The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
How To Remodel Basements And Attics
The two views shown in Fig. 2 should be studied until the perspective drawing, or picture, can be visualized when looking only at the plan view. Once you have learned such visualization, the planning of re- modeled basements can be done more easily and efficiently.
Caution: Do not start any phase of basement remodeling until you have drawn accurate and complete plan views. This procedure is explained in Chapter 9.
Remodeling Precautions
AS MENTIONED in Chapter 1, basement remodeling is a most interesting and fascinating project. Such remodeling can make your home more efficient, comfortable and pleasant. As the planning gets well under way, you will probably think of many changes or innovations which will enhance your basement plan. However, you may also do such planning without taking into consideration probable cost. This constitutes a common mistake when inexperienced homeowners start a remodeling project.
To help you avoid such mistakes and to eliminate any possibility of disappointment, we shall discuss a typical remodeling plan for a common basement.
Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an ordinary basement prior to the time remodeling plans were drawn. The following items are typical of such basements.
1. As indicated in the plan view, the basement size is approximately 27 x 20 ft. In other words, there is an area of about 540 sq. ft. Only a small part of that area is used to advantage. More than two thirds of the space is wasted.
2. The furnace is too far from the coal bin. Shovels full of coal must be carried a distance of nearly 10 feet.
3. Coal and ashes from the furnace make the whole basement area dusty and dirty.
4. The laundry chute is 27 ft. away from the laundry tub. This is inconvenient.
5. Little storage space, as such, is available.
6. In general, most of the basement space is dirty, poorly planned, inconvenient and wasted. The whole area could be remodeled to excellent advantage.
