Should I finish the basement?

Question

I was going to finish the basement and noticed the floor is really uneven. The house was built in the 40's and it has two drains in the floor at opposite corners with the floor sloped towards them, highest spot is the center of the basement. One isn't used the other is used for the washing machine drain.

Should I try and level the floor and plug the drain(s). I can add a new one. I want to put down carpet but want it to look nice. Will the uneven floor make it look bad to someone who didn't know it was uneven? Assuming they never saw it before it was finished. Also should I paint the existing concrete walls and floor with water sealer like KILZ?

Thanks

Answer 1

It would seem that answerer # 2 and I may follow each other around through DIY. I'm very OK with that.

Obviously a slab with drainage should be sloped to the drain; otherwise where is the logic?

It would seem that when the house was built, the likelyhood of water intrusion was considered? Sad for that... Other than a washer drain which should be an UP PIPE anyway.

I guess my point is,,,have you any water intrusion probelms? Have you addressed them? In stating you can ADD a new drain, have you considered a Sump Pump?

Have you considered an elevated floor? Leaving access to any drainage issues?

With all due respect, as much as I use KILZ, yet dislike PRIMING..It will NOT seal a basement. Your home...no matter where built; with a basement, should have been "Tar" sealed, OUTSIDE, before any backfilling was done. If that isn't the case; water seepage and intrusion will always be a problem, no matter how many COATS of any substance you apply to the interior walls below ground level.

Beyond that what's the condition generally speaking; of the Floor. Forget uneven...are there stress/settling cracks? I'm re-doing,,, on a constant basis, 11,000 sq. ft. of tile on a concrete floor in a 100 year old power plant. The battle is like the kid with his finger in the Holland dike.

For the UNeven, and with no offense to contractors 60 plus years ago; they likely used different pour/support methods than used today? perhaps never did Screed or float? before adding walls. You also don't mention whether or not the flooring is uneven due to degradadtion, or the initial process perhaps.

if you have moisture or seepage problems, and the floor is wet or damp, NOTHING you apply, in the form of leveling mortars, will remain intact over the long term. if I was contracted to do the job; i;d probably suggest thinking of losing 2 inches in height from floor to celing and install a faux/sub floor.

Other than that CAN I/ SHOULD I? Certainly! With proper planning and prep, why not, if only for the aesthetics?

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

Level your floor so that you will be happy with the installation of the carpet. Carpet stretches and it will definetely show where your floor is uneven. Also use Kilz on the walls and floor so that in the winter time you won't end up with a mysterious stain showing up.

Answer 3

Most old homes did that back then. It should only be like 2 inches or less though.
Yes you should put water seal on the walls and paint them. Then when you put carpet down most people will never see the unlevel floor. If they do then you do not need them in your house. Make it look like you want it to look not how others may want it or talk about it.
Remember it is your home not there's.