I am planning to convert my basement into a bedroom for one of my brothers to use. I was thinking all that was needed was carpeting and paint, but one of my friends recently told me that I may need to have some kind of modification to the basement windows or walls so that there's a fire escape route apart from the stairs. Is this the case? I've had a hard time finding a definitive legal reference as to what I need to do to have someone legally sleep in my basement. [more inside]
posted by Vorteks on Feb 21, 2013 - 13 answers

My house has an unfinished basement. It's a terrible mess and causing enough problems for my husband's allergies (we think) that it's not even usable right now. What can we do to get it straightened out? [more inside]
posted by ashirys on Sep 5, 2011 - 14 answers

Previous owners of our house began the process of finishing the basement. I'm thinking about completing the job. What should I know? [more inside]
posted by Vectorcon Systems on Aug 25, 2011 - 8 answers

HVAC experts! I want a cool, dry basement home theater / jam room! [more inside]
posted by bradn on Aug 1, 2011 - 6 answers

How do I repair this void underneath the steps to our basement? (Long) [more inside]
posted by bellastarr on Jul 20, 2011 - 6 answers

After having drainage and a sump pump installed in our basement, we’ve noticed an unusually large amount of groundwater being pumped out into the connecting dry well. We’d like to determine the source of this water, but, as usual, there are some unusual details…. [more inside]
posted by Rewind on Mar 12, 2011 - 7 answers

Dig a basement under an existing house? I have a crawlspace underneath an attached 100 year old house that I want to dig into a basement. What Do I need to do to make it happen? [more inside]
posted by Napierzaza on Jan 3, 2011 - 10 answers

What's a good plant for a small basement home office with a small basement-style window? [more inside]
posted by swift on Nov 11, 2010 - 14 answers

What do you wish you knew before you finished your basement? [more inside]
posted by violettie3 on Oct 6, 2010 - 18 answers

I'm looking for pictures of home bars / basement bars. I'm looking to build one and would like to look at pictures for ideas [more inside]
posted by mi6op on Sep 13, 2010 - 5 answers

Where did the mystery water come from? There were huge storms in the Twin Cities tonight. We returned home to find a puddle of water surrounding the furnace, which is located in the middle of the basement. There is no evidence of any water near the walls, or any leak from above. Where could this water have come from? [more inside]
posted by violettie3 on Jun 25, 2010 - 10 answers

I recently bought a house that's an duplex joined on both sides. The basement is a ~2 foot crawlspace (though one small area is ~4 feet). I would like to excavate it into a basement. How could this technically be accomplished?
posted by Napierzaza on Jun 4, 2009 - 15 answers

Finishing up a small basement project. Should I install the wood trim and base molding myself (with rented finish nailer) or hire some help? [more inside]
posted by flyingrock on Jul 15, 2008 - 13 answers

Poor homeowner: What are my options for inexpensive carpeting? [more inside]
posted by bradn on Jan 16, 2006 - 8 answers

HomeImprovementFilter: I'm planning on having a basement room finished, and before I put the contractors to the time and expense of coming out for estimates, I want to know if the project will be something I can afford to do right now. [more inside]
posted by gwenzel on Aug 18, 2005 - 2 answers