of basement you'll be able to finish from that advice. After squinting at grainy, darkly-lit photos (accompanied by little or no text narrative) taken by irritable DIY homeowners, you'll be praying for a crisp and clean view of the project at hand.”
Review
Midwest Book Review“A basement can be as fine a living space as any other area of the house. The Complete Guide to Finishing Basements is a home improvement guide for those who want to turn their utility room basement into a room to be enjoyed by the entire family, or just one person. Basements present their own challenges, such as moisture, lack of heat and light, among other issues, but many ideas are presented to remedy these. With extra advice on morphing one's basement into many types of more useful rooms, The Complete Guide to Finishing Basements is a fine choice for anyone who wants to make their bottom level something special.”
Synopsis
An updated second edition of the most comprehensive guidebook for DIYers that provides the inspiration and information you’ll need to conduct every phase of your basement remodeling project.
Synopsis
With a soft real estate market making it more challenging to relocate when the need for more spaces arises, smart homeowners are looking below for ways to expand their space without exapanding or moving. Whether your basement is brand new and simply waiting to be finished or dark, dank, and underused, your house is sitting on top of an important resource. This updated second edition of
The Complete Guide to Finishing Basements covers every aspect of designing and planning a basement conversion/remodeling project and then doing the work yourself. The many featured projects include finishing a bathroom stub-out, installing an all-new basement bathroom, insulating, repairing foundation walls, installing sump pumps, dehumidification strategies, as well as many other projects designed for livability. A special focus new to this edition presents information and projects for adding living space designed for the needs of aging in place.
About the Author
The editors and publishers at Cool Springs Press have combined their decades of experience to create more than 30 best-selling classics on gardening, landscaping, home repair, and remodeling. With the added expertise of the United States' most knowledgeable Do It Yourself writers and photographers, our state and local gardening books are tailored to specific regional environments across the country, while our renowned series of foolproof home improvement books have long been trusted on both the bookshelf and the job site. View our full catalog at CoolSpringsPress.com or connect with us on Facebook (facebook.com/CoolSpringsPress), Twitter (@CoolSpringsDIY), or Pinterest (pinterest.com/CoolSpringsDIY).
Table of Contents
Introduction
REMODELING BASICS
Evaluating & Planning
Basement Possibilities
Evaluating Your Basement
Remodeling Codes & Practices
Planning Your Project
IMPROVING BASEMENT ENVIRONMENTS
Controlling Moisture
Controlling Pests
Insulating Basements
Improving Heating & Cooling
Upgrading Ventilation
Adding Electrical Circuits
BASEMENT STAIRS
Stairways
Renovating Stairs
Stairlifts
FLOORS
Preparing Basement Floors
Creating Decorative Concrete Finishes
Installing Radiant Floors
Laying Tile Floors
Installing Laminate Plank Floors
Laying Resilient Tile Floors
Installing Rubber Roll Floors
WALLS & CEILINGS
Wall & Ceiling Options
Framing Furred-Out Walls
Building Partition Walls
Framing Walls with Steel Studs
Framing Soffits
Installing Drywall
Finishing Drywall
Installing a Suspended Ceiling
Installing an Acoustic Tile Ceiling
WINDOWS, DOORS & TRIM
Installing an Egress Window
Replacing Basement Windows
Trimming Basement Windows
Installing Prehung Interior Doors
Installing Pocket Doors
Installing Bifold Doors
Installing Walkout Patio Doors
Installing Molding
BASEMENT ROOMS
Basement Room Projects
An Efficiency Apartment
Bedroom
Bathroom
Kitchen
Family Room
Home Theater
Laundry Center
Wine Cellar
Home Office
Conversion Charts
Resources & Photo Credits
Index