Create a Finished Basement Floor to Ceiling

Create a Finished Basement

Often times finishing a basement is one of the last things on a homeowners to-do list. While there are other projects that may be more urgent, don’t forget about all of that extra potential space. Don’t leave your basement a damp, concrete bunker forever. Here is a quick list of steps you can take to get your basement done.

Finishing Your Basement Walls

If your walls in your basement are currently bare concrete, then start here. Finished basement walls will make the space feel more complete, and inviting. Here are the steps to take:

Eliminate Moisture From Your Basement

If you find your basement is damp or regularly puddles following a storm, you need to waterproof the entire basement before you can finish it.

• Redirect downspouts away from your foundation.
• Regrade the slope of your lawn to drain water away from the basement.
• Use dampproof or waterproof coatings on interior walls.
• Add a drain that leads to the storm drain or a pit with a sump pump.

Install Insulation and Drywall

If you already have your wall frames constructed, the next step is to install insulation in the spaces between each stud. There are a few different types of insulation, three choices are:

Batts

Large blankets of insulating material, generally the cheapest insulation option.

Rigid foam

Rigid sheets of extruded polystyrene that are applied to the wall with adhesive. More effective, and more expensive, than batts.

Spray-in-place foam

The most effective, but costly, method of insulation that most experts agree is the best way to insulate a basement wall.

Once you’ve finished installing your insulation, you can start hanging your drywall. If you have had experience in hanging drywall before, then this should be relatively easy for you. You’ll need to secure the drywall to each stud using drywall screws and a drill, be sure you don’t tear the drywall paper surface. You shouldn’t see any plaster around the nail head. You can choose which way you hang your drywall, vertically or horizontally, most of the time people hang drywall horizontally.

Account for Outlets and Windows

Trace the outline of your outlets into the drywall sheet that will cover the segment of wall with an outlet. Take a drywall knife, and cut out the material to install. For windows, measure the dimensions and cut the appropriate shape out in the drywall after you have secured the sheet to the wall.

Finish Your Basement Floor

Once the basement walls are finished, it’s time to do the floors and ceiling. Flooring in basements should be waterproof, in efforts to prevent damage from inevitable flooring or leaks that may occur. Here are some basement flooring options to choose from:

Pick a Flooring Material

Laminate: Laminate is a popular flooring option, remember it’s better to use laminate flooring that snaps together so that if the subfloor warps, you won’t have to tear them up.

Wood: Using wood flooring may seem like a bad idea for a basement to some. But in reality as long as you properly insulate the subfloor and account for expansion of the wood during humid weather, you can get away with a hardwood floor in your basement. Though a leak from upstairs could still spell doom for your new hardwood floor.

Tiles: Installing tile flooring in your basement gives you the best of both worlds. Tiles are easy to clean up after a flood or leak while still giving your finished basement a floor that looks just as good as the other options.

Determine the Best Way to Install Your Flooring

If you decide on a laminate floor that snaps together, you can install it directly onto the concrete subfloor. Other flooring options will require building a new subfloor using plywood and polystyrene sheets, as well as installing a moisture barrier.

Installing a new basement subfloor is pretty simple. You start by laying down sheets of polystryne insulation and then lay plywood on top. You then secure the new subfloor using concrete screws driven into pre-drilled holes in the concrete floor. After the plywood is installed, you can use it as a base for installing any kind of flooring you may choose.

Finishing Your Basement Ceiling

When it comes to your basement ceiling you can choose between two types.

Drop-Ceiling: Drop ceilings are a cheap and easy option you’d see in a lot of homes. It gets the job done, hiding exposed pipes and floor joists, but they aren’t the most appealing. Drop ceiling installation requires minimal tools, all that you need is a hammer, nails and wire cutters. The materials can be purchased together in a kit.

Drywall Ceiling: Much like hanging drywall in any other room, hanging it on your ceiling is basically the same procedure. The only difference is that you will need a drywall jack or a friend to help you secure the sheets in place as you screw them in. Other than that, you’ll be following the same process as your basement walls.

Finishing your basement may not be on your must do list when you purchase a home, but it is a good room to take advantage of. A basement can be a space for kids to play, your family to watch tv, or even provide you your own separate space. It can also significantly increase the value of your home, next time you walk down your basement stairs and turn your light on, remember you are looking at a potential home improvement goldmine.

If you’re serious about your home improvement projects, and want to get started on your basement call us at Waste Solutions 123 for a dumpster rental! During your home improvement you will most likely create household waste debris and will need to get rid of it properly. When that happens call us, we can provide you with an affordable, professional dumpster rental for your finished basement project!