drywall installation

Basement Finishing – Add Value to Your Home Without Building an Addition

The basement offers a great opportunity for home expansion without the costs of building an addition. Learn how to use special framing and insulation techniques to create a comfortable, livable space.

Basement Finishing

Be sure to frame around obstructions like posts, water piping and electrical junction boxes. Also leave access to valves and cleanouts. Contact Basement Finishing Lehi for professional help.

If you have a finished basement, it’s likely to add value to your home. It will also make it easier to sell your house in the future. It’s important to consider all of the costs involved before starting your renovation. The size of your basement and the type of finish desired will impact the cost of your renovation. It is also important to consider the additional costs of furniture, appliances, and furnishings.

It is a good idea to get quotes from multiple contractors before choosing one. This will help you compare prices and find the best deal. You can also save money on labor by hiring a general contractor to coordinate subcontractors and oversee the project. This can save you $6 to $20 per square foot, or $3,000 to $30,000 total. You can also save on material costs by choosing less expensive materials such as vinyl and laminate over premium, custom items.

The most expensive part of any Basement Finishing project is labor. You will need to hire a variety of specialists, including plumbers, electricians, and HVAC professionals. These specialists must be licensed and insured. Most states require this for specialty trades like plumbing and electrical work. It’s also a good idea to check the reviews of each specialist to make sure they have a solid reputation.

Another cost to consider is the cost of permits and inspections. These fees vary by location and can add up quickly. If you’re planning to use your basement as a bedroom, it’s essential to ensure that it meets all state and local safety requirements.

In some cases, you may need to pay for a structural engineer to assess your basement’s condition before you begin the remodel. These fees can range from $2,160 to $7,735. You’ll also need to pay for any foundation repairs that are necessary.

You can reduce your budget by reducing the scope of your basement remodel. For example, you can skip the installation of a bar and instead focus on installing drywall, flooring, and lighting. You should also consider saving expenses like decorations and furniture for a later date.

Design

Basement Finishing is a popular home improvement project that can transform unfinished space into a family room, game room, home theater or extra bedroom. It can also improve air quality in the home by reducing dust and mites. This type of renovation is often done by 9-to-5 workers who become weekend home reno warriors. They may seal concrete, frame walls and hang drywall. To complete this project, they need the right tools and materials.

Before you start a Basement Finishing project, you should clear away any items that aren’t necessary and inspect the space for leaks and mold. Once you’ve inspected the area, you can begin to plan your renovation and select your desired flooring. It’s important to choose a material that is waterproof and has a low moisture content. This will help prevent mold growth and reduce the risk of damage to your flooring. It’s also a good idea to install a sump pump to keep water out of the basement.

Finished basements usually include a floor, a staircase for access and finished walls and ceilings. Some also include egress windows, ductwork for heating and cooling and partition walls to separate different areas of the basement. It is important to consult your local building inspection department about the requirements for a basement that will be used for living.

If you’re planning to build partition walls, it’s a good idea to have a level handy. This tool can be used to mark stud locations and lay out partition wall layouts. It’s also helpful for leveling doors and framing. You can even use a laser level to get precise measurements. Make sure you have a variety of sizes to meet your needs.

When choosing a material for your basement walls, it’s important to consider the insulation value. You should look for a material that is rated R-13 or higher and is mold-resistant. In addition, you should look for a material that can be drilled and nailed and is easy to install. This will save you money and time. You should also use caulk and cans of spray foam to plug any gaps between the rim joist and the concrete walls and around pipes and wires that penetrate these surfaces.

Installation

Finished basements add value to your home and give you an extra living space that you can use for work, play, or other activities. The process of finishing a basement includes cleaning and decluttering, laying a foundation, framing walls, and adding electrical wiring and plumbing pipes. It also includes installing drywall and insulation. It is recommended that you hire a professional contractor to oversee the project and make sure everything is up to code. The contractor will also handle any necessary permits and ensure the safety of your family and guests during the renovation.

Before starting the basement finishing process, you must clean out your existing basement and get rid of any unwanted items. This will prepare the room for the project and uncover any problems that need to be fixed. It is also a good idea to take this opportunity to insulate the floor, ceiling, and walls of your basement. This will help to keep your new basement cool and comfortable during hot and cold seasons.

After removing all the old items from your basement, you can start by framing the walls. This is the most important part of the remodeling process, and it should be done with precision to ensure a smooth finish. Start by measuring the length and width of the basement walls, then cut the studs to the right size using a utility knife. Once the studs are in place, you can attach them to the base plate with drywall screws and a drill. You should then sand down any rough surfaces and fill in the seams with drywall mud.

Once the mud is dry, you can paint the walls of your basement. Choose a color that fits with your design, and remember that brighter colors will open up the space and create an airy atmosphere while darker colors will make the area feel more cozy. You can also add a layer of polyurethane sealant over the top to protect the walls against moisture and stains.

If you are looking to add a bathroom or kitchen in your basement, it is best to have a professional install the utilities for you. This is a highly regulated process, and it is crucial to have the work done correctly. The professional will handle the installation of electrical wires, plumbing pipes, and air ducts in your new walls.

Maintenance

Once a permit has been obtained and all legal matters have been handled, it’s time to get started with your basement finishing project. The first step is to clear out the space. Start by sorting your belongings into keep, donate and trash piles. Next, move any items you plan to keep into a temporary storage area or another room in your house. This will help to keep your items safe and out of the way while construction is underway. Finally, rent a roll off dumpster for easy disposal of waste materials as work progresses.

Basement finishing requires that electrical wires and plumbing be installed before drywall is finished. It is important to have this done right the first time so that any issues can be dealt with before they become more serious problems. It is also important to have any existing water, gas or drain pipes inspected to ensure that they are in good condition. If the water or gas lines are not in good working order, a new line may need to be run.

The basement walls and ceiling are then framed out for any rooms that you would like to create. The contractor will also frame any bulkheads needed on the basement ceilings. Bulkheads are frames that go around pre-existing conditions on the ceiling such as HVAC runs, water or gas lines, etc. 

Once the drywall is completed, trim carpenters will begin installing doors and trim. Once they are installed the painters will come in and paint the walls and trim.

Basement Finishing is not a job for homeowners to do themselves, as this type of work is highly regulated and requires the services of professionals. Basement finishing companies will ensure that your finished basement meets all local and state requirements regarding room dimensions, ventilation, lighting, insulation, and more. You can trust that they will do the best work possible to give you a safe and livable space for your family to enjoy for years to come.