When a basement is remodeled or finished, the floor, walls and ceiling must be water proofed. It’s also important to test the humidity and if necessary, install a dehumidifier.
Walls must be painted with a waterproof masonry paint. A gallon of this paint will cost around $42. Flooring can be vinyl that looks like wood planks or tiles. Both are easy to clean up in case of a flood or leak. Reach out to Basement Finishing Lehi for expert assistance.
A basement that is bare concrete and unfinished drywall is uninviting and cold. Finishing the walls with insulation and drywall is an important part of turning the space into a comfortable living area. Insulation is necessary to control moisture and maintain a consistent temperature, while drywall provides a blank canvas for decorating.
Before framing walls, a contractor should evaluate the condition of the basement foundation and the quality of the masonry. If the foundation has cracks and other damage, these must be repaired before finishing. In addition, the masonry must be sealed to prevent water seepage through the foundation wall into the basement.
When constructing basement walls, insulation is placed between the studs. The insulation is then framed with wood framing. Depending on the type of insulation used, it can achieve a code-determined R-value. A professional will typically install utilities (HVAC, plumbing and electrical) before mounting the drywall.
Homeowners who want to take a more hands-on approach can frame and insulate their own basement walls. However, this can be a labor-intensive project with a lot of measuring and cutting of lumber. Moreover, it is recommended that homeowners possess at least basic framing skills and be familiar with construction and home improvement projects. Hiring a professional to perform basement finishing allows them to get the job done faster and more efficiently. Professionals are also familiar with local building codes and permits and can ensure that the finished space meets all regulations.
Before beginning the framing process, it’s a good idea to measure the height and width of the wall. Once these measurements are recorded, the homeowner can cut 2×4 lumber to length for the top and bottom plates of the wall. The framers will then nail the boards to each other, using a power tool with a pneumatic nailer for maximum speed and efficiency.
Basement walls are often coated with parge, which is a mixture of plaster and cement that gives the wall a smooth surface and resists moisture. After the walls have been primed and sanded, they can be painted with latex paint that is low-odor, waterproof and mildew-resistant.
Ceilings
If you choose to finish the ceilings in your basement, it’s important to follow local zoning and building codes regarding egress windows. These must be built according to regional standards so that firemen and others can safely escape the basement in the event of an emergency. You’ll also want to follow construction guidelines for framing and insulation. Learn how to frame walls, build soffits and frame around obstructions like posts, heating ducts and water pipes.
Basement ceilings are a tricky area of the space because they need to hide overhead pipes, wires and ductwork, yet they also need to be attractive enough to make the space comfortable. Whether your space is a media room or a kitchen, you can add a lot of personality with the right choice of materials and finishes for the basement ceiling.
For a sleek, contemporary look, you can paint the ceiling trim in a bold, rich color. This creates a stark contrast between the trim and the rest of the ceiling, and it can help the room feel bigger and more open.
Another option is to use an embossed tin panel for a vintage, ornate ceiling that adds character and warmth to the space. You can find these panels in a variety of patterns and colors, and they come with a protective coating that prevents rusting and moisture.
For a more traditional basement ceiling, you can install wood planks or PVC panels such as Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard. These products are 100% moisture and mold resistant, and they reflect 90% of the light that hits them to make small spaces appear larger. They can be installed quickly and easily, and they’re also easy to remove if you need to access wiring or plumbing.
If you prefer a more industrial or rustic look, you can leave the ductwork and pipes exposed and paint them in a contrasting color. This looks great with concrete or corrugated metal walls and complements modern furniture, steel fixtures and other industrial elements in the space. Alternatively, you can install a dropped ceiling with lightweight tiles that suspend from the joists. This option can save you money and headroom, and it’s easier to access wiring and pipes than a standard drywall ceiling.
Flooring
A basement that’s clad in concrete and crammed with boxes of off-season duds doesn’t have to stay that way. With the right finishing materials, the floor can become as inviting as any other room in the house, for a lot less cash.
Among the least expensive ways to finish a basement floor is to paint it. The key is to prep the space by installing a vapor barrier and gravel beneath, then using a primer and basement-specific floor paint that resists moisture.
Vinyl is another flooring option that can go straight onto concrete—though it’s important to lay a plastic underlayment to prevent moisture from seeping into the subfloor. Vinyl isn’t your parents’ vinyl, either; today’s products come in a wide range of designs that mimic the look of wood, tile and stone. Some are glued down, while others “float” unattached to the underlayment.
For those who want more warmth and comfort underfoot, carpeting is a good choice. But it’s not waterproof, so mold and mildew can develop quickly if it comes into contact with moisture. Plus, it’s difficult to vacuum thoroughly enough to keep dust at bay.
Hardwood floors aren’t ideal for a basement because they absorb moisture, which can cause them to swell or buckle. But if you can tolerate a more durable surface, hardwood is a beautiful choice—provided that the stairways are built to code, with solid balusters and handrails.
If you prefer the look of wood but aren’t ready to invest in solid hardwood, consider engineered wood. It’s available in tongue-and-groove planks that are glued down to the underlayment, or as prefabricated panels with laminated veneers that are attached by screws and float over a concrete or plywood subfloor. Some brands of this type of flooring are advertised as waterproof, and they can also be treated with an antifungal coating to protect against moisture and humidity.
When choosing basement flooring, check for FloorScore certification. This mark reflects a product’s contribution to indoor air quality, and is an especially important consideration in a finished basement. Many manufacturers now provide this information on their websites.
Lighting
Often overlooked, the basement can be an important part of your home — a playroom for kids, a man cave for grown-ups, or just a place to kick back and relax. When finished properly, it can also add to your home’s resale value and help you get the most enjoyment out of your property. So it’s essential to use the right lighting to make it a welcoming space that feels like a natural extension of your living space.
A mix of light sources is the best approach for a basement. Ambient lighting comes from recessed ceiling lights (also called can lights, high-hats, or downlights). You’ll find models with shallow trim that won’t protrude too far into the space and others with a wide flood lens that spreads an even glow over the room.
If your basement has a low ceiling, you’ll want to stick with round recessed lights. These fixtures are available in a variety of sizes to suit any space and can be easily adjusted to the height of the ceiling. A wide, recessed fan can be used to complement a tall wainscot or to add air circulation to a small space.
Other basement lighting ideas include pendants and floor lamps. These can be stand-alone fixtures or part of a track system. Track systems are a good option in a basement because they’re easy to install and can be moved around as your needs change. They allow you to direct the light precisely where it’s needed.
Mood lighting is another great option for basements. These fixtures are often whimsical and makeshift in appearance but can set the mood of a room. They can be used to create a mood of mystery or to add a sense of drama. Depending on the purpose of your basement, you may also prefer cooler temperature bulbs that are brighter and more vibrant or warmer bulbs that set a more relaxing tone.
Remember that basements are required to meet local electrical codes for habitable spaces. If you’re turning your basement into a bedroom, home theater, or other living area, you need to have at least one light controlled by a wall switch.