how to renovate your basement?

Answer 1

No offense but a pretty braod question with no details.

To directly answer ..."Many ways"

Questions to you might be..."Condition of the basement? Is it Dry? Is it in some stage of FINISH? Do you want to "finish"? What might you be asking about in terms of construction/repair/remediation/plumbing issues/electrical issues/ hiding a furnace? Etc. Etc. Etc.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

To answer in the same details as your question: Plan the work and then Execute the renovation.

There are too many possibilities to answer in detail, but the first thing is to plan what you need to do around the constraints of your basement and your use of the space. What are the constraints of your basement? Are any repairs necessary before starting the renovation? Are there any leaks? Does your basement flood? How do you want to use the space? What are your personal tastes? What is your skill level to undertake this type of project? What are your time constraints? What is your budget?

Sorry that I’m asking more questions than answers.

If you have lots of money and very little skill or time, hire a designer/contractor team. Work with them to plan your basement. They will evaluate the total cost and, when you are ready, will do the work. You will have more to do then you think. Get everything in writing and supervise their work. Make sure you get all the appropriate permits; it is for your protection.

If you have very little money or skill, and lots of time and friends with the right skills, get lots of beer, good food and get your friends to help. Don’t forget your permits; work done without permits could pose a danger and your insurance could decide not to cover you in case of an incident or it may cost you when you sell your house.

In either case, plan as much as you can before starting. Start by repairing any existing problems, such as leaks (you wouldn’t want to go through all the time effort and expense of renovating your basement only to have it all ruined by a leak or flood).

The basic steps are:

1. Plan all the work.
2. Repair any pre-existing problem.
3. Layout your floor plan.
4. Do any cement work that may be required, including plumbing below the floor.
5. Frame out the divisions.
6. Rough out your heating, plumbing and electricity.
7. Insulate outer walls and wherever soundproofing is required.
8. Build the walls, floor and ceiling.
9. Enjoy!

Answer 3

Do yourself a favor and used treated 2xs for your bottom wall plate. Moister will seep up through your concrete floor and in about 2 years you will have to replace all of them if you frame your wall with all white pine.

Answer 4

Hire me.