Unless your objective is a dungeon-like enclave, prioritize your basement lighting.
Whether you've just suffered a serious bout of basement envy after visiting friends and falling in love with their newly redesigned space or you're tired of putting off the project that's topped the household conversation list for years, it's time to put the pedal to the metal. Designing and finishing your subterranean cave needn't be so complex or involved that you need antacids to get through the process. There's only one downside to undertaking the project at long last: you'll have to find a new topic of conversation. Does this Spark an idea?
Keep it Real
You know it's an occurrence as rare as Haley's comet: a renovation project that actually comes in at or below your projected budget. For that reason, create a master plan and budget up front and commit to sticking to it, no matter what comes your way. Slot every improvement into three categories: Must Do, Can Do and Expendable. This will help you and/or your contractor figure out prioritize construction, design and finishing tasks on your list.
Design the Space
Purchase layout software to do an efficient job of re-designing your basement. It needn't be a sophisticated CAD program -- even the draw program that's included with a word processing or page layout program (InDesign, Publisher, etc.) has the tools you need to plot out the space and try out different floor plans. You can also do a terrific job with a pen and pad of paper if you know your way around a T-square.
Strip it Down; Build it Up
Solve any problems your basement may have before you proceed: cracked foundations, leaks and other structural problems must be repaired. Install a sump pump to prevent future water damage (some homeowners have two). Next, remove walls if necessary, revitalize electrical wiring and handle other infrastructure issues. Replace your basement lighting system if it's not adequate. A basement -- even a walkout -- requires brighter lighting than above-grade rooms. Replace the flooring if it's been damaged or it's just past its prime.
Finish the Basement
Once you've moved past the sawing, dust and rip-out tasks, time to make it pretty using the right materials. Basements tend to be humid so forget wood studs and drywall -- anything that's mainly wood, paper or materials that wick and hold moisture. Instead choose waterproof wallboard that repels mold and mildew and use non-latex paint on the walls (it's organic and can encourage mold and mildew, too). Avoid dark wall colors unless your plan is to create a dungeon-like environment. French glass doors provide more natural light in walkout basements.
Decorate Your New Space
Basements tend to have low ceilings so use optical decorating tips to adjust for them. Hang art lower on the wall that you would upstairs, float furniture if you're creating a media center where a large screen TV is the basement's focus and employ design tricks like walled mirrors to reflect light. Make your newly refurbished basement a place that's fun and "family-proof" -- no delicate fabrics, fragile furniture or fine art, please -- you've worked hard to design and finish your basement. Enjoy it.
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