The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

How To Remodel Basements And Attics

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES ARE HELPFUL

In order to make all phases of your planning and actual remodeling work easier, subsequent chapters contain many illustrative examples which include every aspect of typical basement remodeling. These examples constitute guidance. In other words, they will guide you through every step of your remodeling project. They start at the beginning of such projects and illustrate each and every step. The examples selected are such that they will parallel your project. No matter what particular planning or remodeling work your project may include, the illustrative examples will show you how to do everything necessary.

EXPLANATIONS ARE BASED ON EXPERIENCE

All of the procedures presented, recommended and explained throughout this book are based on the experiences of thousands of other home-owners and craftsmen. Therefore, you will benefit by their experiences and you can be sure that your project will be free from guesswork or untried methods. If you but give careful attention to the text, you can be sure that your remodeling project will be easy to accomplish and just as sure that the final results will be worthwhile, satisfactory and pleasing.

Purpose Of Remodeling

THROUGHOUT THIS BOOK we shall repeatedly call your attention to the great importance of careful, exact and complete planning in connection with every aspect of a remodeling project. As you will quickly realize, no part of any remodeling should be started until complete planning has been done.

Most people, especially those who have not had previous experience with remodeling projects, are apt to think about a basement remodeling project in what we can call general terms. In other words, they formulate their so-called remodeling plans in indefinite mental pictures. Or, they conclude that their remodeled basement should, when completed, look something like another remodeled basement they have seen.

As explained later on, mental pictures cannot be depended upon in cases where exact and complete plans are necessary. There are too many chances for error. Coordination is impossible. The various and inescapable details cannot be properly connected or viewed in terms of the whole job. There is no way of estimating costs. And, finally, the actual construction work cannot be accomplished without confusion, extra work, excess cost and probable disappointment.