Smart Guide Basements StepbyStep Projects

Posted In: Basement Remodeling

Mitsuko Maruschak says...

Bought this book so I could be over the free shipping threshold on an order.I was hoping to get some ideas to finish my basement.The book is written at a very basic level, almost assuming you aren't really going to do much of the work yourself.Although it has a few decent ideas, anything beyond the most basic of work it suggests you contact a professional (great advice, but I do as much as possible myself).



If you're planning and finishing your basement yourself, I would highly recommend Remodeling A Basement Revised Edition (Taunton's Build Like a Pro).I have the first revision and it gives detailed instructions so you should be able to complete the vast majority of the work yourself.He discusses current code requirements and also mentions when projects tend to vary greatly from area to area.Much better reference.

Posted on December 27, 2010

Douglas Krug says...

Part of the outstanding "Smart Guide" series from Creative Homeowner, Basements: Step-By-Step Projects is a no-nonsense, "user friendly" collection of step-by-step projects to insulate walls, update plumbing, install new wiring, eliminate moisture problems and much more in the basement of one's home. Color photographs, diagrams, and detailed instructions distinguish this excellent do-it-yourself resource which is confidently recommended for personal "do-it-yourself" and Interior Design technical reference shelf collections.

Posted on December 27, 2010

Suzi Clopper says...

I was looking for a book that gave a lot of nitty gritty information regarding basements.Ideas for separating utility from living, etc.This book gives you lots of general building information.If you know how to frame, drywall, etc then this book isn't for you.If you are looking for a good general overview of those topics than it will work.I feel it went too much into basic construction as opposed to really dealing with the basement itself.

Posted on December 27, 2010

Rosalyn Grundy says...

My wife bought this book for me.We are currently (slowly) in the process of finishing our basement.I think this book was meant as a motivational tool.It is great for that reason and there are hundreds of great pictures and ideas in this book.



If you are looking for the details on construction, look elsewhere.This book is all about pictures of finished basements and inspiring you to get moving on your basement project.If you do not have construction experience and need it, you won't find it here.



If all you are looking for is design ideas, this a very good place to look.

Posted on December 28, 2010

Lou Granzella says...

As a carpenter / remodelor, I purchased this book for design ideas for basement finishing.The book has some great ideas, but many do not seem like they are for basements, and so I often find myself using them for other remodeling projects as well.I as wrote, there are some great ideas in this book, but they all are geared toward finishing off basements under ideal conditions.Every room seems to have high ceilings with pipes and ductwork that is already inside the floor joists, a situation in which I rarely find myself.Many of my clients live in older homes around the metro Detroit area that have lower ceilings with even lower pipes and ductwork.I was hoping to find some great ideas for those spaces in this book.Can pipes and ductwork be moved as part of the project?Yes they can, but that either inflates the budget or steals money from other areas of the budget, neither of which is most profitable for me since it requires additional subcontractors (the expensive kind), so I was hoping to see some designs that worked around such issues.Again... I love the book.it has great photos or great design ideas, but these ideas just require ideal working conditions, which most of us do not have.

Posted on December 28, 2010

Ronnie Lagrone says...

do me a favor....DONT BUY THIS BOOK,,,, i spent good money on it because as i searched it i saw a couple pics i liked!!! it is basically a catalogue, not anything more...it even has all the companies that the products came from in the back.... Pretty pictures,, but that is it. Honestly,,,I bought the Stanley complete basements, and it answered about 90% of my questions...and this one was like reading the sears catalogue.....

Posted on December 28, 2010

Katrina Bauers says...

Book covers a broad range of topics, but it is not detailed enough.Not a step by step guide and no discussion of pros/cons to certain techniques.

Posted on December 29, 2010

Tessie Hespe says...

Enhanced with more than 200 full color photography by Phillip H. Ennis, Design Ideas For Basements by home improvement expert Wayne Kalyn offers a wealth of ideas for converting basements into extra living space for busy families. offering up-to-date information on building codes for converting basements into bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, Design Ideas For Basements also deftly covers contemporary trends in basement oriented family rooms, laundry rooms, and/or storage facilities. Light and water issues, and sound proofing options are also fully covered. If you have a basement in need of interior design conversions for optimal utility, then browse through the pages of Wayne Kalyn's Design Ideas For Basements!

Posted on December 30, 2010

Deirdre Nohe says...

I bought about 10 books off Amazon to plan for my basement remodeling.This was one of the top 2.Definately worth it.

Posted on January 2, 2011

Kyong Bastedo says...

I bought this book for help with my basement remodel.However, I found that the contents were surprisingly similar to my Complete Bathrooms book, also by Stanley.Many topics are covered which could be applied to a basement remodel, such as plumbing, drywall, and electrical skills, but other more specific topics were skipped completely.There was very little mention of proper insulation techniques (very important for a basement) and only a brief mention of basement stairs.I had to seek other resources for advise on building my basement stairs (don't all basements have stairs?).Also excluded were details on adding or replacing basement windows.I had to consult other resources for this area as well.

Overall, this book contains good general knowledge but if you are looking to finish your basement from start to finish you will need to look elsewhere.

Posted on January 3, 2011