How to Finish a Basement

How to Finish a Basement

Figuring out how to finish a basement takes good planning. In fact, planning should be your very first step. A finished basement is a great investment for your home. It adds value, creates space, and opens up new possibilities for you and your family.

Can you finish a basement on your own? Sure! Although, if you aren't handy with plumbing or familiar with electrical work, you may want to subcontract some of the work out to those who know what they are doing!

Planning

The first step in figuring out how to finish a basement is to create a plan. Decide what you want to use the basement for.

• Will it be a recreational area?
• Do you need another bedroom, bathroom, or living area?
• Do you want a workshop?
• Will half the basement be used for one thing and the other half for something else, such as a workshop/den area?

Waterproofing

Obviously, one of the most serious issues regarding a finished basement is whether it is waterproofed. There are several steps you can take to correct a leaky basement, but deciding which is the best for your situation may involve consulting a professional. Possible solutions might include the following:

• Slope the lawn away from the house to reduce pooling water.
• Install gutters over the house.
• Use window wells for basement windows.
• Check the condition of the existing plumbing.
• Add a sump pump.
• Apply a waterproofing compound to the walls.

Layout and Materials

Once you've determined what you really want your basement to be used for, it's time decide on a layout and to purchase materials. You'll need to decide where switches, outlets, doors, and any built-ins will be located. Sheetrock typically comes in 4 by 8 or 4 by 12 sections, and you should typically plan on wall framing that is 16 inches on center. It's important that you take this into consideration when placing your studs. The edge of the sheetrock or drywall should break on the center of the studs if possible.

Measure everything out ahead of time, and mark where your doors, switches, outlets, and anything else will go. It's easier to lay out the main walls first, and then lay out the closets and smaller rooms.

Framing

In most cases, you can lay out and build a wall on the floor and then raise it into place.

• Measure and mark where you will place the wall, including where it will be attached at the ceiling.
• Measure and cut your 2x4s that will form the frame, and then mark them for the studs. Begin your first stud at the end of the wall, and add a new stud stud every 16 inches.
• You may need to cut extra pieces to put between the ceiling joists if your wall is going to run parallel with those joists. These should be installed every two or three feet.
• While your frame is on the floor, nail the studs into the frame.
• Raise the frame into place, tapping it into position.
• If the wall you've constructed is too short, you can add small pieces of wood under the frame on both sides.
• Attach the wall to the floor and ceiling.
• Attach your sheetrock, drywall, paneling, etc. You can either finish it yourself or hire this out.

Plumbing and Electrical

Unless you are an experienced plumber or electrician, any major plumbing and electrical work should be done by a professional. When you are talking about finishing a basement, you are dealing with other issues as well, such as leaking walls, insulated pipes, and even mold. It's best to contact someone who is experienced to handle these issues.

Cosmetic Details

Finally, you'll need to choose paint colors and flooring materials. For a finished basement, vinyl, laminate, or linoleum flooring or industrial carpeting may be your best bet. Visit your local home improvement store for more ideas and advice on finishing your basement.