Converting a basement into living space is a great way to make an extension to any home. It can serve as extra living space for an aged parent, a grown son or daughter, or perhaps as an extra income source from a renter. Of course, the work that needs to be done depends in much part on the condition of the basement, as well as the size and other factors, particularly natural light, ceiling height, and moisture. As such, a homeowner needs to be realistic enough in considering whether a basement may be converted to living space, as some in holder houses are actually not worth the effort and the extra expense. But if you find that your basement seems to have potential for being converted into an apartment, the following steps should help you get going:

Step 1. Before you even start building, make a critical check of the basement in terms of cleaning needs, ceiling height, and electrical and plumbing needs. Check for moisture, mildew, mold, and rot. Also note if there is any musty smell. You will have to deal with these issues first of all so as to make the apartment livable, as well as healthy and pleasant to live in. Next, measure the ceiling heights across the basement, including those at the bottom of the basement stairs. This is usually a very low point, especially in older homes. confirm that the heights are within limits approved by the local building code, as many require a minimum specific ceiling height for living space approval. Lastly, check for the presence of plumbing and electrical lines, and research how much modification, addition, and upgrading you will need to do for the apartment, to make sure the electrical circuits are enough to run kitchen appliances.

Step 2. Once the preparatory things are underway and confirmed to be a go-signal, the first things you need to install in the basement apartment are a kitchen and a bathroom. Install a kitchen sink into a cabinet with a counter. Also install the toilet and a shower, and if your basement is big enough, you can even add a bathroom sink. When you plumb them in, check if there is a properly placed drain; if not, you can build up the floor with the drain running off to another location. Then, build up walls made of plywood or cement board around the bathroom, and possibly the kitchen.

Step 3. Next, you can work at finishing the walls, ceilings, and floors. Install insulation on the walls. You can use rigid foam, and then cover them up with drywall. To make the space seem larger, you can then paint a light color onto the drywall. Also apply drywall to the ceiling, especially if wires and pipes cover them. You can also opt for a dropped ceiling or exposed beams for added character. You can install tiles or linoleum on the floor. Carpet or other absorbent textiles are best left for other parts of the house, as it will make a basement apartment more prone to musty smells and dampness.