The basic basement remodeling includes insulating walls, choosing the right flooring, and adding the ceiling to transform it into a new and functional room. There are a lot of basement contractors you can find on the internet. The foundation repairs near me are local and less expensive that is why we recommend to homeowners to find foundation repair companies that are nearby.
If you want to save a couple of cash, then you are probably thinking to do it yourself. We’re not stopping you because we also think homeowners should get involved with these tasks. The basement finishing contractors can be hired somewhere at the beginning of the building or remodeling project, but, it is better to have them around as early as possible. It is because they have the experience, knowledge, and suggestions that will surely be helpful.
For the preparation of remodeling, the first thing you need to do is to clean. You need to make sure your basement is cleaned. Remove all the junk, boxes, bins, trash, appliances, tools, etc. After this, you need to complete the moisture test to see if you need to waterproof your basement. You may contact a waterproofing contractor for this job. Remember that no matter how beautiful you renovate your basement, it will be ruined by leaks.
It is also advisable to research local building permits and building codes for your basement. You may have to apply for this to start working on your basement. Research for a few rules about the ceiling height and number of exits required because this is important. You need to meet these requirements. When all of these are set, gather all the materials you need. The number of materials you will need will vary based on the size of your building or renovation project. You must measure your basement before buying the materials.
To help you with finishing the basement, here are the steps you can follow:
Step 1: Installing the insulation to start with basement walls
It is recommended to insulate a basement’s exterior walls by adding polystyrene foam insulation directly to your foundation walls. This technique is the most effective way to do basement walls. Cut the pieces of foam, hold them against the wall to make sure it is the right height. After this, apply the adhesive in an S-shape and let it sit before attaching it. Once the foam has been installed, seal the seams with duct tape. Do not forget to seal the gaps between the foam and the ceiling, floor, corners with caulk or foam filler otherwise it will give you a problem in the future.
Step 2: Start framing your walls
Before you build your walls, you must cut them all in the correct length. Install blocking between the overhead joist and the wall by screwing. It is best to run parallel to your floor joist. Draw a line the length to align the outer edge of the frame. Attach the wall joist to the top and bottom plates. You can use a framing nailer for this task. Move the wall joists if needed to account for doors or windows. Attach the bottom plate to the concrete floor; you can do this by using a masonry drill or masonry nails and hammer. Do not forget to wear protection for hearing, a dust mask, and goggles. Then, attach the top plate above the joist.
Step 3: Install your drywall
You may begin hanging the drywall after you are done with the walls. You need to account for outlets or valves by measuring their placement. Cut the access holes into the drywall sheet by using your drywall knife. For windows, you need to measure the dimensions to cut the right shape. Measure the piece of drywall; if you need to trim, don’t hesitate. Once done, secure the drywall using drywall screws and rills. You must not see any plaster around the nail bed because that is the indication you did badly. Cover the seams with drywall tape and screw heads with caulk.
Step 4: Install the subflooring and flooring of your basement
Take note that you can install directly onto the concrete subfloor if you are using snapping flooring. Make sure that the subfloor is moisture-free. However, we want to emphasize that it is better to just build a new subfloor by using plywood and polystyrene sheets. Lay down sheets of polystyrene insulation by the use of a strong adhesive like you did in the walls. Lay the plywood sheets and secure the new subfloor using a masonry drill and concrete screws. Once the plywood is installed, you may now use it as a base for installing any kind of flooring that you desire.
Step 5: Build the ceiling by the ceiling type you want
There are two (2) types you can install as your basement ceiling: (1) Drop-ceiling and (2) Drywall ceiling. A drop-ceiling is cheap. It is also an easy option but is effective in covering exposed pipes and floor joists while letting you access the overhead utilities. The drywall ceiling is better for conserving space, though it will require additional work to allow you to access the pipes and ductwork. Installing a ceiling will require you to use a hammer, nails, wire cutters, and an installation kit. For a drywall ceiling, you would have to need a drywall jack and help. Never miss that future access to pipes and ventilation is highly needed.