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Step 1
Look around your house for a possible place to build your darkroom. The room needs be big enough for your darkroom equipment. It also needs to have running water, preferably both hot and cold. The future darkroom must have good ventilation. If you find a room that meets the size requirements but doesn't have water, hire a plumber to install plumbing in the room for you.
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Step 2
Black out the room. Cover all the possible light sources. Put heavy black gardening plastic over the window if there's one in the room. Put sweeps on the door. Build a bracket to hold black gardening plastic so it can drape over the door when you are inside to further block out any light.
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Step 3
Sit in the room for five minutes with the lights out. Make note of any light you see coming into the room. Cover the holes.
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Step 4
Install a ceiling ventilation fan over the spot where you plan to work with the chemicals. If you are not comfortable doing the wiring, hire an electrician.
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Step 5
Put in a counter for your supplies. Arrange the chemicals and their developing trays the way you want them to be. Consider putting pegboard around the room to help free the countertop from clutter.
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Step 6
Set up the safelight that you use while you are developing film. For best results, direct the light toward the ceiling and work from the reflected light.
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Step 7
Make a sign to hang outside your door. This can warn unwanted visitors when you are busy in your darkroom.
