If your home has a dry basement with a ceiling that is at least 7 feet high, the chances are good you can convert the area into living space.

Quiet and distinctly separate from a home’s main living areas, basements are often ideal for recreation rooms, entertainment centers, workout rooms, home offices, and in-law living quarters. Many basements have reasonably good access from the rooms above, and many are large enough to afford space for several rooms.

Dryness is key to a successful basement room. If your basement is perennially damp or, worse, floods every winter, your first investment must be in controlling the water that invades it. Drains, foundation waterproofing systems, a sump pump, grading, and surface water diversion all are important means for achieving a dry basement.

Though there are certain things a handy homeowner can do to remedy a damp basement, handling basement water problems is often best left in the hands of a professional waterproofing contractor.

Dealing with mechanical equipment such as heating ducts, electrical conduit, and pipes is also an issue. If headroom allows, equipment sometimes can be concealed above a false ceiling. Otherwise, it may need to be rerouted. One other alternative is to leave ductwork and conduit exposed and paint these elements to blend into the decor.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to heat—and perhaps cool—the area, as well as provide it with good ventilation. And dehumidification will probably be a must.

Work with a heating contractor to determine what will be involved in extending the existing system to serve the basement. This is often a relatively easy job if the system is large enough to handle the increased load.

Because natural light is often minimal in a basement, be sure to plan for ample artificial lighting. Some basements have one or more walls that sit high enough above ground level to allow for installing short windows to allow in natural light.