Things You'll Need:
- Trash bags
- Pipe covering
- Wall paneling
- Dehumidifier
- Paint
- Epoxy patches (a substance used for sealing cracks in concrete)
- Outside contractor for jobs out of your expertise
- Drop ceiling tile
- Basement door
- Bookcase or cupboard
- Tiled or wood flooring
- Window shutters or drapes
- Additional window
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Step 1
Analyze your basement to make sure that every space will be used to your advantage, such as adding bookcases or cupboards. Remove all items that are not in use, and put loose items in trash bags. As you clear debris away, you may notice things like exposed wires and piping. Cover these eyesores to your design. Foam pipe covering is available at local hardware stores. Be sure whatever object you choose to cover items is removable so that you can get to your wiring, piping, or drains easily.
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Step 2
Plan your lighting carefully, and control it by dimmer switches to fit the mood or occasion.
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Step 3
Pay close attention to detail in your basement, if you choose to use drop ceilings to cover wiring overhead, then be sure it complements the other items you choose to decorate the basement with. If you have a fireplace, make it a focal point by adding wood moldings or paneling that has been sculptured or varnished.
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Step 4
You will be spending the most money on your basement floor. However, if repairs need to be made first, then think about painting the concrete floor rather than installing one to save money. In time, an inexpensive tiled or wood floor could be installed over the top of the concrete flooring.
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Step 5
Disguise narrow windows by installing shutters or long drapes.
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Step 6
Take a look at your basement stairs, are they steep or flimsy? Is there enough headroom? If not, consider rebuilding the stairway first.
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Step 7
If there isn't a basement door that leads outside, think about adding one for safety. If you plan to make the basement a woodshop, you will definitely need one so that you can get large lumber and equipment inside. Maybe you want to make the basement a bedroom; if so, then consider adding a bathroom, additional windows or closet more space.
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Step 8
Take a look at your wall paneling, the size of the framework, and electrical outlets. If you are not careful in your planning stages when measuring space for wiring, you may have some serious problems in the future. Consult reference material when doing basic wiring yourself. Know the local wiring regulations, and have your work inspected by a town official before you bury it under the paneling.
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Step 9
Put off basement improvements if there are excessive cracks in the basement floor and walls, moisture, or leakage. For example, after repeatedly painting over a basement concrete floor and patching cracks, one home owner realized that over time the cracks seemed to reappear on the basement floor. He learned after digging up the floor that tree roots were growing underneath. After removing them and recreating the floor, the cracks stopped.
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Step 10
Create a floor plan to refer back to as you make additions, or use it to discuss what your needs are for transforming your basement with an outside contractor.
