Table of Contents
Can you finish a concrete basement?
Finishing a basement is a perfect DIY project. For a fraction of the cost of an addition, you can convert basement space to valuable living space. Advances in waterproofing along with new products mean your basement rooms can be as dry and comfortable as any other room in the house.
What can I cover my concrete basement walls with?
The most common way to cover concrete walls in a basement is drywall, a.k.a. sheetrock. Drywall comes in panels panels made from calcium sulfate dihydrate or “gypsum.” Panels come in different thicknesses and sizes, the most common being 4′ x 8′ x 1/2″ thick.
How can I finish my basement cheaply?
Here are nine project ideas that will make your basement livable on a budget: Focus on the ceiling, floor and walls. Improve part of the basement. Paint the ceiling and walls. Make room for storage. Light up the space. Create a space for crafts and activities. Add easy-to-install flooring. Paint or stain the floor.
Can I finish my basement myself?
The basic steps to finish your basement include insulating walls, choosing flooring and adding a ceiling to transform your lower level into an additional living area.
Why you should not finish a basement?
Finished basements can end up with mold and other moisture related problems behind the finished walls. Be sure you understand the details of waterproofing and proper ventilation. Ventilation and Dehumidification – Merely installing a dehumidifier can actually create problems by drawing water through foundation walls.
Should I paint or stain concrete basement floor?
Concrete stain embeds the surface to color it translucently, while opaque concrete paint covers the top of the concrete but is subject to chipping and peeling when improperly applied. Concrete stains go on quicker, dry faster and take less work than concrete paint, but they offer no significant protection.
Should I finish my basement floor?
While an unfinished basement works great as extra storage space, your basement could be used much more effectively if it were finished. However you plan to use the extra space, a finished basement ensures your home’s lower level doesn’t go to waste.
How do I make my basement floor warmer?
How to Warm up a Cold Basement Address any water issues. Before you do any work in your basement, you need to make sure you’ve noted — and corrected — any water issues. Install TWO sump pumps. Choose inorganic materials. Capitalize on radiant heat. Use decorative concrete to your advantage. Put up radiant panel heaters.
How can I make my concrete basement walls look better?
If your concrete-block basement walls are dry and free of efflorescence or mold, you can seal them with a masonry sealer or all-purpose water-base primer-sealer and paint with a high-quality latex paint. Paint is an easy way to make the basement feel warmer, brighter, and more welcoming.
How do you finish a basement without drywall?
Finishing Basement Walls Without Drywall: Options and Paint. Basement Panels. Wood Fiberboard. Fabric. Vinyl and Wallpaper. Stone Veneer. Pargeting. Exposed Brick.
Do I need to seal my basement walls before finishing?
Nothing will ruin a beautiful remodeling job like soaked carpets, moldy drywall and damaged furniture so it is essential that a basement be fully waterproofed before any finishing work begins.
What can I do with my unfinished basement?
Try these basement ideas to make use of the extra space in your home. Better Your Basement. 1/18. Lay Down Foam Mats. 2/18. String Some Lighting. 3/18. Throw Down Area Rugs. 4/18. Install Storage. 5/18. Paint Your Cinder Block. 6/18. Hang Curtains. 7/18. Create an Art Studio. 8/18.
Will finishing my basement add value?
“When done well, a finished basement will add significant value to your property. On average, a finished basement will give you a 75% return on your investment. In areas where extra living space is in great demand, this will be even higher,” says Katie DeWeese, an interior design, remodel and redesign specialist.
How long does it take to finish a 1000 sq ft basement?
An average of 1000 square feet basement takes around four weeks to finish. To get a better sense of your basement remodeling length, we will put down each step of the remodeling project, along with the time frame for each phase of the project.
What is the best subfloor for a basement?
Rigid foam is an excellent basement subfloor option because it provides a thermal break between concrete and flooring. Finish flooring. Plywood screwed down through the layer below. Rigid foam insulation—1 1/2-inch thick. Concrete basement floor.
Why are most basements unfinished?
Originally Answered: Why are so many basements unfinished? They’re generally used for storage etc, not living space, especially if they don’t have a lightwell to provide natural light. So it keeps things cheaper to not fit them out to the same standard as the rest of the house.
What to Know Before finishing a basement?
6 Things You Have to Do Before Finishing a Basement Check the Foundation. Before starting any construction in your basement, assess the state of the foundation. Identify Code Violations. Eliminate Water Issues. Insulate Properly. Assess the Ceiling. Work Around the Essentials in Your Design.
Can you live in unfinished basement?
Sleeping in an unfinished basement can harm your health and lead to respiratory problems and cancer due to the lack of natural light and air, and exposure to harmful things like radon gas, molds, dust, and chemicals. Therefore, it’s advised that you do not sleep in an unfinished basement as a rule. What is this?.
