We considered many different things such as drop ceilings vs. painted, carpet or faux wood flooring.

*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:

So far it's been fairly smooth but we have wondered if we should use trim along the edge of the painted ceiling and then have found it a mild challenge to work around all the pipes and wires.

*My motivation to do this project:

So we can enjoy the extra space it will provide.

*Project Steps:

We decided to go with a painted black ceiling, bringing it down a bit on the walls and then trimming it with molding. We like the results.

Advice:

Don't try to paint an unfinished ceiling unless you have a very good paint sprayer. Start with the ceiling first when painting so you don't have to touch things up later. We also found that painting the molding with the same color as the walls made a smoother transition to the ceiling.

Materials:

Flat black paint - $20.00

Tan paint for the walls - $20.00

Discounted Bamboo Molding - $30.00

Beadboard - $10.00

High gloss white paint - $8.00

Sheetrock - $300.00

Lighting - $50.00

*My motivation to do this project:

I was motivated to complete the basement because we love to entertain and, was getting tied of entertaining in our main living space. We wanted a place where the kids could take their guests to without been heard all over the house.

*Project Steps:

1. Write out a plan

2. do some research (craig's list,ebay...etc(

3. Set a budget

4. buy material

5. start with the framing

6. then the wiring

6. the duct work

7. sheet rock, taping and mudding

8. paint and trim

9. flooring

10. install the door

Advice:

Do set realistic goals

Don't start a task without doing your research first

Materials:

3 X 2 x 4-8 - $8.91

3 X 2x4-12 - $14.91

50 X 92-5/8 Stud - $116.00

1 X 2x4-10 - $3.97

2 X 2x4-14 - $11.48

5 lbs X nails - $7.74

2 X Flex Duct - $56.00

6 X lighting - $65.25

25 X Pvc boxes - $6.25

20 X Sheet Rock - $482.00

4 X wiring - $175.00