Complete Basements Stanley Complete :: Education by Design Store

Editorial Review

Shows all the tools, materials, and techniques needed to finish a basement, from framing walls to installing finish flooring and fixtures.

Shows how to develop plans for functional and attractive basement rooms, including laundry rooms, storage spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, recreation rooms, and more.

Designed with two tiers: one to cover basic project and one to present extra information to cover options and unusual circumstances and Stanley Pro Tips.

Simulated hyperlinks draw readers to extra information for unusual situations and additional information.

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Customer Reviews

Basic Info Only

2008-09-16
I was looking for a book that gave a lot of nitty gritty information regarding basements. Ideas for separating utility from living, etc. This book gives you lots of general building information. If you know how to frame, drywall, etc then this book isn't for you. If you are looking for a good general overview of those topics than it will work. I feel it went too much into basic construction as opposed to really dealing with the basement itself.

high level

2008-01-02
I'm usually a fan of the Stanley Complete series, because of the detail they offer. However this one lacks a little in that department. It will provide a good overview of the tasks involved, but it does not provide enough detail to complete most of them. I've had to go to other books for things like framing, drywall, and electrical. The most helpful sections of this book deal with elements that are specific to basements like slabs and foundation walls.

The following sections are pretty good, but vary in depth of coverage:
Finishing Floors
Installing a New Bathroom
Finishing Walls and Ceilings
Preparation and Demolition
Plumbing
Cabinets and Storage

The following sections are lacking:
Framing
Wiring
Lights and Heaters

You might get some useful ideas for this book, but do not use it as your only guide.

So So

2007-04-12
This is better than many books I have looked at, but if you are moderately functional DIYer who is contemplating remodeling the basement (like me) I would recommend that this not be your sole source. They skip a lot of the little details and tips that you need to really do things properly. On the other hand, they do provide ideas and suggestions that I didn't find elsewhere. I bought this book along with "Remodeling a Basement (Build Like A Pro)" by Roger German. German's book is really great, lot's of detail and DIY tips. If I could only have one book, it would be German's.

Excellent, highly recommend

2007-04-03
I bought about 10 books off Amazon to plan for my basement remodeling. This was one of the top 2. Definately worth it.

Lots of detail; Doesn't connect the dots

2007-02-23
This book is good for telling you how to do specific jobs in the basement, but it doesn't "fit all the pieces together" well as far as planning a whole remodeling project. Also, there is precious little included in this book on HVAC work- a crucial step to any basement remodeling project. Don't rely only on this book to take on your whole basement remodeling endeavor.

I would recommend looking into Roger German's "Remodeling a Basement" for a book that gives a good overview of the whole remodeling experience. Then, you can buy books like this to drill down on specific tasks.

Easy to follow

2007-01-04

Shows all the tools, materials, and techniques needed to finish a basement, from framing walls to installing finish flooring and fixtures.

Shows how to develop plans for functional and attractive basement rooms, including laundry rooms, storage spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, recreation rooms, and more.

Designed with two tiers: one to cover basic project and one to present extra information to cover options and unusual circumstances and Stanley Pro Tips.

Simulated hyperlinks draw readers to extra information for unusual situations and additional information.