Basic Guide to Basement Remodeling
Posted on June 22, 2009
Have you ever wondered how others manage basement remodeling like such professionals? Have you ever stood in your dark and dank basement and wondered how you can do that too? It really is not as hard as it may first appear. With just a little know how and knowing how to proceed, you’ll be remodeling like a pro in no time.
Basement remodeling is a great place to start your do-it-yourself career. Not only can you add a lot of useable space to your home, but its mostly concrete down there so there’s not a whole lot you can do to screw it up beyond repair. By choosing not to hire a contractor to do the work, you will save time and money in the process. But you will need to plan your remodel very carefully to maximize your potential.
First you need to completely empty the entire basement. Anything that is there besides the walls and ceiling needs to go so that you can properly assess the area. If the basement is currently used for storage, go through all those things carefully to decide what you can throw out and what you can keep. Measure the room carefully so that you have the best idea of how much space you have to work with. This is also a good time to look for water damage or mold problems. This is also the time to examine every inch of the space for structural damage. Before you begin your basement remodeling is the time to get these things fixed, it will only be more difficult later.
You should waterproof the basement if you’re planning on using it for a purpose other than storage. The main two ways of doing this are tanking and spraying the area. Tanking means applying a waterproof membrane to the basement to prevent water from getting into the basement. It’s pretty expensive but looks and works great. Spraying involves a chemical compound to prevent water damage, so it is less environmentally friendly than tanking, which involves no chemicals. If you decide to continue your basement remodeling without waterproofing, realize that you are taking a risk that may prove more expensive later. You may end up paying for water damage or mold growth in the future which will be more expensive than waterproofing the room now.
One of the most crucial points in this project is the lighting. Basements are generally dark, which is why they’re not used for much. But there’s no point in going about all this remodeling work just to have a depressing space that no one wants to be in anyway. Think of the purpose you’ll be putting the basement to in order to determine the right lighting. A workspace or office will need bright lighting so everyone can see. But a family room can have more subtle lighting to create a more relaxed space. Basement lighting can be a crucial ingredient in the remodeling project. These steps will help ensure that your project will be a resounding success.
Basement Waterproofing
Posted on June 20, 2009
Nothing can turn you off the idea of remodeling your basement quicker than finding puddles of water everywhere. Or walking down to your finished basement after a storm to find the carpet soaked through. But there is no need for dismay; basement waterproofing is a straightforward procedure that can prevent the problem from ever reoccurring. Or prevent it from ever occurring in the first place.
Basement Waterproofing
You should also check the foundation for cracks and holes. This can also be a problem with letting water into the basement. Even small cracks should be chiseled out to ¾” deep and then patched. The smallest crack can still let in water. You should also check the floor of the basement and repair and cracks there too.
If none of this solves your problem then the key to good basement waterproofing is a quality waterproofing coating. One thing to note is that no coating will prevent water problems if the block walls aren’t sound. So if there seems to be a recurring water problem then it might be wise to make sure there’s no structural damage to the block walls first. But if the walls are just fine, then there’s no reason to not buy a waterproofing coating and get to work. The first thing to do is brush away any look material, dirt, or grease from the area. You should also get a really good quick drying cement to patch any cracks or holes. Providing the smoothest and most secure surface will help the waterproofing coating work best.
Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully. Probably the most frequent error is not applying the coating at the spread-rate that the manufacturer suggests. This is a very important step that can’t be overlooked. If the coating is too thin, the entire basement waterproofing project will fail. If you have excessive water getting in, a second layer may be necessary.
Some products try to use the terms waterproofing and water-repelling as the same thing. They’re not the same thing. Water-repelling coatings are for above ground concrete. It will temporarily repel water but isn’t designed to work in sub-ground environments but waterproofing coatings are. Water enters a structure differently when it’s introduced above ground as opposed to below ground. Just like you wouldn’t use a pair of scissors as a steak knife, you shouldn’t be using basement waterproofing material that just isn’t made for that purpose.
Finishing Basement Walls
Posted on May 7, 2009
Many homeowners have an unfinished basement that is just sitting around and not providing anything to them or their family. With the current housing market, if you need more space, it makes more sense to finish that basement to add some room to your home. The basement walls are the first place to start.
Be sure that the room is clean and free of as much dust and grime as you can. This will ensure that there will be no problems later, and some remodeling materials can’t adhere to dirty surfaces as well. This is also a good time to take room measurement. Then look at the amount of water or moisture in the basement, this is very important to know. If there is any standing water or mold growth you should call a professional. This will prevent problems later on since they can fix the current problems and figure out how to decrease the likelihood that the water returns.
Next, estimate how much drywall and furring strips you will need for your basement walls. For those who are new at this, furring strips are thin wooden strips that allow you to attach drywall to a concrete surface. For a good estimation assume that you will need one sheet of drywall for every four or five feet of wall, and four furring strips for that same length. Once you have the materials its time to get some work. Screw the furring strips to the concrete space leaving about a half-inch of space between the strip and the floor. This is just in case water seeps in; there won’t be mold growth. Make sure all your furring strips are plumb with a level. Drill holes in the concrete every 16 inches and screw in concrete screws.
Finishing Basement Walls
Now you need to shim the furring strips. This is taking a small wedge of wood and making all of the strips stand an even and uniform distance from the wall. Make sure all your strips are even and plumb with the rest so that your basement walls are even. If you don’t already have insulation and a vapor barrier, now is a good time to run to the home improvement store and get some. Insulating basement walls increases it’s ability to resist heat loss. This is an easy step, just cut the insulation to fit in between the furring strips. The vapor barrier will reduce moisture. Staple the barrier to the furring strips, but don’t go overboard since you still don’t want too many holes.
Cutting and screwing in the drywall is next. Measure the drywall based on how far apart you put the furring strips and cut to that size. Use specially made drywall screws and carefully screw them into place. Be careful, you can break the surface of the drywall. Now just put some drywall compound into the breaks and screw holes to create even surface, sandpaper it and your basement walls are ready for paint.