Basement Remodel simple. Or is it? Most people think that remodeling the basement is one of the easiest home remodeling projects to do. Most often, it is actually one of the most complex projects. Basements often have problems of water and drainage, inadequate ceiling height, slope old slabs of concrete, no insulation and no easy way to connect the pipes. And most people expect the basement to serve several purposes. Often, the basement is designed to accommodate work and play, multimedia rooms, storage areas and crafts and many other uses. So unless you are looking for a simple, one piece again, be prepared to treat a number of challenges.
Measure the height of the head
Many basements have adequate floor to ceiling height to create habitable space. Older homes in particular are too small, because the head of the space that was never intended to be used as storage. In addition, basements often have pipes and ducts hanging below the floor structure above the level of the basement. It is often impossible or too expensive to move them. Thus, when the head height measurement, measure the smallest objects on the ceiling. Keep in mind that if the ducts and pipes are limited to one area it may be possible to stage the ceiling if certain areas are higher than others.
Evaluate how the level of the slab is
Many older houses are very poorly constructed that the concrete slab floor. Often the slab is so out of level from one side of the basement is several inches higher than the other. Without removing the slab or pouring a slab for the filling level, it will be difficult to build anything level and square. More furniture that is moved when the project is finished, it will not sit flat on the ground, which will call further attention to the problem. Spend money to make the grade. In the long term, it will be worthwhile.
Make sure the soil is dry
Do not put money and work in the basement which is not dry, without solving the problem. If the basement has water problems, drainage is the best solution to solve the problem. Typically, a portion of the floor slab is removed inside the perimeter of the basement rocks and drainage pipes are installed to evacuate to a place where the sump pump water accumulates. The sump pump will periodically drain water to the outside when necessary. If water is coming through the center of the slab, it may be necessary to install drainage in the area of the slab as well.
It may be tempting to try some of these roll-on waterproofing systems. Generally these do not provide a lasting solution. It is important to make a path for water to flow easily. Water takes the path of least resistance, thus making an easy way for water drain is the best way to maintain a dry basement.
Insulate walls
Most jurisdictions will require the walls of the basement be isolated if it is converted into living space. Usually this is done with the installation of 2x4 stud walls adjacent to the walls of the basement and installation of fiberglass mat. Keep in mind that wood is not pressure treated should not be in contact with concrete, so often times the walls are kept out of 2x4 concrete, so that the bottom wall plate must be pressure treated . Consider using a foam insulation over the R-value instead of fiberglass. Since the foam has a higher R value per inch, you can reduce the thickness of the insulation of perimeter walls approximately 2 ". That means more floor space. Also a closed cell foam will act as a vapor barrier as well, helping to keep the cavity dry.
If you add a bathroom, to assess how it will be plumb
Many basements need an extra room, because it inconveniences.
Posted on February 22, 2010.
