When you find yourself in need of additional living space, consider your basement as the place to grow. You will be surprised at how easy it can be to claim that unused space for a remarkably small investment. Deciding to finish a basement can offer almost unlimited possibilities to meet the needs of a growing family or simply to enhance your lifestyle. You can also finish a basement in stages, as your budget permits additional work.

One of the joys of deciding to finish a basement is the discovery that the most difficult work and the most expensive is probably already done. You already have exterior walls and a floor. You probably also have some windows in place, as well as two points of access to the area: stairs from the first floor of your home and an external access door or window.

First, identify basic needs. Here are some basic initial questions to ask and answer:

1. Do you need to install plumbing?

2. Do you need to install or enhance electrical wiring to various parts of the basement?

3. Do you need to install a separate furnace and air conditioner? Or, can you simply connect new duct work to your existing furnace and air conditioner?

4. Are there supports (posts, etc) that you need to incorporate into your floor plan?

5. Is additional natural lighting needed?

Second, develop a plan for how you will use the space. Identifying the uses you want to make of the space in your basement is the first step in planning your project. Make a list of the rooms or areas you want to create. Some very popular uses of basement space include:

* Select a style and roof line that is consistent with the style of your house

* A home theater

* A home office

* A suite of rooms for in-laws or teens

* A playroom for children

* A den

* A game room

* A wine cellar

* Guest bedrooms

* Storage rooms

* A spa

* An additional bathroom

* A computer or homework room

* A library

* A mud room

* A hobby or craft room

* A family room

* A party room

Third, after identifying the rooms or spaces you want to create, plan the location of each room or area within the space. Here are some things to consider in designing your floor plan:

* Since most basements have one to three "sides" that have no windows (because they are essentially underground), plan to place the rooms that do not require windows on that side of the basement. For example, a home theater would be a good choice for a room that will have no windows.

* Try to place bathrooms and/or a kitchenette near or under first floor rooms that already have plumbing. The shorter the distance you must travel with new plumbing, the more money you will save. An ideal spot for a home spa would be in a windowless part of the basement near existing plumbing.

* If your plan includes creating a teen suite or an in-law suite, carefully consider access to the remainder of the space. For example, do not place the bedroom of the suite at the bottom of the stairs from the first floor.

* Plan for access and privacy. For example, if you are finishing your basement in order to create both a playroom for children and an in-law suite for parents, you might want to put them at opposite ends of the basement area.

* Consider the noise from the rooms above. Either locate the rooms that will be used frequently in the basement under quieter rooms upstairs or consider adding sound insulating board on the ceiling in the basement.

The next thing to decide is how many walls you actually want to create. Do you want to create a single large area that has several semi-defined spaces, or do you want to create discrete rooms for each function? You might want some combination of effects, depending on how you will use each space.

Choose the style of decor and the materials you will use to finish your basement. For example, will the walls be drywall or paneling? Will the ceiling be drywall or a drop ceiling? How will you treat the floor? Will you use carpet or tile or hardwood, or some combination for different areas or rooms?

Finally, plan the work itself. Will you do all of the work at once? Or, will you finish part of the basement and delay additional work until a later time? If you plan to delay part of the work, you will want to consider either permanent or temporary closure of the finished area. If your plan is to leave the entire are open, you might need to do all of the walls and ceilings at once, gradually defining areas within the space.

Today, one of the most popular ideas for finished basements is an in-law or teen suite, consisting of a bedroom, a bathroom, and a sitting room. Home theaters are also very popular, with large-screen televisions or projection screens. A small kitchenette for snack preparation can make the home theater perfect. As more people telecommute or start home businesses, a home office can be very practical. Homework rooms are also quite popular today. These are relatively simple to create. All that is needed is computer connections, some bookshelves and a work area large enough to accommodate your childrens needs. A play room or a game room can provide great serenity on the first floor. You can even create your own home spa, complete with whirlpool tub, multi-head massaging shower, steam room, and a tanning bed.

The final question is whether you should do the renovation yourself or hire an expert. This will, of course, depend upon your skill level and the preparation that has already been done in your basement. Many builders today connect at least some electric and plumbing to the basement. Check the laws in your locality to learn what permits are required before you begin the work, and whether your State or locality requires that certain work be performed by licensed professionals. You may find that the best approach is to hire a professional to do the electrical, plumbing, and heat/air conditioning work. There is no reason you cannot hire professionals for the work you are not able to do and keep your project within your budget by doing things like installing drywall, wrapping support posts with decorative columns, painting, wallpapering, etc. Remember, plumbing and electrical work can be dangerous when attempted by people who dont know what they are doing.

Whatever your needs or dreams to accommodate a growing family or to enhance your lifestyle, the basement in your home offers limitless possibilities. By planning the use of space and the placement of the rooms or areas you will construct, you can maximize the space, fulfill many needs, and save some money on the renovation.