How to remodel your basement AND fall in love with the results

I remodeled this basement, in the western suburbs of Chicago, in 2006 .

This one, not far away, is from 2005.

This basement was remodeled by me in 2001.

You have come to the right place. Basements are full of suprises for the remodeler who hasn't had any experience with them.

My name is Dave Schrock. I have, as of this writing, been a professional basement remodeler for 14 years. All the pictures on this site and in the book are from basements I have designed and remodeled.

I have written a book on the subject, addressing the questions that you will have in your project.

My $19 book tells you all the secrets to a great basement

That book is called Basement Ideas, and you can buy it here as a download.

My book tells what you need to know about basement remodeling, including:

  • How to do basement design and layout

    Typically the first thing you begin to look for help on. And with good reason. There is plenty to know about the subject.

  • Pictures and images

    I have spent thousands of dollars and many days taking photographers around to basements I have remodeled. You will get possibly the most thorough collection of basement images anywhere.

  • How to get the most out of the space available

    A good approach to the design of your basement can maximize your space. I will tell you how to make the most of what you've got.

    If you're really tight on space, I'll tell you a trick in how to do the construction that will squeeze every possible inch out.

  • How to handle problem areas

    Many basements have problem areas. Like boilers and other appliances in the worst possible locations. Like ductwork or electrical pipes hanging down from the ceiling.

    My book tells you how to deal with these problems.

  • How to deal with basement ceilings

    A big problem for many homeowners. Unfortunately, lots of houses were built with the idea that the basement was just for storage, and maybe laundry. So ceiling height didn't matter.

    My book will take you through your choices and my suggestion on dealing with low basement ceilings. Also the best options in ceiling types - ceiling tiles versus finished ceilings, and how to deal with access in both cases.

  • Everything else you'll need to know

    These are just the highlights. There's plenty more.

You get expert advice

I mentioned I've been doing this for 14 years. I didn't mention that I have appeared on CNN and local news, as the expert talking about basement remodeling.

This is me being interviewed about basement remodeling on CNN Financial News

My advice has appeared in Money magazine, and I have appeared in newspapers repeatedly since I began writing on how to do basement remodeling. I seem to have become the go-to guy on this subject.

The point of this isn't to give me an ego trip - I don't care about all that. But I want you to know that you are getting your advice from an expert. I'm a general contractor, and have personally planned, designed, and built 189 basements (so far).

How to plan the perfect space

This is a floorplan for a basement. I'll give you 50 free with your order.

Planning: the key ingredient

The most important part of remodeling your basement occurs before you ever touch a tool. You need to be able to design your basement well, and I will show you how to do it.

In 14 years doing basements I have come across every possible size and shape of basement. There are certain principles that I will tell you about layout and planning which will give you the guidance and inspiration to do it right. For your basement.

If you were to read nothing else in my book, you would still do just fine with only this chapter.

How to get the most from your space - and make it comfortable

In this basement I combined a bar area and game room in the same open space

In my book I will walk you through the steps to designing a great basement space. There are lots of little things to know, including how to make separate areas in the basement while still keeping the space as open as possible.

Large, open spaces give the best feeling to your basement, and I will tell you how to capitalize on what you have to work with.

What my book is not

My book is not a how-to manual on construction methods. I do not tell you how to do framing, electrical, plumbing or any other how-to. All of that is well covered elsewhere in books available from the bookstore.

I cover the design. The planning. The layout. And all the little tricks and tips you will need to know in designing your basement. This is the missing information you can't find anywhere else.

Basements are a special problem in construction. They have their own challenges, not found in any other area. I have, over the years, had to handle all of it. My book contains the secrets of doing your basement right.

Designing spaces for kids

This little platform is the special play area for two yourng brothers, 3 and 5 years old. I designed it just for them. They love it. (We cleaned it up for the photo - it's usually covered with toys)

I wrote an entire chapter on how to design a usable space for kids. There are neat things you can do in basements that are not possible or practical in other areas of the house. I'll show you how to make unique places just for them.

How to do bedrooms and bathrooms

This is used as a guest bedroom for stays from in-laws and other visitors.

I will also tell you how to design basement bedrooms and bathrooms. These add fantastic livability to a basement, and both will add nicely to the usability of your house.

If you want to entertain people for more than a day, but don't have the room for them, this is your easiest solution. Your guests will love it, and you too.

How to build a bar in your basement

This bar was created using my system. You can adapt the system to your own basement bar.

One of the most common requests I get is to put a bar in a basement. So I developed a system for building them that works every time.

Now, earlier I said this book isn't a how-to manual, and it isn't. But this chapter is an exception. I take you through how to build your own bar.

I show lots of pictures and give different ways to do it, including a way to do a basement bar with only minimal space.

How to plan for a home gym

This is a rather complete fitness center for a home, all tucked comfortably in a basement

If you're a fitness buff you might put a gym in your basement. There are things you'll need to account for in the planning if you will be including this in your basement. I will show you pictures and give you the information you need in this chapter.

Storage - but make it look nice please

Aside from having shelves to put things on, this door leads to an unfinished storage area

You don't have to lose storage space in doing your basement remodeling. You should probably get rid of some of that junk, but some you will want to keep. And you will collect more.

Your main tools in the fight against clutter are called shelves. And as you can see above, it doesn't need to be boring. My book gives you lots of ideas and pictures for storage.

How to plan for home theaters

Planning home theater areas the right way. Can you see any wires running to surround sound speakers?

In the average American home the TV runs six hours a day. So your home entertainment area will probably be getting lots of use. In this chapter I will tell you how to plan it right, starting from the beginning.

I will also tell you how to make the layout flexible, so that you can change your mind and still be able to put things elsewhere, without being locked into your original design.

Designing your perfect home office

This picture was taken through the window to the living room. The office has three windows, one to the outside.

Offices are pretty simple and don't require a huge amount of know-how. But even here I will show you ways to make the space as open and as usable as possible. This will keep your office lively and inviting, and keep you from feeling isolated and shut off.

How to do great lighting

I will show you how to make your basement look great with lighting.

While natural lighting is the best way to illuminate any room, many basements get very little of it. I'll tell you all about the three main types of lighting, and how to use them to the best advantage. Good lighting can add emotional impact to a room. Your guests won't know exactly why, but they will find the room captivating.

And plenty more...

Also you get full information on other basement remodeling topics:

  • Game rooms
  • Windows
  • Stairways
  • Dealing with posts
  • Heating and insulating your basement
  • Basement waterproofing - dealing with damp, moist basements
  • Paint and trim

You can be the envy of the neighborhood

My book covers these subjects and more from start to finish. This means you can make your basement the envy of the neighborhood. Invite the neighbors over and watch them drool. It's like doubling the size of your house, since you'll be reclaiming all that wasted space.

A well designed basement often becomes the most used area in the house. And why not? Done right it can be the most comfortable area in the house.

Here's to a great basement.

Dave Schrock

Download the book now for $19

(My marketing guy tells me I am supposed to entice you with a free gift. I've always thought it seemed kind of stupid on TV, but let's see what you think. At least I'm offering something worthwhile. Here goes.)

Free gift - 50 basement floorplans

These complete floorplans will jumpstart your creative thinking

As an added bonus, with your purchase I am including the complete floorplans of 50 basements I have designed. These will give you ideas for layouts that you can adapt to your basement.

I normally charge $500 to do the basement floorplan for one house. Here you get 50 of them free. I sell this package of floorplans for $25 on the site, but I'm including them free with your purchase of the book.

These floorplans are downloaded with your purchase of the book, so you can have them in less than five minutes.

But wait - there's more

(Sorry - couldn't resist)

To fully satisfy your craving for information I'm including an archive of additional basement images

Want to see LOTS of photos of basement remodelings? I will give them to you.

As Gorbachev said to Reagan, "It is better to see once than hear a hundred times."

This is the archive of pictures taken during my quest to document the basement remodeling techniques in my book. I had literally hundreds and hundreds of photos taken, by several photographers, at a cost of thousands of dollars, not all of which made it into the book or on the site.

With your purchase I'm including the best of the archive of basement images, and this means you've hit the jackpot as far as basement pictures goes. I am not aware of any other such collection of basement images anywhere.

Yours free with the book.

Want a printed copy of the book?

You can have it. Only $24.95 + shipping & handling. (None of the free extras, though)

 

“I actually purchased your book and found it to be an excellent resource of information. I started my basement in September and I'm almost finished. My family is looking forward to many years of enjoyment.

I think your most helpful hint was touched upon in the beginning when you suggested buying a home architect computer program to plan the basement. It is so neat to see something come to life just as you planned it. Your book was exactly what I was looking for prior to starting my basement.

Thanks so much.”

Bill B.

“You should know that I went to see my neighbor a couple of weeks ago - he is fixing up his basement. I told him about your online book and he purchased it right away. I joked with him about you coming to stay with us to do our basements - our wives didn't think it was such a good idea. Good stuff travels fast.

Thanks again.”

Stephen A.

"Good ideas!! I purchsed 3D Home Architect a year ago or so and have been struggling with my basement design...trying to eliminate hallways and such. Your information will provide me with some new and fresh ideas concerning the design.”

Jerry M.

"My brother is also named Dave and is a carpenter. He found your website and passed it on to me. We really want to fix up our basement, but aren't very creative. Your website pics look wonderful! I'm really impressed!"

Thank you,

Kim M.

"We are just finishing up our basement renovation. It turned out really awesome! A lot of that is due to your web site and suggestions.

I purchased the 3D Home Architect software and designed the whole thing, and it turned out just like my plans. I also borrowed a couple of ideas from your "Exploring the underground frontier" packet (such as utilizing the under-the -stair space for extra storage).

I also was careful to plan for adequate lighting...I think I actually overdid it, with 18 recessed cans plus 3 overhead fixtures, many on dimmers, and that doesn't count the utility room. My contractor was sick of lights by the time he finished!

"I just wanted to say thanks for your site and all your great ideas."

Eileen H.

"Thanks for the amazingly quick response. I've got the 1st chapter and I'm glad I went ahead and ordered the full document. It is exactly what I was looking for on the internet. You have one of the best, specific sources of info on basement remodeling that I was able to find.

Thanks, "

Jonathan S.

"This program [3D home architect] really helps me explain to my wife where and why the money is spent down there! She likes it because she can keep changing the color. We have a main structural plan and some nice to have's (where I work there are draftspeople to talk to.) By using the program it made me realize many things. You guys earn your money every day!

Thanks, "

Steve B.

"I just bought the Basement Ideas book from your website (download version) There are some very interesting ideas in the book that I like.... I really enjoy doing this type of stuff as I sit behind a desk all day. So when I get home I like to build.

I am enjoying the Basement Ideas book.

Thanks in advance...I am glad you are out there for guys like me. "

Roy VS

"I ordered your Basement Ideas CD-Rom several months back and absolutely love it! There is nothing else out there like it.

Thanks so much. "

Carl W.

"Thank you so much for taking the extra time with me. I'm sorry I am not computer literate and appreciate your extra efforts. This looks awesome to me and I have put all my plans on hold until I can get a copy of your program.

Thank you for an idea no one has tackled. "

Sharryll

"Your website has been a tremendous help to us in planning our basement. It was especially helpful in deciding whether to drywall our ceilings or to put in a drop ceiling. After reading your opinion on this we have decided to go with drywall. We have also found it very helpful in the general layout of our basement. "

Charlene A.

"I love your site. Although we are having trouble trying to design the finished basement (not enough room for all we want to do and your pictures seem to be of pretty big spaces) we are having a blast working on it and have learned a lot. Also need to try to figure out how to pay for all of the great ideas you have given me.

"I have both your books and recommend them to anyone I come into contact with that is contemplating a basement project. "

Doug C.

"I loved your website and the photos! Wow!

"We are in the middle of deciding whether to build or fix up the house we have stayed in for awhile. Either way, there will be a finished basement project coming.

We have 5 children from teenager to 4 yr. old and the need for space is desperate. Play room. Relaxing room. You've heard it before. "

Shannon O.

“Ok, I finally looked at your CD. Working in the basement, teaching, performing, and dealing with the baby, well it's a little much for me. Anyway I think that CD is awesome!! Great ideas, and they're explained in such a way that anyone can understand them. I learned a lot from looking it over. Like I told you before, I wish I had found you before I ever did any work down there."

Evan R.

"I love your web site. It's one of the best out of 50 I've visited. It has been the most useful info since starting my basement research project Nov. '02. Love your newsletters too.”

Paul R.