QA

Question: Where To Start When Finishing A Basement

There are 10 steps to completing this project: Step 1: Decide How You Want to Use Your Basement. Step 2: Draft a Detailed Basement Floor Plan. Step 3: Look for Signs of Moisture in Your Basement. Step 4: Do a Basement Inspection. Step 5: Consider Your Electrical and Plumbing Needs. Step 6: Choose Your Basement Insulation.

In what order should you finish a basement?

From insulation and framing to selecting your paint and finishing touches, follow these steps to finish your basement walls. Step 1: Install Insulation. Step 2: Frame the Walls. Step 3: Install Utilities. Step 4: Mount Drywall. Step 5: Paint.

When finishing a basement do you do walls or floor first?

As for the flooring, you would usually do this before or after the trim. With hardwood, you would often do the flooring first, and then the trim goes up tight against it. With carpeting, you would install your trim 1/2″ above the floor and the carpet installers would install the carpet right under that.

What is the most expensive part of finishing a basement?

Framing an unfinished basement can be very expensive due to both the labor and lumber costs. Surprising to many, the cost of lumber can actually end up being the most expensive part of the project. One way to offset those costs is by using metal studs.

Does finishing a 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 much does it cost to finish a 1000 sq ft basement?

Expect to pay $7,000 to $23,000, or $15,000 on average, to finish a 1,000 square foot basement.

Should I Drylock basement walls before finishing?

Before using Drylok, it is vitally important that you prep your walls by removing any failing paint. If you have unpainted cinderblock, you should be good to go. Our walls were covered in multiple layers of old paint, which was chipping and peeling off in most places.

How far should studs be from basement wall?

Be sure to maintain the 16-inch on-center stud spacing, and check the wall frame to make sure it’s plumb before nailing it to the beam.

Do I need a permit to finish my basement?

In most instances, you will need a permit to finish a basement. Many municipalities require permits for finishing a basement if you install a new wall. The definition of a wall includes installing drywall over a previously existing framed wall. Any type of plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work will also require a permit.

Should I drywall my basement walls?

DON’T finish walls until the basement is dry. Even if your basement walls have no visible cracks or leaks you may still have moisture issues. In some cases, taking steps to keep water away from the foundation, such as installing gutters and downspouts, will reduce basement humidity.

How many hours does it take to finish a basement?

basement will take about 10 – 12 hours of work for three carpenters and two helpers. It might take longer if building arches or performing complicated ceiling work will be involved. All rough in electrical might be completed in a day. Hanging and finishing drywall may be done in 3 – 4 days.

Can you frame basement walls 24 on Center?

Most basement walls us a 16″ o.c. (on center) layout. You should NEVER use a 24″ o.c. layout on your basement walls, it’s to far between wall studs and your drywall and trim may warp between the wall studs over time!.

Is it hard to frame a basement?

Framing basement walls is the first phase of learning how to finish a basement. I do love the smell of lumber dust on a cool fall morning. Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it looks, but it’s one of the steeper learning curves. Once you get the basic concepts down it’s just rinse and repeat.

What is the cheapest way to finish a basement?

You can save on the cost to finish a basement by doing things not bound by codes: installing trim or doors, painting walls and woodwork, and installing flooring, says Buckeye Basements’ Jon Smith.

How much should I budget to finish basement?

Average Cost to Finish a Basement Type of Cost Cost Average Cost $18,400 Highest Cost $80,000 Lowest Cost $3,000.

How do people afford to finish a basement?

5 ways to finance a basement remodel Home equity line of credit (HELOC) Home equity loan. FHA 203k loan. Personal loan. Contractor financing.

How much does a finished basement add to home value?

The appraised value of finished basement space is generally 50% to 60% of the value of the main level square footage. To maximize the cost/value ratio, the market experts recommend keeping the basement budget below 10% of the existing home’s value. Staying between 5-10% is a good plan.

Does a walk out basement count as square footage?

A basement must have a legal ingress or egress to count as square footage. This is partially a safety issue. However, sometimes only the above-grade square footage of a walk-out basement is included in the home’s total square footage.

Do basement bedrooms count on an appraisal?

Think of a basement bedroom as a bonus: It counts as a bedroom, but is identified separately from the above-grade room count in an appraisal. This space must meet basic living standards to earn the bedroom title, including: Windows with dimensions meeting your local building code.

What adds the most value to a home?

What Home Improvements Add the Most Value? Kitchen Improvements. If adding value to your home is the goal, the kitchen is likely the place to start. Bathrooms Improvements. Updated bathrooms are key for adding value to your home. Lighting Improvements. Energy Efficiency Improvements. Curb Appeal Improvements.

How can I save money to remodel my basement?

7 ways to save on your basement remodel Opt for an inexpensive, prefabricated egress window and well. Test exterior walls for moisture before finishing. Cut out some studs. Install drop ceilings. Skip the carpet and install luxury vinyl tile instead. Add a bathroom (or at least a half bath) near existing plumbing.

How much does it cost to put a bathroom in a basement?

Adding a bathroom in a basement costs $8,000 to $15,000 on average. You’ll save $500 to $1,000 if you have a rough-in drain already in place – typical in newer homes and usually near the main drain line.