Basement Book Remodeling Beats 'Winging It'

If you decide to remodel your basement and it comes down to a choice between winging it or doing a basement book remodeling, go by the book.  Today, there are so many good basement remodeling books that there just no good reason to leave things to chance.  And you're certain to find a style that fits you perfectly.Before you begin your basement book remodeling, congratulate yourself. You've made a smart choice.  Putting in a basement that serves as more than a storage room can give you a useful and fun new room as well as adding value to your home.  Your remodeling project might give you the den you've always wanted, or maybe it can become a super-cool home cinema.  There is no end to the possibilities, and many of them are covered in dozens of books on basement remodeling.Here are the important things to keep in mind:1) Start off, of course, by finding the right book.  It should be one with clear descriptions and lots of photos.  Without the photos, you're left to follow the author's guidelines blindly.2) Next, plan for exactly what you want to turn your basement into.  While you don't need to involve a professional contractor, it might help. Poor planning might mean that the basement remodeling job becomes a disaster zone, so don't just jump into it blindly.  Do your research first, make sure you have a good floor plan, and if necessary, call in a professional.Much of the success of this project will depend on how you plan to use it and whether you can effectively turn the basement into that room.  For many people, the basement is a good place for a recreation room or home theater.  Others turn it into a room for an older child, while some people go so far as to add a bathroom and turn it into an apartment, which they then rent out to a boarder.  But make sure, before you begin, that you're certain you have the ability to make the basement become the room that you want.3) Make certain there's not excessive dampness in the basement. If there is, this might lead to many problems, including mildew and mold.  If there is dampness, find out why.  Usually it's either because of poor ventilation or because water from outside is seeping in.  But find the source of the leak and eliminate it before you get too far into your basement book remodeling job.4) To truly make this an attractive part of the house, it's a nice idea to finish the basement walls.  In most houses, these walls are concrete, creating the impression of being in a storage space.  Simply adding painted plywood or wood panels makes the basement feel and look more like a part of the home.5) Most basement remodeling books will show you how to use natural light sources to your advantage. Be sure to follow these guidelines, as this light will give the basement a wonderful look.These are just a few guidelines to assist you with your basement book remodeling project. But if done well, this is a project that will bring you many years of fun and happiness in what otherwise tends to be a dreary part of the home.