How to plan the perfect space

Planning: the key ingredient

The most important part of remodeling your basement occurs before we ever touch a tool. You need to be able to design your basement well, and I will show you how to do it.

In the years we have been doing basements, we have come across every possible size and shape of basement. There are certain principles that we will tell you about layout and planning which will give you the guidance and inspiration to do it right.

How to get the most from your space - and make it comfortable

You may want to combine a bar area and game room in the same open space

Large, open spaces give the best feeling to your basement, and I will tell you how to capitalize on what you have to work with.

Basements are a special problem in construction. They have their own challenges, not found in any other area. I have, over the years, had to handle all of it.

How to do bedrooms and bathrooms

This is used as a guest bedroom for stays from in-laws and other visitors.

I will design basement bedrooms and bathrooms. These add fantastic livability to a basement, and both will add nicely to the usability of your house.

If you want to entertain people for more than a day, but don't have the room for them, this is your easiest solution. Your guests will love it, and you too.

How to build a bar in your basement

One of the most common requests I get is to put a bar in a basement. So I developed a system for building them that works every time.

I show lots of pictures and give different ways to do it, including a way to do a basement bar with only minimal space.

How to plan for a home gym

This is a rather complete fitness center for a home, all tucked comfortably in a basement

If you're a fitness buff you might put a gym in your basement. There are things you'll need to account for in the planning if you will be including this in your basement. I will show you pictures and give you the information you need to help make decisions about a good layout.

Storage - but make it look nice please

Aside from having shelves to put things on, this door leads to an unfinished storage area

You don't have to lose storage space in doing your basement remodeling. You should probably get rid of some of that junk, but some you will want to keep. And you will collect more.

Shelves don't have to be BORING!!

You have come to the right place. Basements are full of surprises for the remodeler who hasn't had any experience with them. That's where we come in!

How to do basement design and layout
Typically the first thing you begin to look for help on. And with good reason. There is plenty to know about the subject.
How to get the most out of the space available
A good approach to the design of your basement can maximize your space. I will tell you how to make the most of what you've got.
If you're really tight on space, I'll tell you a trick in how to do the construction that will squeeze every possible inch out.
How to handle problem areas
Many basements have problem areas. Like boilers and other appliances in the worst possible locations. Like ductwork or electrical pipes hanging down from the ceiling.
How to deal with basement ceilings
A big problem for many homeowners. Unfortunately, lots of houses were built with the idea that the basement was just for storage, and maybe laundry. So ceiling height didn't matter.

How to plan for home theaters

Planning home theater areas the right way. Can you see any wires running to surround sound speakers?

In the average American home the TV runs six hours a day. So your home entertainment area will probably be getting lots of use. In this chapter I will tell you how to plan it right, starting from the beginning.

I will make the layout flexible, so that you can change your mind and still be able to put things elsewhere, without being locked into your original design.

Designing your perfect home office

Offices are pretty simple and don't require a huge amount of know-how. I will show you ways to make the space as open and as usable as possible. This will keep your office lively and inviting, and keep you from feeling isolated and shut off.

How to do great lighting

I will make your basement look great with lighting.

While natural lighting is the best way to illuminate any room, many basements get very little of it. I'll tell you all about the three main types of lighting, and how to use them to the best advantage. Good lighting can add emotional impact to a room. Your guests won't know exactly why, but they will find the room captivating.

And plenty more...

Here are other basement remodeling modifications we can do to your home:

Game rooms
Windows
Stairways
Dealing with posts
Heating and insulating your basement
Basement waterproofing - dealing with damp, moist basements
Paint and trim

You can be the envy of the neighborhood

Make your basement the envy of the neighborhood. Invite the neighbors over and watch them drool. It's like doubling the size of your house, since you'll be reclaiming all that wasted space.

A well designed basement often becomes the most used area in the house. And why not? Done right it can be the most comfortable area in the house.

Here's to a great basement!