Basement Project: To-Do!

As you can tell from my previous post here, we still have a lot to do for the basement to turn it into a functional space. I’ve put together a plan for the space using FloorPlanner.com (which, by the way, is an AWESOME tool!) to create an idea of what we’re looking for.

1. This is where we'll keep our seasonal outside tools. Things like winter shovels, garden shovels, rakes, outside broom, etc.

2. I think this is a good location for a small work out area. A few years ago my dad gave me a total gym, and I plan on replacing the broken elliptical. For those who know us, we definitely need to lose weight but the gym thing just isn't for us. I think once we have a dedicated area for these sort of activities, it will help us lose weight. I've included a 32" TV on the wall, which we don't actually own, but it'd be a nice addition.

3. Sump Pump box. As I mentioned before, the hole for our sump pump actually has a few inches of clearance to reach under the foundation of the house. Since we'll be allowing our cats down here, I want this whole area boxed in. The top will have a hinge so we can easily access the pump when we need to. The box will be made out of cheap MDF. Not included in the picture, our dehumidifier will also be here.

4. These are the storage shelves you can see from the first post in the basement project. My plan is to have two shelving systems on either side of the big support beam that runs through the basement (this image isn't to scale in that regard).

5. I was considering putting a water heater closet around our current water heater. The cost to do so, while not extravagant, this is a condo that we don't plan on staying in for more than the next 10 years, so it's not really worth it. Instead, we're discussing placing a more energy efficient or tankless water heater (maybe something like this?). My concern is the cats may get stuck behind our current tank, and we're renting it anyways so it just all around is not ideal.

6. I want to include a tool station/computer desk for Victor. He repairs friends and families computers, and he needs a place to organize parts, towers, and other miscellaneous computer  paraphernalia, and we don't have the space for a dedicated area like this in the office. My dad will be giving us a big metal industrial desk, so it'll be perfect.

7. Since the cats will be allowed down here, I want to put their litter boxes (represented by the shipping boxes) (which are Jumbo Size) here, along with a cat condo. They absolutely love to climb, but cat condos are just plain ugly and get grody quickly since all three are longer haired.

Since we're just starting out, we have a whole laundry list of things that we need to get accomplished.

• Replace both windows (once has been broken since we moved in)
• Scrape down the walls, remove as much paint as possible
• Scrape the floors, remove as much paint as possible
• Paint the walls with Drylock (I think we're going to go with white or beige)
• Paint the floors 
• Paint the beam a noticeable colour (Victor is 6'3", and the beam hangs low enough where he has to bow his head to get under- and often forgets)
• Paint the stairs
• Line the insulation so it's not exposed
• Build sump pump box
• Install pantry shelving at top of stairs
• Wrap the beams with sisal rope (we are those types of people, the cats would love this!)
• Install cat door in the basement door 
• Replace heaters

The basement view into the french drain. Once we replace the windows, and add a nice white rock to the bottom it should brighten things up considerably! We'll be placing a grate on the top as well to hopefully keep most debris from falling in, besides water.

This is the beam that we'll have to paint. And you can see how the insulation is just kind of hanging there, naked... I'm worried the cats will find a way to get into it. Right now the plan is to simply staple something to each of the dividing beams, maybe those cheap plastic drop clothes? Not really sure yet.

The water heater that will likely be replaced. We pay almost $200 a year for this bad boy! In November, we'll have been here for six years. $1,200! Buying our own will totally pay for itself.

The wall on the right near the door is where I plan to put small shelves to act as a sort of pantry to keep canned goods, extra cleaning supplies, etc.

Victor has to work this weekend. So many projects to do! Which one should I do?