by Jim Bessey

Created on: January 08, 2008

Remodeling your unfinished basement can be a cost-effective way to expand your living space, especially if you can do much of the work yourself. Create a cozy viewing lounge for a large-screen television and sound system. Design your dream office or crafts workspace. Fashion an impressive recreation area around a ping-pong or billiards table. Build a beautiful bar for entertaining. With hundreds of square feet waiting downstairs, you can consider a whole range of possibilities for finishing your under-utilized basement.

What's the catch?

Before you race off to Lowe's or Home Depot for supplies and tools, think about taking on such a large job yourself. While few homeowners employ an architect for this type of project, many examine the broad range of skills required and decide to hire professionals. On the other hand, if you're capable and willing to consult friends and experts as needed, you can finish your basement without disrupting your family's everyday lives. That's certainly not true of kitchen or bathroom make-overs.

Want a very good reason to delay this endeavor? Water or high moisture in your cellar can indicate big problems that must be addressed before you cover those old block walls with finish materials and add carpeting on the floor. Check the yellow pages for reputable Basement Waterproofing firms near you, and pay for a consultation. Maybe all you need is a good de-humidifier.

Check the building codes before you start!

Many homeowners ignore all building codes when they "secretly" remodel their basements. These rules and regulations can be quite strict, especially concerning stairs, windows and ventilation, and ceiling height. Make the trip to your local Planning and Zoning (or "building") Department, ask the right questions, and then make your own decision intelligently. You'll hear the word "egress" emphasized right away, if you mention "bedroom" in reference to underground finish work. DO NOT create a new bedroom in your basement, if there will be no direct means to escape that room in the event of a fire.

Ask your friends for advice first.

You probably have at least two friends or coworkers who've tackled this sort of project. Chances are, they made at least one mistake which they'll be happy to tell you about, if you ask. Learn from the mistakes of others, so you won't repeat them! You may get some good pointers and references for helpful tradesmen, too.
Clean out the clutter and assess your storage needs.

Hold a huge yard sale. Rent a dumpster

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