Finished basements add living space, value and comfort to your home. Basement finishing involves insulating and framing walls, drywall and installing flooring.
Basement plumbing is often roughed in to avoid costly repairs later. Basement Finishing Lehi professionals can also rough in HVAC ducting, electrical outlets and lighting fixtures.
Basement flooring must be water resistant, as moisture is a constant threat. Vinyl floors are a good choice, as is engineered wood that can handle humidity.
During basement finishing, it is crucial to install the right type of insulation. Insulation helps reduce noise from upstairs and protects against cold air leaking in from outside, making your home more energy efficient and comfortable. You can use conventional batt or roll insulation, but it is best to choose moisture-resistant products for basements. Conventional building materials are susceptible to water damage, which leads to mold, staining and warping. Basements are prone to groundwater leaks and humidity, so you need a product that can stand up to moisture and condensation.
Rigid foam insulation boards are ideal for the basement. They come in different thicknesses and can be cut to size with a utility knife or saw. They are available with or without facings, and they can be installed either on the interior or exterior of your basement walls. Foam board offers superior thermal resistance than a typical batt insulation, and it also greatly reduces heat conduction through structural elements such as steel and wood studs.
Foam board is also a good choice for a basement wall sheathing, and it can be used in areas of the basement that will require future access to plumbing, electrical wiring or surface-mounted wires and pipes. It is also an excellent material for insulating basement walls adjacent to a foundation, as it can be easily cut with a utility knife.
Spray-in-place foam insulation is an effective solution for a basement, as it can be applied directly to the wall framing, or it can be placed over existing walls. It is available in a wide range of R-values, and it provides an air seal and a thermal barrier. It is easy to install, and it can be cut with a utility knife or saw. It is important to use an adhesive that is formulated for use with foam, as conventional construction adhesive won’t work.
Before beginning a basement finishing project, you should test the basement for radon and address any problems found. Radon is an odorless gas that seeps into basements from the soil below, and it can be a serious health risk. You can hire a professional to test your basement for radon and fix any issues found, such as sealing cracks and insulating your basement walls.
Walls
The first step in basement finishing is insulating and framing the walls. Several methods are available for both of these tasks, and it is best to consult with professionals early in the project to learn which method is right for your home. This will also give you a chance to discuss any issues that could affect the final outcome of your project, such as water leaking or other structural problems that need to be addressed before moving on with your project.
Basement walls can be framed with wood studs and drywall or with prefabricated systems built by a professional. Depending on the materials you use, the wall finish can be something as simple as painting or as complex as a stucco finish.
Most municipalities require that any living space in the basement meet stringent building codes. These codes include requirements for insulation, moisture protection and fire-prevention elements. It is wise to become familiar with these rules before starting the project, as they will help you stay within the guidelines and avoid costly mistakes.
One of the biggest problems with a basement is water seepage through foundation walls. To prevent this, a waterproof barrier must be installed over the concrete before any drywall is applied. This is not a job for the do-it-yourselfer, but if you are willing to spend some time and money, you can avoid serious damage to your home.
Many homeowners choose a drywall basement finishing system, which is quick and inexpensive. It is also easy to remove for foundation access, helps absorb sound and is naturally mold- and mildew resistant. This type of system isn’t completely waterproof, however, so you may want to consider using another type of finish for the bottom section of your basement walls, such as a waterproof panel from Owens Corning.
When framing a basement wall, be sure to leave access panels for any service lines that run through the walls or ceiling. These might include plumbing pipes, ducts or electrical junction boxes. You can frame these sections with soffits or cut out areas of the drywall to allow future access, as long as you keep the area in good working condition.
Ceiling
The most visible part of any basement is the ceiling, so it’s an important area to consider when designing your basement finishing project. Whether your basement is going to be a home entertainment room, bedroom, home office, playroom or a combination of uses, the ceiling design will have a big impact on the overall feel of the space.
A variety of ceiling options are available, including drop ceilings, drywall and leaving the ceiling open. Each has its benefits and disadvantages, as well as installation instructions and difficulty levels. Drop ceilings are the easiest option to install and replace but don’t offer the same aesthetic as a drywall ceiling.
Leaving pipes, wiring and ducts exposed saves money on the cost of a ceiling but requires that you be careful to route these items properly to avoid leaks and fire hazards. This type of basement finish can also look messy and unfinished.
If you want to minimize costs while keeping everything accessible, choose a ceiling option that hides these elements with a frame on which removable ceiling tiles rest. These are the least expensive option but do not offer a finished appearance and you’ll still need to install and maintain lighting fixtures.
Drywall ceilings can be installed and painted in a variety of ways to create a unique, functional and attractive finish. If you are choosing this method, remember to add insulation around the perimeter of the ceiling to prevent heat loss and keep the space comfortable.
To minimize the risk of leaking and mold, choose a basement finish that is resistant to moisture. Leaks and mold can be costly to repair, especially in a finished basement.
Basements are prone to moisture damage, so it is important to install a water barrier behind the walls and prepare the exterior of the building for drainage. Installing gutters and grading the yard to direct rainwater away from the foundation walls are just as critical as installing a moisture barrier in a basement.
A finished basement will include framing, running whatever mechanicals are necessary, and installing wall and ceiling finishes. Although some of the work can be done yourself, the bulk of this job should be performed by licensed professionals. If you are working with a contractor, ask them to provide detailed plans and details of the work they plan to perform.
Floors
Turning your basement into a livable space isn’t just about putting down new carpet and painting the walls. You’ll need to consider what you want the floors and ceilings to look like, too. These tend to be the biggest expenses for a basement finishing project, so it’s important that you give this area of your home proper consideration.
There are a lot of flooring options that work well in a basement, including vinyl, tile, and concrete. Each has its own unique advantages, but they all have one thing in common: moisture resistance. Vinyl is a good choice because it’s easy to clean, affordable, and comes in designs that imitate the appearance of wood planks or tiles. Tile is also a great option because it can be designed to look like marble or stone and offers high durability. Concrete is another excellent choice because it’s highly durable and can be treated with a variety of decorative methods to complement your basement design scheme.
You can even use a polymer-modified cement-based overlay that is stampable, self-leveling, and can accept chemical stains, dyes, and stenciling (see Myth #7). This treatment can hide minor cracks and create a rustic or modern look that’s perfect for a finished basement.
Keep in mind that the floor and ceiling will need to accommodate utilities, such as ductwork, pipes, and wiring. To save money and headroom, it’s often better to leave these exposed rather than enclosing them in a drop ceiling.
If you do decide to enclose these fixtures in the ceiling, frame around them with 2x2s and use drywall to hide them. This will allow you to still access them if future repairs are necessary. It’s important to save as much headroom in your basement as possible because it will make the room feel bigger and help with ventilation.
Some parts of a basement finishing project can be done on your own, but the bulk of the work should be completed by a professional. This will save you time, ensure that your project is done properly, and can prevent costly mistakes that could be expensive to correct later on. Professionals will also be familiar with local building codes and permits, which may be required for some portions of the project.