[jyl]

I would like to build out my basement. We have 1,000 sq ft of basement w/ appx 8 foot headroom from joists to slab. It is dry all year. Some small high windows set in the basement walls. I think I can fit a guest/in-law suite down there, with a kitchenette and bathroom. The goal is to have the basement look just like the rest of the house - similar hardwood floors, molding and details - rather than like an afterthought add-on. Finished headroom could be about 7 feet 8-9 inches.

My thought would be to build out appx half of it, 500-700 sq ft. Cut larger windows in the walls, set in wells, for egress and light. Will need to cut the slab to tie into the main drain, clear on the other side of the basement. And run water supply, electrical, HVAC ducting. Think can do this w/o moving the furnace. I would have contractors do the preceding, then frame, soundproof, insulate, drywall, floor, and finish myself. With permits of course.

I am very early in my thinking here. Any suggestions, cautionary tales, lessons learned, from guys who have done this sort of thing?