Overview
Smart Guide®: Basements provides readers with the information they need to convert their dark, dreary basements into bright, airy living spaces. Readers learn how to eliminate moisture problems, change rough concrete walls and floors into finished surfaces, hide pipes and wiring, and bring light and ventilation to these rooms.
Synopsis
Smart Guide Basements
This Smart Guide shows you all you need to know to transform your basement into functional and attractive living space.
• More than 200 full-color illustrations
• 40 color photographs
• Clear, concise step-by-step instruction
• Tips that help you save time, effort, and money
• Essential information to help you add value to your home
Library Journal
Building an addition to one's home is typically very expensive, so it makes sense to get as much out of the existing space as possible. Frequently underutilized, basements are a good starting point. This brief title provides ideas for updating every part of the average basement. The section on planning offers tips for designing special-purpose rooms (e.g., recreation rooms, workshops, and home offices), including many important details, such as fulfilling the requirement for an emergency exit in a basement bedroom. Chapters cover each area of the basement with brief but sufficient instructions supplemented by colorful illustrations (a few photos at the beginning of each chapter that offer some design ideas). Included are basement-specific issues such as eliminating moisture problems, adding window wells or bulkhead doors, and relocating pipes and wires, as are some tips that could be applied anywhere in the home. This series entry offers an excellent value and should be considered by most public libraries. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.