How to Build a Basement in the Home
Building a basement into usable space is relatively easy provided there are no moisture problems. In some instances, dirt may have to be removed from the outside to properly waterproof the basement. In most cases, moisture problems can be managed entirely from the interior. Once this is taken care of, you can create great living space in just a few weeks. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Waterproofing mixture
- Plastic sheeting
- Wood furring strips
- Drywall sheets
- Nails and screws
- Tile
- Linoleum
- Wood flooring
- Light fixtures
- Electric wiring
- Electric outlets
- Plumbing
- Bath fixtures
- Cabinetry
- Electric space heaters
- Dehumidifier
Instructions
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1
Sketch the living space and design how the walls and interior doors will be placed. Consider the activities and family chores you will want to perform in the space. Plan plumbing and electrical outlets to accommodate laundry and living areas early on. Plumbing and electrical needs are tough to revamp later on, so plan everything else around them.
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Install new plumbing lines and electrical wiring first. This enables you to hide pipes and wiring with a dropped ceiling or special build-outs around the ceiling or floor. Since a basement has cinder blocks or concrete on the outer walls, it's a different experience than building in the main part of the house. Remember to install wiring, plumbing and outlets for addtions you will make in the future. For example, if you eventually want to build a bar in the basement, plan for electrical and plumbing needs now.
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3
Install a dropped ceiling or drywall the ceiling. Place wooden furring strips around walls to begin installing drywall or an alternative. There are several brands of waterproof drywall made especially for high humidity areas that you might use. Finish the walls, trim and moldings. Install electrical outlet covers and light fixtures.
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4
Place sinks, commodes and showers or bathtubs. Hook up plumbing and caulk appropriately. Install medicine cabinets in basement bathrooms. If you have a kitchen area, put in the sinks and cabinetry next. Wait until you've installed the flooring before you put appliances in place.
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5
Install linoleum, tile or wooden flooring in your new spaces. Add flooring trim in metal or wood around rooms and between rooms in door thresholds. Don't neglect to finish trim details, or it will be difficult to come back and redo them in the future. Metal or wooden strips at floor seams will keep the flooring from getting torn or damaged.
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Tips & Warnings
Talk to a local contractor to figure out steps for waterproofing your basement. Be sure to correct any problems versus covering them up. Even small amounts of moisture in a basement will initiate mold growth.
Create a special space for pets near an outside exit, since they can easily ruin a basement carpet or chew up door frames if left there for a long time. You might want to build an outlet door into the bottom of an exterior door for your pets to freely come and go.
