Basement Design
#1
10-31-01, 05:20 AM
I am looking for online help to design a finished basement. Over 1,500 sq. ft. w/9 ft. ceilings, and plumbing is roughed. I can build it, but I'm no designer. Any help is appreciated.
#2
11-01-01, 04:14 AM
Member
I don't know of much on-line help, but there are lots of books on basement finishing that give design help. Consult your local home improvement store and/or your local public library. You can also find some books, videos, and a little bit of on-line advice at http://www.hometime.com/ They have a $9 basement finishing book that isn't too bad.
#3
11-02-01, 05:46 AM
Member
Mhead,
I just completed my basement project. There is no direct answer your question. Really the sky, or more importantly your pocketbook is the limit. The finished part of my basement is a lot smaller than yours (450 sqft) I spent $5,000, and it looks professionally done. I only hired out the under floor drain line plumbing $650, mud & tape of the drywall $300, and of course the carpet $1,500. The rest was all me, and it took around 8 mos of nights / weekends.
If you have any access to a friend / relative who is a longtime contractor /homebuilder and also someone who has sold Real Estate, have them come down and give you their opinions. I have a relative who has built custom homes for 30 years give me his advise. It really helped make my basement look profesionally done, all his suggestions were little things but they really made a visable difference. Also his suggestions helped save time on non-important issues and avoid the typical do-it-yourself mistakes especially in the design / layout.
I purchased an off-the-self design computer program to help draw out / design my basement. It helped with placement of the inside walls, bathroom and such. Also it estimated some of the materials and gave a budget outline for me to complete. It was good visually & organizationally.
Questions you need to answer: How much $$$ do you want to spend. Be realistic here, 1500 Sqft is a big basement so it is not going to be cheap. What do you want its use to be: kids playroom, entertainment, home theatre, home office, extra bedroom. How nice do you want it to look, again here $$$ spent are directly related. If you are looking for an extra bedroom down there, you must have a second stairwell or a code approved egress window / hatch.
After you answer the above, then you move on to electrical requirments, heating & cooling, insulation. Your budget and overall desire for looks will dictate the flooring, ceiling, lighting, bath fixtures, ect.
Overall we really like our newly finished basement. I was very cost conscious, but also wanted it to look as well finished as the rest of the house. I did not skimp on certain items: lighting, ceiling, carpeting, wood trim work, tile flooring in bath. There is a huge difference in all of these items: ceiling panels for example range from $.28 per sqft for standard cheap looking panels to over $2 sqft for very nice designer commercial grade panels. I went with the $.96 sqft panel. It looks a lot better, has a beveled edge and is 50% more sound proof. I also kept over 1/2 of my basement for storage and my workshop, which is still more you need to factor in.
Post here as you progress and we will help you as we can. I started looking at this site / board when I began my project continue to do so now every few days. It is a great forum with advisors & help. Good Luck.
Mike
I just completed my basement project. There is no direct answer your question. Really the sky, or more importantly your pocketbook is the limit. The finished part of my basement is a lot smaller than yours (450 sqft) I spent $5,000, and it looks professionally done. I only hired out the under floor drain line plumbing $650, mud & tape of the drywall $300, and of course the carpet $1,500. The rest was all me, and it took around 8 mos of nights / weekends.
If you have any access to a friend / relative who is a longtime contractor /homebuilder and also someone who has sold Real Estate, have them come down and give you their opinions. I have a relative who has built custom homes for 30 years give me his advise. It really helped make my basement look profesionally done, all his suggestions were little things but they really made a visable difference. Also his suggestions helped save time on non-important issues and avoid the typical do-it-yourself mistakes especially in the design / layout.
I purchased an off-the-self design computer program to help draw out / design my basement. It helped with placement of the inside walls, bathroom and such. Also it estimated some of the materials and gave a budget outline for me to complete. It was good visually & organizationally.
Questions you need to answer: How much $$$ do you want to spend. Be realistic here, 1500 Sqft is a big basement so it is not going to be cheap. What do you want its use to be: kids playroom, entertainment, home theatre, home office, extra bedroom. How nice do you want it to look, again here $$$ spent are directly related. If you are looking for an extra bedroom down there, you must have a second stairwell or a code approved egress window / hatch.
After you answer the above, then you move on to electrical requirments, heating & cooling, insulation. Your budget and overall desire for looks will dictate the flooring, ceiling, lighting, bath fixtures, ect.
Overall we really like our newly finished basement. I was very cost conscious, but also wanted it to look as well finished as the rest of the house. I did not skimp on certain items: lighting, ceiling, carpeting, wood trim work, tile flooring in bath. There is a huge difference in all of these items: ceiling panels for example range from $.28 per sqft for standard cheap looking panels to over $2 sqft for very nice designer commercial grade panels. I went with the $.96 sqft panel. It looks a lot better, has a beveled edge and is 50% more sound proof. I also kept over 1/2 of my basement for storage and my workshop, which is still more you need to factor in.
Post here as you progress and we will help you as we can. I started looking at this site / board when I began my project continue to do so now every few days. It is a great forum with advisors & help. Good Luck.
Mike
#4
11-03-01, 03:35 AM
Mhead,
I've designed, and finished many a basement. You can check out my site: http://www.basementideas.com
Send me an email and I'd be happy to help you.
I've designed, and finished many a basement. You can check out my site: http://www.basementideas.com
Send me an email and I'd be happy to help you.
