Basements : Your Guide to Planning and Remodeling [Paperback]

Better Homes and Gardens (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 1999

With one glance at this succinct, yet thorough how-to book, readers will see their basements in a new light. Even the darkest, most cavernous space can be transformed into an attractive, practical area suited to specific homeowner needs.

Helps readers assess their own basement’s remodeling potential.

Leads readers step by step through transforming wasted square footage into practical living space.

Covers play rooms, spare bedrooms, hobby spots, home offices, and media centers.

Discusses dealing with moisture and radon.

Covers technical aspects from adequate lighting to ceiling heights.

Offers remedies for common problems and tips for planning space, as well as converting and finishing basements.

Subsections on walls, windows and doors, floors, ceilings, storage, bathrooms, heating and cooling, and more.

Bonus room-arranging kit with templates and graph paper bound into book.

Covers remodeling and decorating.

Information applies to both old and new homes.

Detailed cost information for a dozen improvement projects.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Better Homes and Gardens; 1st edition (April 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0696208970
• ISBN-13: 978-0696208973
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #591,206 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Remodeling & Renovation > Basements & Attics

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

85 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the basements book I was looking for, February 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Basements : Your Guide to Planning and Remodeling (Paperback)

Finally! An idea-filled book about redecorating and remodeling basements. I love the gorgeous photography and all the planning tips. I think the previous reviewer misunderstood the book -- obviously,this is not a do-it-yourself "build-a-wall" kind of book. (There is plenty of that at the bookstore already.) This book is helping me see all the options and plan how we want our basement to look and function. It's even giving me tips on finding a contractor who will do the work. And my husband loves the specific projectg ideas with actual COSTS included so we can figure out if the estimates we get are reasonable or not. Love the room arranging kit that comes in the book, too. (Can you tell I love this book?)

136 of 143 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for ideas. light on specifics., August 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Basements : Your Guide to Planning and Remodeling (Paperback)

Shows many excellent basements, which are inspiring for what can be achieved. However, that glosses over the fact that most people want to add a room or two without spending $20,000 or more. Does not have enough info if you are a DIYer.

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice photos, not enough details, February 13, 2002

By 

JoseMonkey (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basements : Your Guide to Planning and Remodeling (Paperback)

This book has plenty of great photos of finished basements and is a great "idea book" for someone who is trying to figure out what to do with their basement. However, it seems to be geared toward people who want to come up with a design, and then hire a contractor to implement it. I am plannning to finish my basement myself, and I found this book lacked the detailed information I will need to undertake that task. So, if you just need some ideas, and you plan to hire someone else to get the job done once you've planned it -- this book is great. If you're planning to re-do your basement yourself and need detailed information about how to do it, look elsewhere.