Have you decided to turn your cold dreary basement into an inviting extension of your home? Your decision is a wise one, because finishing your basement is the least expensive way to increase your home's living space. Here are the steps to tackling this project, but before you begin hammering away.
- Pencil and Paper
- Tape Measure
- Storage Container
- Battery Powered Sump Pump with Alarm
- Vapor Barrier
- Dehumidifier
- Framing Lumber
- HVAC Ducts and Plumbing
- Batt Insulation
- Drywall
- Baseboard Trim
- Interior Doors
- Primer and Paint
- Flooring
- Outlet Covers
- Ventilation Grates
Draw your basement desing plan.Take accurate measurements of the existing space and sketch it out. Make multiple copies so that you can try out different design options before committing to the one you like most.
Prepare the basement for construction. Remove everything from the area and store it into a delivered storage container. Install a battery powered sump pump back-up unit with alarm, vapor barriers on the foundation walls and run a dehumidifier for at least 48 hours to remove moisture from the air.
Frame your walls as per your final drawing.
Hire an electrician to run all electrical outlets, lighting and switches. This must be completed by a licensed electrician.
Run any necessary HVAC ducts and plumbing, then install batt insulation in all perimeter walls framed over a foundation wall.
Install drywall, baseboard trim and interior doors.
Apply one coat of primer to all surfaces (except the floor) and two coats of paint. Allow sufficient dry time between coats as directed on the products instructions.
Install the floor covering, typically carpet or tile. Finish off the room by installing all outlet covers and ventilation grates.
