We want to remodel our basement ourselves... Is there?

Question

Is there a way we can find blueprints or a layout for the floorplan already made with out having to have an interior decorator or basement specialist come in and do it for us to help us best utilize the space?

Good idea - already did it. I keep ending up with wasted space and need some input or some sort of guide.....

Answer 1

You could go to Best Buy and get yourself a cheap CAD program. They have ones, like 3D Home Architect, and others, that allow you to draw, on your computer, the layout of your existing basement and then place furniture in it to help with spatial design. Now as far as the actual work is concerned, have you ever done any construction or remodeling work before? There are a number of things to take into consideration. If there is to be a bedroom downstairs, there MUST be an egress in case of fire. This is code, and a good thing to have no matter what the space is used for. It's awful hard to try and crawl out one of those little basement windows when your *** is on fire! Plumbing lines ususally need to be relocated. As well as electrical concerns; new outlets, lighting. Heating and cooling, ductwork. A basement remodel is something that can surely be done by the layman, but usually turns out to be more than they bargained for and remain unfinished for years. Just do your research first and plan everything you can think of. Ask questions at the home stores. I hate when people do this to me, but it happens all the time; get advice and even free estimates from qualified contractors. Even if I don't get the job, I would rather give someone the right input than see them make a huge mistake that could cost more than money. Good Luck.

Answer 2

It all depends on how old the house is and if a permit was taken for the work. Finished basements are usually non structural work and would not require a set of plans. If you are looking for a layout of the plumbing and electric that you will have to do yourself. A good stud finder also has a electrical line finder on it.
For the plumbing you will have to remove some sheetrock close to the main drain and water pipe to see which way they are run. I f you are looking for ideas for remodeling the basement you can go to sites on line like Better homes and gardens or check out Home Depot,Lowes and others. Basements are closed areas and are prone to high humidity and little or no natural light.
I run a high efficient dehumidifier and air cleaner constantly in my basement room and use "Winter Light Lamps" I purchased from Sharper Image .On the back wall I have an old window frame with glass and a beautiful landscape picture in back of it as if you can see outside complete with shutters. There are many,many ideas so just let your imagination roam.

Answer 3

1st. You should have the home inspected by a qualified real estate inspector. That will enable you to know if you have to upgrade your electric service panel and wiring. It will also help you determine if you need to increase the size of the water line coming into your home. Plumbing codes in some states require a 3/4" water line from the source to inside the house at the water meter. You might have to upsize it to a1" line, which will require escavating the area where your line comes from the source into your water meter. You might have to upside your HVAC to accomodate the new square footage. You'll also have to call what we call J.U.L.I.E. here in Illinois to locate power lines, natural gas lines, and even phone lines to make sure you don't hit them. 2nd. You need to get a design put onto a blue print. This is important for several reasons. The 2 main reasons are: 1) You'll need it to obtain a permit. 2) you can use the print to get material and labor bids. 3rd. My priority as a contractor would be to get the footings and foundation in. 4th. I would get the framing done, and let the roofer shingle while the mechanical trades do their thing. 5th. I would then set the windows and any exterior doors that are part of the project. That way you can weather proof the structure while you're waiting on mechanical inspections, getting the home insulated, and making preperations for drywall. The best thing about getting the framing up and the building weather tight, is that you can order any cabinetry and millwork(doors, base, crown, chair rails). 6th) Once the building is weather tight you can concentrate on drywall. By the time that is done the place should be ready to install the cabinets, doors, base, and hardwood flooring if needed. When I do an addition I concentrate heavily on getting the addition framed and enclosed so I have inside work on bad weather days. You instinct and priorities are dead on, tell you husband to leave that kitchen alone. That way you can still prepare meals while the bulk of the other work is done. I also would see about having all your replacement windows and doors delivered when any windows or doors are sent out for the addition. that way when you do the extperior finish of the addition, you can button up the whole outside of the home.

Answer 4

u can just get some graph paper, 1/4 = 1', and measure the areas ur self and scale it out! kinda easy and saves u hundreds......