Handyman, Home Improvement

A Guide to Finishing a Basement

Finishing Basement Lehi brings added living space to the home. It may also increase a home’s value and help make it more desirable to buyers.

Finishing a Basement

Before you begin work, check with your insurance provider to see if the project will affect your coverage. If it will, you’ll likely need to upgrade your policy.

Turning the basement into a livable space adds to your home’s value and gives you more usable living space. It also increases your home’s energy efficiency and may be a tax-deductible expense. A finished basement provides a great place to entertain, spend time with family and friends, work from home or relax after a long day.

Before any work can begin on your basement, it needs to be cleaned out and decluttered. Start by throwing away any items that are no longer needed or haven’t been used in a while. You’ll be surprised at how much junk is accumulated down there!

After decluttering, it’s important to understand the laws and codes in your area. This will help you avoid costly mistakes down the road. Also, ask your city about the necessary inspections and permits you’ll need to complete your renovation. This process can vary by location, so it’s important to do your research before you start construction.

Once you’ve completed the necessary planning and research, it’s time to get started with the actual construction of your basement. It’s best to hire a professional contractor to complete this task, as it can be incredibly dangerous and messy for an amateur. It’s important to find a contractor that has a license to perform the services you need and is up-to-date on all of the required continuing education.

The first step in the construction is framing the walls. It’s important to follow all spacing and framing code requirements when doing this to make sure everything is done correctly. This will ensure that the drywall is properly installed and won’t cause any problems down the road.

Next, your contractor will install the electrical, plumbing and HVAC features that were not put in during rough-ins. This includes the installation of switch plates, outlets and light fixtures. It is also important to insulate the basement at this stage to prevent a drafty environment and reduce your energy bills.

Once all of the electrical and plumbing features are installed, it’s time to install the drywall. It’s important to hang the drywall horizontally, as this will leave fewer seams. You can also choose to insulate your ceilings, though this isn’t always necessary.

Planning

When you start a basement renovation project, it’s important to take your time and prepare. There is a lot to consider in order to create the finished space you have always dreamed of, from the floor materials to the ceiling style. You’ll also need to decide how you want your basement to function and determine how much storage space you need. Depending on your design and level of expertise, you may be able to handle the bulk of the work yourself.

If you’re not comfortable handling all the details of your remodel, a professional can help. A contractor can also make sure that the work you plan to have done is up to code. Some areas require a permit for renovations and it’s also important to check whether your contractor maintains a specialty license. For instance, many plumbers and electricians are licensed by the state and should be insured to protect you and your home from damage.

Before starting the project, it’s a good idea to clear out your workspace by sorting items into keep, donate and trash piles. You might be able to store some items in spare closets or even an attic. For the rest, you may need to rent a self-storage unit until your renovation is completed.

Once you have cleared out your workspace, it’s a good idea to get rid of any old carpet and install new flooring. This can be a costly task but it will make the space look brand-new and help you to avoid stains and odors in the future.

Rough-ins are the plumbing, electrical and HVAC work that is done before drywall is installed. This includes locating the water shutoffs, sewer line cleanouts and determining how to access these in the future for maintenance purposes. It’s important to include these in your design so that you can avoid a major headache down the road.

Once drywall is installed trim carpenters will come in to install the doors, cabinetry and baseboard. Painters will then arrive to finish the project by filling in nail holes and caulking where necessary. This stage is usually when the project really comes together and it’s important to choose a high-quality, durable paint so that your renovation will stand the test of time.

Materials

Once you have a design and plans for your basement, it’s time to think about the materials needed. The most important decisions will be about the flooring and ceiling. You can choose to have a drop ceiling, which is cheaper but may not look as polished, or you can drywall the ceiling. This method looks more finished and can help with sound and temperature issues.

When completing your basement, it’s a good idea to insulate the walls and ceiling. This will prevent moisture and help keep the basement warm. It’s best to do this before installing the finished floor. Use a self-leveling compound that is compatible with the type of flooring you plan on using. This will create an even surface that is durable enough to withstand foot traffic.

You should also install plumbing and electrical wires before finishing the walls. This will reduce the likelihood of having to make repairs later. You will need to cut into the drywall to do this, so it is a good idea to have the proper tools and supplies, such as a utility knife and a drywall saw.

The ceiling is one of the most difficult parts of the basement to finish. You can choose to leave it open, which will give the basement a more industrial look, or you can install a drop ceiling or a drywall ceiling. A drywall ceiling is the most expensive option, but it has a more finished appearance and can help with noise reduction from floors above.

Start by cutting 2×4 bottom and top plates to length. Lay out stud locations every 16 inches on each plate. Next, apply a liberal bead of construction adhesive to the top plates and position them. Nail 2×4 blocking about every 3 feet into the first floor joists to support the top plates. Then nail through the blocks into the joists and into the rim joists. This will insulate the basement ceiling and help to reduce sound transfer.

If you’re going to be hanging a drop ceiling, mark and cut holes in the drywall sheets for utilities. Next, secure a T-channel frame to the joists and snap in cross frames. Then place the ceiling tiles into the frames. The advantage of a drop ceiling is that it’s easy to access pipes, water valves and electrical junction boxes, and the tiles are easy to replace in the event of a flood or leak.

Finishing

For a basement to be considered finished it needs to have a fully accessible entryway, walls that are framed and painted, and the entire space equipped with a heating and cooling system similar to those in upstairs living areas. A window air conditioning unit does not count as a part of the heating and cooling system because it is a temporary installation.

The walls of the finished basement should be insulated. This will help to control the temperature of the area and it will also keep out the outside noise. It is important that the insulation is placed properly to ensure that it is effective. For example, the insulation should be pushed against the studs and it should not have any gaps. It is a good idea to use foam insulation sleeves over the hot water pipes so that heat and cold do not transfer.

When the drywall is up, it is time to paint. Choose a color that will compliment the rest of the house and remember that basements can get very humid so be sure to use a mold-resistant paint. It is also a good idea to put down a coat of primer before you begin painting so that the paint will last longer.

Flooring is a big decision to make, and it is very important that the proper type of floor is used. For example, solid wood floors should not be used in a basement because they are susceptible to moisture and may warp or buckle. There are many different types of flooring to choose from that are suitable for basements, including vinyl planks and tile.

One of the most important things to remember when finishing a basement is to have it inspected by a building inspector before you move in. The building inspector will look at the electrical, plumbing and HVAC system to make sure that they have been installed according to code. The inspector will also check for any potential safety issues such as egress windows that have not been installed. Once the inspection is completed and any necessary repairs are made, you can start to enjoy your newly renovated basement!