Don Ansman, like many homeowners, expanded into his basement to make the best use of the space in his home. Basement renovation projects can vary widely and bring about new issues.

Homeowners who want to increase their usable house space expand into their basements.

With a wealth of building materials to choose from, basements can be transformed into a child's playroom or homework area, a family entertainment center, or an area for adults, such as an office, a wine cellar or a craft space.

"People are trying to make the best use of their homes," said Don Ansman, principal of Ansman & Associates Architects, 231 Teakwood Road, Butler.

Ansman's own basement includes two bedrooms, a barroom and an office heated mainly by hot-water, radiant-heated floors.

Architects and remodeling contractors both can be called on to help with basement remodeling. The Pennsylvania Builders Association website includes consumer information on hiring a contractor, and suggests homeowners request references. Find them at www.pabuilders.org.

Among the association's suggestions:• Take your time. Most problems occur when consumers fail to investigate contractors carefully before hiring them.• Ask for an insurance certificate to verify workers' compensation and general liability insurance.• Ask for references. Talk with others who have had work done by the contractor about the company's capabilities and quality of workmanship.• Make sure the contractor has a permanent business location and a good reputation with banks and suppliers.• Incorporate any warranties, guarantees or other promises in your written contract. Always insist on a written contract and written change orders.• Be specific about starting and completion dates. Some delays are unavoidable and beyond the contractor's control.• Beware of an unusually low bid or low advertised price. If a contractor cannot pay for labor, materials and overhead, you are both in trouble.• Select a contractor you are comfortable with, one who understands your tastes and needs and with whom you can communicate easily.More consumer information can be found on the National Association of Home Builders website, www.nahb.org.Building permits varyWhether or not remodelers need a building permit depends on two things: the size of the project and where the home is in Butler County. Building permits are controlled by municipal governments, and the rules can differ in each one.For example, in Butler a building permit is required for all projects except painting, carpeting and landscaping, said Jo Ann Snyder, assistant zoning officer in the office of business and community development.The rules in Center Township are different."No permit is required as long as there are no structural changes and no egress changes," said Rich Round, building code official for the township.The rules vary among all the townships, Round said. Homeowners will need to check with their local authorities to find out the rules in their community.Drainage is an issueIn southwestern Pennsylvania, basement waterproofing is often the place where improvements start."Three out of four homes in this area have moisture problems," said Charles Rechel, owner of Everdry Waterproofing, 1568 Mars Evans City Road, Evans City. "Water comes in through cracks in the walls and porous concrete block," or through footers, coves and floors, he said.Twenty-five years ago, homeowners were satisfied with sump pumps that kept water off the floor, Rechel said. Today, they install French drains inside and out, along with pumps to keep the water out.More simply, homeowners can ensure water runs freely away from foundations by keeping gutters clean and using downspouts to carry water at least five feet away from the home or farther in level areas or in those with clay soil, he said.Ansman recommends consumers buy dehumidifiers to take water out of the air and help to deplete mold and other basement growths.Getting rid of moldMold causes homeowners various degrees of discomfort, depending on their sensitivities."The only way to get mold is from water," Rechel said. "Get rid of water to get rid of mold."In addition to waterproofing services, heated floors and insulation help to reduce moisture and mold."It's nice to walk on a heated floor," Ansman said.His radiant-heated floor keeps most of his basement warm without an additional heating system, he said.Insulation also is an effective moisture barrier, said Clair Boring, owner of Clair Boring Painting and Services, 5 Pittsburgh Road, Butler. He approaches interior basement insulation the same way he would any new building construction, he said.Solutions might include heavy mill plastic, commercially available waterproofing systems that are brushed on or troweled on, and systems that allow for building a separate wall rather than attaching insulating material to cement block, Boring said.An exit is importantBuilding codes might play a role in the design of a remodeled basement, depending on how the space will be used."A family may decide to create a family room," said Jessica Forsythe, president of 4-Most Group Architects. "But then they'll decide to have a sleepover there and it's not an intended use."Among the most important considerations for any family is ensuring there is an adequate basement exit, Forsythe said.New homes are required to have a basement exit, according to Ansman, but there are other solutions too.Forsythe suggests families consider installing windows that include five or six steps built in, which act as a fire escape and let in more light."A typical basement window is 32 inches by 24 inches, encased in concrete blocks," Boring said.A larger window well is created by removing some concrete blocks, Boring said. In basements that are largely below ground, a homeowner also would need to remove dirt from the foundation and develop a retaining wall and steps.The same process is required for installing a door below ground, he said.Ceiling design might be another major consideration, Boring said.Homeowners might be faced with moving pipes or ductwork to finish a ceiling, either by drywalling or installing a drop ceiling.Project cost varies"Depending on what you have and what you want," basement remodeling typically can run from $20 to $60 per square foot, Boring said.Homeowners can expect costs to rise with more complex work.Renovations can run from $15,000 to as high as $150,000, Forsythe said.Her firm requests clients take conceptual drawings to their contractors for a cost check, which is a reality check, she said.Where to get adviceFor homeowners who would like to remodel, but need inspiration, numerous magazines and popular websites can help.Two popular Web sites are: www.hgtv.com and www.thisoldhouse.com.Do-it-yourselfers might reference www.doityourself.com or www.remodelingmyspace.com.

Don Ansman, principal of Ansman & Associates Architects in Butler, has a finished basement that includes two bedrooms, a barroom and an office.