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- 1). Measure the square footage of space to remodel. Carve out space for a family room and bath or small apartment, for example. Be sure to allow a room for storage as well. Review the potential floor plan and create a room layout that places them near a walk-out door, in case of fire. Consider building an exterior access door if there isn't one.
- 2). Use a sketch pad to draw different layouts. Place a bonus room at the bottom of a staircase from the floor above, for example. Create a hallway flanked with a bedroom and bath. Build the hallway ending directly at the basement walk-out door, as one option. Sketch all water pipes, drain lines and electrical wiring that must be routed into the space. Obtain a building permit based on your drawings.
- 3). Begin remodeling by addressing moisture issues. Figure out the best plan for your basement's problems. Roll waterproofing compound directly on cinder-block walls, for example, before installing drywall or plasterboard. Attach plastic sheeting over studs before adding wall covering as another option. Go over ways to install a dehumidifier or a separate heat pump to control the downstairs environment.
- 4). Frame all rooms and install studs on exterior walls. Build the skeleton of the new spaces and use concrete nails to secure framing to floors or walls. Run drain lines, water pipes, electrical wiring and duct work while walls are open. Insulate exterior basement walls with fiberglass roll insulation. Install drywall over studs, finish with joint compound, and paint.
- 5). Install any bath fixtures, kitchen cabinets and appliances before finishing details. Paint the rooms, hang interior doors and paint woodwork. Lay tile or hardwood flooring before installing light fixtures.
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