How to Build a Basement Apartment

Basement apartments

Many homeowners have full-sized basements that are used primarily for storage. This space can be made into a basement apartment that adds income to the family budget. It can also be used for family members who cannot afford their own homes. To build a basement apartment, you must review local zoning and building codes to determine if the basement is suitable for an apartment. Once zoning is cleared, look at how to use the space as efficiently and effectively as possible to avoid having an oppressive, closed-in feel.

Things You'll Need

• Graph paper
• Pencil
• Measuring tape
• Windows
• Vertical blinds
• Patio door
• Ceiling tiles
• Paint
• Cabinets
• Appliances
• Carpeting or tile or wood flooring
• 2-by-4 beams
• Luan flooring (sub-floor)
• R-19 Insulation
• Hammer
• Nails
• Drill
• Cement screws
• Cement saw
• Sledgehammer

Instructions

1. Measure the total square footage of the basement area from corner to corner. Stay along the walls when measuring to get an accurate total footage.

2. Use graph paper to sketch the layout of the basement apartment. Draw the windows and entryways to make sure you can place other features within the space remaining. Draw the locations of electrical outlets, heaters, sinks, pipes and major appliances. Mark up both horizontal and vertical drawings so you have both the height and width of the walls. Place the overhead pipes and wires in the drawings so you know how much headroom there is.

3. Create the window spaces and install the windows. Use a concrete saw and sledgehammer to create the window openings. Build in as many windows as possible for the basement apartment to bring in a good amount of natural lighting. Use windows that are low and wide if you cannot install windows of normal height.

4. Build the entryway. If you don't already have an existing entrance to the basement, consider installing sliding patio-style doors. This will allow more natural lighting and provide space-saving efficiency. Set up vertical blinds across the doorway and windows for privacy.

5. Lay out the floor. Set 2-by-4 beams around the perimeter of the basement with the wide edges to the wall. Attach these into the walls with cement screws. Place 2-by-4 beams spaced every 16 inches across the floor and nail them into place. Set luan flooring over the beams and nail it into position to create the sub-floor. Place wood flooring or carpeting over the sub-floor to finish the floor. Use moisture resistant carpet if you choose this option.

6. Put up the walls. Paint the concrete walls with moisture sealant to keep moisture from getting into the walls. Frame the water heater and furnace. Build in access panels to the water heater and furnace into the walls. Frame the walls with 2-by-4 beams spaced every 18 inches with the short edge facing the walls. These become the wall studs. Put up the insulation between the studs, nailing the insulation paper to the studs to hold the insulation in place. Put up the sheetrock by nailing it to the studs. Apply the tape over the seams. Plaster the tape and any nail heads to even out the surface. Paint the walls.

7. Install a suspended ceiling to cover the overhead pipes and wires. This also allows access to the pipes and wires should it be needed. You can use decorative or copper panels to add variety to the space.

References

• Home-Improvement-and-Financing: Basement Design Idea