Basements & Attics Books

Remodeling a Basement (Build Like A Pro)

Roger German

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 41 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

I agree with Zembian 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I agree with Zembian...I am very familiar with almost all of Tauntons publications. I have a subcription to FInehomebuilding, both print and online and I have lost count of the books I have from them. This book needs to be updated with the latest basement finishing techniques they promote as best and most current.

I actually finished a basement (lots of complexities) in my last property with FH recommended Rigid insulation against the wall and then built the wall an inch or two off the wall with 2x4s and insulated with Fiberglass no vapor barrier which is what they recommend now, it worked wonderfully. I am now about to finish another basement in my new property and was surprised myself to see this book used outdated techniques.

I will say however, there is alot more in this book to extrapolate for other aspects of a basement refinish. I would simply ignore the insulation suggestions (a critical stage), and read up on the latest techniques using rigid foam insulation mixed with fiberglass insulation.

Its worth the money, especially for the novice, but just do some further digging when you look into insulating your space.

Editorial Review:

Finishing a basement is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to increase living space in a home. This book helps readers visualize the vast possibilities that exist for this challenging space, and go about the remodeling process in an organized and efficient way. Roger German, a basement remodeling pro, covers every step, from the physically demanding "dirty work" to the rewarding finishing touches. He shows how to deal with a basement's special challenges, such as moisture problems and framing against concrete floors and walls, and gives instructions on pumping water up and out from basement baths and laundry rooms.

Smart Guide: Basements: Step-by-Step Projects (Smart Guide)

Editors of Creative Homeowner

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Features:

• Creative Homeowner Press #287938 Basement Book
• CREATIVE HOMEOWNER PRESS

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Insulate walls, update plumbing, install new wiring and more 5 out of 5 stars.
47 of 69 people found this review helpful.

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.

Editorial Review:

Basements can be used for more than just storage, and Smart Guide: Basements can help homeowners claim that found space. Readers will learn how to maximize usable but unfinished areas in the basement as new living space for their families. Through clear, step-by-step text and color illustrations, the book shows readers how to frame and insulate walls, replace windows, construct a suspended ceiling, and more.

More than 200 complete and full-color how-to illustrations

Over 30 color photographs

Turn a dreary basement into a bright and cheery living space

Eliminate moisture problems

Relocate plumbing supply lines

Run new wiring and finish walls, ceilings, and floors

Clear, concise instructions for do-it-yourselfers to follow

Comprehensive index and glossary of important terms

Complete Basements (Stanley Complete)

Stanley

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

So So 3 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

This is better than many books I have looked at, but if you are moderately functional DIYer who is contemplating remodeling the basement (like me) I would recommend that this not be your sole source. They skip a lot of the little details and tips that you need to really do things properly. On the other hand, they do provide ideas and suggestions that I didn't find elsewhere. I bought this book along with "Remodeling a Basement (Build Like A Pro)" by Roger German. German's book is really great, lot's of detail and DIY tips. If I could only have one book, it would be German's.

Editorial Review:

• Shows all the tools, materials, and techniques needed to finish a basement, from framing walls to installing finish flooring and fixtures.
• Shows how to develop plans for functional and attractive basement rooms, including laundry rooms, storage spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, recreation rooms, and more.
• Designed with two tiers: one to cover basic project and one to present extra information to cover options and unusual circumstances and Stanley Pro Tips.
• Simulated hyperlinks draw readers to extra information for unusual situations and additional information.

Basement Ideas that Work

Peter Jeswald

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Excellent for basement ideas 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This is very useful if you are finishing your basement yourself. This is not a how-to-manual though. (If you are looking for a how-to I suggest TAunton's Build Like a Pro.) This book is for the planning process. Great photos and ideas on what kinds of rooms you can create with all of that basement space. In addition, each section highlights the major planning considerations for creating that space. From traditional to modern, this book was the best and most current for basement ideas.

Excellent 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

The book has great ideas for helping plan my bsaement. I did not model my basement from just a picture but I drew ideas from several different styles and thoughts of from the author. After having an idea what I wanting I planned it accordingly.

It was an easy to read book, gave great ideas, and help plan my basement. This book is a must have to plan the perfect living space for my family and I.

Editorial Review:

Finding extra living space without adding on might be only a flight of stairs away. Homeowners with a basement have the unique opportunity to turn unused space into a great living space--all without adding on extra square footage to their home. In fact, finishing a basement is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to increase living space in a home.

The House That Faux Built

Adrienne Van Dooren

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The House that Faux Built is a unique project-turned-book with a dual purpose: To raise money for the New Orleans Habitat House that Faux Built in support of Katrina Victims To showcase the very latest in painting and plaster home makeover techniques. The Artist s Version of We are the World --More than 100 top artists from across the U.S. and Europe volunteered to help. Together they transformed the rooms of a 1940s colonial in Metro DC and an old Chicago church into unique works of art. This new book captures the project in over 500 full color photos and is being snapped up by homeowners, D-I-Y ers, realtors and designers eager to see the latest in faux and home transformations. Readers will learn home makeover solutions including: 15 tricks to make a small room look larger, 5 secrets to make ceilings appear higher, 5 ways to transform cement floors & new techniques for wood floors, 3 Inexpensive methods to customize existing cabinets and appliances, 3 ways to make old brick, tile, and counter tops look like stone. Dozens of ideas and products that did not exist even a year ago

Black & Decker Finishing Basements & Attics: Ideas & Projects for Expanding Your Living Space (Black & Decker)

The editors of Creative Publishing international

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

About This Book: This book shows homeowners how to accomplish perhaps the greatest and most rewarding of all do-it-yourself projects: converting the unfinished space in a basement or attic into comfortable, safe, and truly customized living areas. Many Americans grew up in homes that had "finished" basements (do dark wood paneling and a sloping pool table sound familiar?), and their parents likely used one of the books still available on the how-to shelf. But today's homeowners are claiming their unfinished square footage for more specific uses: high-tech home offices, fully equipped home theaters, and secondary living spaces for aging relatives. For these new "home spaces", Finishing Basements & Attics is the up-to-date guide they need.
An Ideas section at the front of the book provides inspiration for a variety of creative, functional options, followed by an overview of basement and attic Dos and Don'ts. The rest of the book is devoted to useful projects. These cover the essentials, from framing around pipes and ductwork to building knee walls in an attic, as well as popular specialty jobs, like wiring a home theater and installing a skylight. The projects are designed not only to appeal to today's consumer but to teach readers the fundamental techniques of each task, so that they can adapt the given project for their specific situations.
Highlights:

Contains over 300 color photos and illustrations.

Features dozens of step-by-step projects, including plumbing a basement bathroom, adding forced-air ducts, and installing a window in a gable wall.

Aimed at consumer trends toward cocooning and working from home offices.

Shows all aspects of the remodeling process, including wiring, plumbing, insulating, finishing walls and ceilings, and installing windows and doors.

Includes an idea section with color photographs of successful basement and attic conversions.

Attics, Dormers, and Skylights (For Pros By Pros)

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Editorial Review:

The attic of a home doesn't have to be simply an insulated barrier against the elements; it can be used to provide additional living or storage space. For houses that cannot be built out, building up is the only practical alternative and skylights can enhance the charm of a room. Attics, Dormers, and Skylights lays out a variety of addition solutions, including dormer projects, attic remodeling, second-story additions, skylights, and more. Each project is accompanied by easy-to-understand instructions and extensive color photos and illustrations.

Ultimate Guide to Basements, Attics & Garages: Plan, Design, Remodel (Ultimate Guide)

The Editors of Homeowner

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

A remarkable compendium of ideas and projects enhanced of over 580 helpfully precise photographs and illustrations 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 27 people found this review helpful.

A welcome addition to personal and community library Architectural Studies and Interior Design reference collections, Ultimate Guide To Basements, Attics And Garages: Plan - Design - Remodel is a collective and collaborative effort of the editorial staff at "Creative Homemaker" magazine is showcases an expansive array of informative insights and "do-it-yourself" projects for developing, enhancing, and expanding key areas of the home with particular focus on garages, basements, and attics. Introducing readers to innovative and easy-to-follow, step-by-step sequences, which effectively guide them through the entire process of construction, Basements, Attics And Garages is a remarkable compendium of ideas and projects enhanced of over 580 helpfully precise photographs and illustrations, and "user-friendly" presentation of techniques and requirements for making special conversions. Basements, Attics And Garages is very strongly recommended for all readers involved in home-maintenance and interior design for its complete and thorough coverage of plumbing, lighting, windows, walls, floors, and ceilings as well as its knowledgeable exploration of the self-motivated, do-it-yourself construction and remodeling conversion process.

Editorial Review:

Found space...that’s what this book is all about. Readers will learn how to maximize the usable but unfinished areas in their house as new living space for their growing family, without the expense of a costly addition and without the trouble of moving to a larger house. Dozens of inspirational, colorful photographs exhibit delightful design alternatives for the basement, attic, and garage. Over 580 full-color drawings and photographs illustrate construction techniques in detailed, step-by-step procedures. Some of the topics covered in Ultimate Guide to Basements, Attics & Garages include planning and design; framing attics, basements, and garages; installing skylights; finishing walls and ceilings; building stairs and framing floors; installing windows and doors; and much more.

Design Ideas for Basements (2nd Edition) (Design Ideas)

Wayne Kalyn

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Not worth the money 2 out of 5 stars.
15 of 18 people found this review helpful.

I was in the process of finishing the basement to make a playroom for my children and was looking for some design ideas. While the book had some nice pictures of bars, full bedrooms, etc... for the basement, there were no ideas for playrooms or basement flooring options besides carpeting.

A wealth of ideas for converting basements 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 30 people found this review helpful.

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!

Editorial Review:

Design Ideas for Basements presents hundreds of ideas for turning a basement into stylish, comfortable living space. It also provides the information a homeowner needs to know before embarking on the project, including advice regarding permits, how to tackle moisture issues, providing light and access, and camouflaging the furnace and pipes.

Many examples of finished projects are featured: media and game rooms, home theaters, laundry facilities, offices, wine cellars, guest quarters, familiy rooms, built-in storage and closet, plus and more.

Black & Decker Complete Guide to Attics & Basements (Black & Decker Complete Guide)

Matthew Paymar, Phil Schmidt

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Complete- in 2 pages or less 2 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I picked this up in hopes of having a single source of info on the many projects associated with finishing a basement and attic/bonus room. While I did refer to it several times, I was never able to gather much information from this book as each topic receives so little attention (there are only ~150 pages devoted to the actual "work", the first 83 pages are pretty pictures).

For details you will need to look elsewhere.

Editorial Review:

Complete planning & remodeling information for both attics and basements

Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Attics & Basements is the perfect book for homeowners who need more living space but aren't able or willing to move to a larger home or build an expensive room addition. More than 75% of homes have unfinished space in an attic or basement, just waiting for a creative touch, and this book will show readers how to convert that territory into practical living space. Armed with this book, homeowners will be able to add a bedroom, bathroom, recreation room, or home office without changing the basic blueprint of the home.