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How to turn your dark, unfinished basement into a bright, comfortable living space you can enjoy for years to come

This basement remodeling, done in 2007, shows many of the design principles I give in my book, Basement Ideas

This one, done in 2006 features a full working kitchen and seating area right next to the game room

My book will teach you how to create stunning basements like this one

Are you faced with a dark, unfinished space that you want to become something you can actually enjoy? Don't know where to start? I'm going to help you out. I have designed over a thousand basements and I know the problems you're facing.

I'm going to show you how to have more than just a useable space. I'll give you the secrets to designing a basement that maximizes every square inch, feels open and spacious, and includes the features that you want.

With lots of pictures, my $19 book shows you the secrets of designing a great basement

Basement Ideas shows you (with lots of basement pictures) exactly how to design the perfect basement for your home.

All the pictures you see on this site are basements I personally designed. My company, Basement Spaces, has been doing nothing but basement remodeling for fourteen years.

I have had professional photographers take literally thousands of basement remodeling photos over the years. Every aspect of basement design will be shown to you so you can see how to do it.

The best of these photos are in Basement Ideas, and I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know, giving lots of examples. You will be able to see exactly how to make it all fit together for your basement.

The first thing you need to know about basement remodeling

The first thing you need to know is this:
You need to know what you're doing before you start.

If you're hiring the job out, you can't just have any general contractor do the work. Unless they've had LOTS of experience in designing and remodeling basements there are many pitfalls they just don't know about (yet).

If you're going to be doing most of the work yourself, this point is even more important.

Trust me, I've had to fix jobs that were done by well-intentioned homeowners or other contractors, and you definitely want to know what you're doing before you start.

Don't worry - whatever your problem is I will help you solve it

I know the problems you're facing, and I'm going to help you overcome them. All of the basements on this site started out unfinished and had many of the same problems before we started. Look at them now.

You will learn solutions to

Low ceilings
Low-hanging pipes
Damp, moist, and even downright wet basements
Posts in bad places
Ceilings with ductwork in all the wrong places
Plumbing in the worst possible locations
You name it, I've seen it and solved it - and I'm going to give YOU the answers

And if I haven't given an answer to your exact problem, you can always ask me. I have a whole section of the site dedicated to your questions.

What do you want your basement to have?

Your basement can have much more than just a water heater and a furnace. Let's turn your basement into a new center of fun for the entire family.

Things you may want in your basement:

Home theater
Game room
Bar
Play area for the kids
Home office
Workout room
Bedroom
Bathroom
Storage
Pool table

Let me show you how to create all of these areas and more.

And, yes, most of these areas do require more planning than simply putting up four walls and some carpet. A few examples are

Home theaters
There is something you need to know about before you start, to avoid serious headaches during the project.
Workout room
There are things you need to consider otherwise you may find out you can't use your equipment properly.
Bars
You get a whole chapter in the book on how to build a bar, which includes the best places to locate it so it flows with the whole basement

You are getting expert advice

I mentioned I've been doing this for 14 years. I didn't mention that I have appeared on CNN and local CBS news, as the expert talking about basement remodeling.

My advice has appeared in Money magazine, and I have appeared in newspapers repeatedly since I began writing on how to do basement remodeling. I seem to have become the go-to guy on this subject.

The point of this isn't to give me an ego trip - I don't care about all that. But I want you to know that you are getting your advice from an expert. I'm a general contractor, and have personally planned and designed over 1,000 basements so far.

How to plan and design a useful, liveable space in your basement

Basement design is what my book specializes in. Detailed pictures show you the basics you need to know.

You're going to learn how to maximize the space you have. This is important because it's not like a room addition. You have a finite amount of space to work with. Making the most of it is key. You can't make it any wider or longer than it already is. But I'll show you all the ways to make the most of it.

Your basement will no longer be that dark, ugly area. It will seem just like more of the house, and may even outdo the upstairs. Many of my clients tell me they now spend much of their time in the basement now that it has been finished. Your basement can be that comfortable, and I'm going to show you how.

What my book is not

Basement Ideas is not a how-to guide on construction.

There are plenty of books that can tell you how to put up walls and doors. In fact, you can find several very good resources for this information on this site. There's only one book on the how-to that's any good, and I sell it here. There also a few DVDs that we sell that are pretty good.

I cover the design and planning. The layout. I take you through the project as a whole. This has always been the missing piece for homeowners looking to get started.

I give you solutions to all the common problems in basement remodeling, as well as guide you through the design phase, where you'll be making all the major decisions.

I have gone to lengths to show you, visually, how to make your basement perfect.

Free design tip: Wide open spaces!

This large area could have easily been divided into smaller rooms, however this would lose the visual impact of the single space

This is especially important in smaller basements, and when applied to medium and larger basements, the results can be breathtaking.

I try to build as few walls as possible, and only do so when absolutely necessary. Walls close the space and make it feel smaller. Too many interior walls will make a huge basement seem cluttered and claustrophobic.

The best way to separate space in your basement is to designate specific areas. This maintains the wide open feeling.

Bedrooms and bathrooms require walls – that’s unavoidable. However, there are tricks to setting these up that will leave you with additional space for other features on your wish list.

Basement ceilings - everyone's first problem

My book discusses the different ceiling types and the advantages/disacvantages of both common basement ceilings

Probably the most feared part of basement remodeling is the ceiling. Most basements were built as 'secondary' areas. It used to be that basements were never finished areas. No one thought to dig a deep basement. Low hanging pipes, heating ducts, and other obstructions were commonplace and not looked at as being a problem. But nowadays, sooner or later, nearly every basement gets finished.

Many homeowners have suddenly found themselves staring at the basement obstructions and scratching their heads, wondering what to do saying: "How do I get rid of all these pipes and ducts and wires?" And "Do I put in a drop ceiling or finish it with drywall?" "Once it's in, how do I ever get access to the stuff now buried in the ceiling?"

Don't worry, it's really not as hard as you may think. The answers are easy, and once you know them you'll enjoy putting in your ceiling. I give you the complete solution to everything so there's no stress.

How to make your basement look great with proper lighting

Here you can see just how effective proper lighting can be. You can make your basement much more appealing by getting the lighting right.

While natural lighting is the best way to illuminate any room, most basements get very little of it. I'll tell you all about the three main types of lighting, and how to use them to your 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.

Part of the reason all these basement remodeling pictures you're looking at are so attractive is just good use of lighting. It's not that the owners spent lots of money. When the lighting is done right your basement can look like you spent a million, without having to. I'll give you the secrets.

How to put a bathroom in your basement

You can have a fantastic bathroom in your basement, even if the plumbing isn't cooperating right now.

Some basements were originally built with very well-placed plumbing that makes adding a bathroom very easy. But not yours, right?

Again, this is a pretty easy thing to solve. There are, however, several things you need to consider when planning where to put your bathroom.

This is important whether you are doing the basement remodeling all by yourself or not. Even when hiring a plumber to do the actual work, there are design considerations that you want to know about. And you want to know about these during the basement design phase. I'll walk you through all the important stuff so you know what you're doing.

Home theaters - sit down, relax and enjoy

This homeowner wanted the home theater as a separate room, and it has become a wonderful sanctuary for them.

If you want your basement to feel downright inviting and comfortable, there's no better way than a well-designed home theater.

You'd be surprised how easy it is to create a space that looks like you spent a million bucks, even when you didn't.

And as I mentioned earlier, there are things you definitely need to consider for a home theater before you start the basement remodeling. Otherwise you may find yourself in a stituation that is difficult to fix.

Game rooms - the party's at your house

This is one of my favorite game rooms ever and I just had to include it. Basement Ideas shows you how to create a great basement game room.

Here is a great way to make people like you: just put in a fabulous game room. Suddenly you're very pouplar with friends and family.

Pool tables are common requests, and I'll tell you how much space you need for them. But what if you just don't have enough? There are other alternatives, and I'll walk you through the basics.

Your options for a great game room are many. And if you live in a two story house you can make noise all night long without waking the rest of the family.

How to build a bar in your basement

This bar was created using my system. You can adapt the system to your own basement bar.

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.

Now, earlier I said this book isn't a how-to manual, and it isn't. But this chapter is an exception. I take you through how to build your own bar.

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 do bedrooms right

Bedrooms are fantastic for having guests over. Watch out for this if you don't like your in-laws.

You're also going to learn how to design basement bedrooms. These add fantastic livability to a basement, and 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 will too.

How to have a functional workout room

There is an easy way to keep a workout room feeling spacious and open even if it is separate from the rest of the basement.

There are things you need to know to design a workout room properly. I'll will show you, with pictures, the things you need to know so this room is safe, comfortable, and functions the way you want it to.

Believe it or not, it's pretty easy to find out after the project is done that you forgot one important thing. This important thing means your efforts were wasted or parts of it need to be redone. I'll tell you what you need to know and keep you from this nasty surprise.

I'll show you the greatest ideas in storage ever created

This folding shelf is only one of the many ways to hide your storage, and give you more storage at the same time

Basements can have plenty of storage and still have lots of living space at the same time. They are wonderful because there are so many nooks and crannies which create great opportunities for storage.

It is impossible to have too much storage space, and you can have plenty of it in ways you never thought of. There are some great ways to 'hide' storage space right out in the open, and other ways to hide it totally.

Don't miss this chapter. You're going to get great ideas and see how you can make the most of whatever space you have.

Designing your perfect home office

Notice the large amount of extra storage offered by the cabinets. My book shows you lots of ways to use elements cleverly.

Home offices are pretty simple and don't require a huge amount of know-how. But even here I will show you ways to stretch the space without stretching your budget. This will keep your office lively and inviting, and keep you from feeling isolated and shut off.

One more free tip here: put in more electrical outlets than you think you need.

If you can't sell your house you might as well enjoy it

With the current real estate market, you may be in your place for a while. So let's make the most of your basement and it can be like you have a new house without having to move.

Bring your friends over and show them your new basement once you're done. Just watch their faces. They will want to have a basement as nice as yours.

If you have teenagers, this will become a safe place for them to come and hang out. If not, you've got a terrific place to enjoy for yourself.

Basement Remodeling Success

"Without a doubt, your book was worth every penny. We finished an 1800 square foot basement and doubled the size of our living space. We did use a home design program and put all of the ideas we got from your book into the program – everything from the refrigerator hidden under the stairs, to the location and number of recessed lights, to the paint design.

I am convinced that our project cost less AND took less time because we were able to show our contractor exactly what we wanted based on the ideas we got from your book. And we were thrilled with our project because there were no surprises. I can’t imagine anyone undertaking a project of this magnitude without using your book. A small investment that paid us back many times."

Ellen R.
New York

You can read many more at the bottom of the page.

Download now for only $19

You can download the book right now for only $19. Or you can get a printed copy, or get it on CD for just $24.95.

The CD version includes a FREE copy of Basement Explorer, a near-total immersion into some of the best basements ever created.

Here's to a great basement.

- Dave Schrock

You have 3 choices to order

1 . Download Basement Ideas now - $19

Immediate download

2. Order a printed copy of the book now - $24.95

Softcover book, 69 pages, full color.

3. Order the book on CD right now - $24.95
and get a FREE copy of Basement Explorer

CD contains all the materials in the book plus "Basement Explorer" software FREE.

Basement Explorer Software includes complete floorplans of 30 great basements, with photos, 3D tours and design notes to immerse you in the possibilities of what your basement can become.

CD Compatibility: Windows 2000, XP, Vista. Your computer must be connected to the Internet when installing this software. Requires free Adobe Reader and QuickTime Player which will be automatically downloaded and installed if not already on your computer.

Customer Reviews
"I am putting the finishing touches on my basement remodel job that was inspired by your publication. Once my wife and I decided to jump in and tackle the job, we looked for as many sources of information as we could find. Your book helped us turn our thoughts and ideas into reality. Thank you for the help. I've included a few photos for your review." G. Scott M. "I purchased Basement Ideas about a year ago and I was not disappointed. Your illustrations and tips in Basement Ideas are very inspiring and helpful. The best I have seen in one years time of research on the net. Even my children (ages 6 & 9) look through the book and say 'Wow Dad!!!' We hope to have a great basement finished soon. Keep up the good work." Carl "Thank you so much, your generosity in sending the plans for the home designer program. I'll Keep you posted on how my basement plans develop, and send you a copy of the floor plan that I come up with. "My home is a 1900 sq foot Ranch Home built in 1996. At the time, my wife and I were parents to a quadriplegic Daughter, who was confined to a wheelchair, so we had the home built handicapped accessible. Rachel passed on a few years ago, and while she was alive, we just did not have the time or energy to do anything with the basement. My wife started talking last summer about having a Sewing room for her downstairs, and it got me to thinking about creating a organized workshop for all of my power tools, and also, possibly doing a home theater in the basement. "So, I guess, armed with your great Basement Ideas e-book, the Home Designer program, several years of back issues of Sound & Vision magazine, with their many basement Theater Room articles, and some time on my hands now, I can get started!" Dan Wegner "Thanks! there were multiple times we had pictures and tips from your book and website printed out and in front of us as we designed or moved things around." Chris and Jane V. "I actually purchased your book and found it to be an excellent resource of information. I started my basement in September and I'm almost finished. My family is looking forward to many years of enjoyment. I think your most helpful hint was touched upon in the beginning when you suggested buying a home architect computer program to plan the basement. It is so neat to see something come to life just as you planned it. Your book was exactly what I was looking for prior to starting my basement. Thanks so much." Bill B. "You should know that I went to see my neighbor a couple of weeks ago - he is fixing up his basement. I told him about your book and he purchased it right away. I joked with him about you coming to stay with us to do our basements - our wives didn't think it was such a good idea. Good stuff travels fast. Thanks again." Stephen A. "We are just finishing up our basement renovation. It turned out really awesome! A lot of that is due to your web site and suggestions. I purchased the 3D Home Architect software and designed the whole thing, and it turned out just like my plans. I also borrowed a couple of ideas from your "Exploring the underground frontier" packet (such as utilizing the under-the -stair space for extra storage). I also was careful to plan for adequate lighting...I think I actually overdid it, with 18 recessed cans plus 3 overhead fixtures, many on dimmers, and that doesn't count the utility room. My contractor was sick of lights by the time he finished! I just wanted to say thanks for your site and all your great ideas." Eileen H.		"I took advantage of this offer last year and completed my basement finishing project this past April. I got many ideas and a sense of confidence in taking on a project like this and working with and I must admit, for, a friend and master capenter, completed a custom basement fiinshing project that I know will add value to my home as well as 1100 more square feet. Thanks!" Dave B. "I just bought the Basement Ideas book from your website. There are some very interesting ideas in the book that I like.... I really enjoy doing this type of stuff as I sit behind a desk all day. So when I get home I like to build. I am enjoying the Basement Ideas book. Thanks in advance...I am glad you are out there for guys like me." Roy V.S. "Thank you so much for taking the extra time with me. I'm sorry I am not computer literate and appreciate your extra efforts. This looks awesome to me and I have put all my plans on hold until I can get a copy of your program. Thank you for an idea no one has tackled. " Sharryll "Your website has been a tremendous help to us in planning our basement. It was especially helpful in deciding whether to drywall our ceilings or to put in a drop ceiling. After reading your opinion on this we have decided to go with drywall. We have also found it very helpful in the general layout of our basement. " Charlene A. "I love your site. Although we are having trouble trying to design the finished basement (not enough room for all we want to do and your pictures seem to be of pretty big spaces) we are having a blast working on it and have learned a lot. Also need to try to figure out how to pay for all of the great ideas you have given me. "I have both your books and recommend them to anyone I come into contact with that is contemplating a basement project." Doug C. "I loved your website and the photos! Wow! We are in the middle of deciding whether to build or fix up the house we have stayed in for awhile. Either way, there will be a finished basement project coming. We have 5 children from teenager to 4 yr. old and the need for space is desperate. Play room. Relaxing room. You've heard it before. " Shannon O. "I love your web site. It's one of the best out of 50 I've visited. It has been the most useful info since starting my basement research project Nov. '02. Love your newsletters too.” Paul R. "Thanks for the amazingly quick response. I've got the 1st chapter and I'm glad I went ahead and ordered the full document. It is exactly what I was looking for on the internet. You have one of the best, specific sources of info on basement remodeling that I was able to find. Thanks, " Jonathan S. "My brother is also named Dave and is a carpenter. He found your website and passed it on to me. We really want to fix up our basement, but aren't very creative. Your website pics look wonderful! I'm really impressed!" Thank you, Kim M.