Reinvent Your Basement

Think of that gloomy concrete cavern at the bottom of the stairs as more than storage for half-finished projects.

By finishing your Midwest basement, you'll find rooms to spare. Follow this advice to raise your lower level to new heights.

Combat lack of daylight with lots of color. Here, yellow wallpaper lends a sunny glow that pairs with white woodwork. Splashes of red, green and blue in the patterned fabrics keep things bright.

Make the most of natural light. Boost the light coming through small ground-level windows by painting the interior trim white and clearing plantings outside. With some excavation, you can install larger window wells that double as exits or escape routes.

Living room with built-in entertainment center

Break up a big space. In the home shown here, a sofa and coffee table cluster near cabinetry along one wall with a TV, games and videos. On another wall, the fireplace creates a conversation area.

Add a fireplace. The right fireplace depends on the size of the space, whether the basement is above or below ground and what mechanicals already are in place. For instance, if you have gas heat with an existing gas line and flue, a gas fireplace becomes an obvious choice.

Lower-Level Prep Steps

Remodeling basement areas for storage, work or play makes efficient use of space you already have. But before you proceed, check your foundation, determine your goals, consider the costs and plan for year-round comfort.

1. Focus on Your Needs

If you're starting with bare masonry walls, your new space requires framing, insulation and drywall. Plan room sizes and their use. Then decide where you'll need electrical plumbing and heating/cooling systems. Get bids from reliable contractors. To save money, do some of the work yourself.

2. Repair Any Leaks

When you dip into any below-ground remodeling, be sure the basement walls, windows and pipes are dry and drip-free. Fix small leaks yourself by chiseling out cracks and filling with hydraulic cement.

3. Install a Sump Pump

Most Midwest basements will benefit from an automatic pump that expels water out of the house through a drain. A standard in new construction, pumps also can be retrofit in older homes. Newer models run daily self-diagnostic tests and feature backup batteries in case of a power outage.