Finishing a Basement: 1. Things You Must Know. Check for any water issues in your basement before beginning the planning process. Obvious signs are pools of water or drips coming through the below- grade walls. Check outside to make sure the ground is graded away from your foundation.

Basement remodels can add a wealth of living space to lifestyle. Many types of rooms can be created for a plethora of purposes such as media room, gym or office. Access to our searchable database of hundreds of 2D and 3D basement floor plans. Learn how to finish a basement or find basement remodeling ideas, with how-tos and before and after photos of flooring, bars, and decorating ideas at DIYNetwork.com.

Also look for cracks in your foundation walls and repair that damage if necessary. After you've taken care of any moisture problems and have come up with your plan, it's time to check with your local municipality to see if you'll be required to get any permits. This is particularly important if you're planning plumbing and electrical work, which may have to be inspected. Basement walls and floors are generally some sort of masonry, cement, block or brick, and a regular 'ol nail or screw isn't going to cut it when attaching framing.

You'll need to get the proper fastener and possibly anchors for your wall type. In some cases, you may need to rent a powder- actuated fastener, sometimes referred to as a shotgun fastener. These are similar to a shotgun in that they use a charge to fire a fastener into concrete. Even after taking care of any moisture issues, your basement can become a damp place. You'll need to add a vapor barrier to both the walls and floors prior to framing and finishing off these surfaces. It's a good idea to lay down a vapor barrier for a day or two, then check underneath to see if and how much moisture may be coming through before continuing.

Despite all efforts, even with a vapor barrier, moisture can still be an issue. Create a slight offset from the outside wall by adding thin slats of wood or metal called furring strips.

These strips can also be used to help level out a wall that may be “wavy” to create a flat surface for adding framing. Insulation will not only help control the temperature inside your basement, it may also add another layer of moisture control, as well as help dampen sound from the outside.

Here my basement bathroom floor plan design. I switched out the pedestal sink with a vanity. The dual side lighting near the sink is great idea.

Choose an insulation that includes a vapor barrier on both sides. Other options include a spray foam insulation. Swift Publisher 3 Serial Mac Lookup on this page. Be sure to check code requirements for this type. A drop, or suspended, ceiling offers a way to both conceal and provide access to electrical and plumbing lines via the removable tiles. You may have a preconceived notion that such a ceiling will look more like an office than a home, but there are plenty of attractive options available.

These ceilings will reduce the amount of overhead space available, so keep that in mind when planning. Crack Adobe Audition Cc 2015. Recessed lighting in a basement is a good option, because they won't take up valuable overhead space that a light fixture would. Plus, it's easy to install with a drop ceiling.

Warm air rises, so it makes sense to install heating vents at floor level. Baseboard heating is a good option, but make sure it makes sense for your plan and is easy to tie into your existing HVAC system. For a finished space, you want to make sure you're not relying on space heaters, so plan carefully. Keep the space housing an HVAC unit or units and water heaters clear, open, and unfinished. These spaces have specific code requirements for spacing and framing, plus you'll need access for inspection and/or repairs. You may be tempted to finish off this area, but keep it simple to avoid problems later.

The 1. 9 Coolest Things To Do With A Basement (PHOTOS)It's hard to see past the limitations of a basement. The space is often dark, damp and unfinished. But a few talented designers were able to see the potential.

If we ever won the lottery, we might try one of these really awesome ideas. All photos via Houzz. Create A Giant Playhouse. Have The Bar Of Your Dreams Photo by John G.

Harmony Basements, your quality and environmentally-friendly basement renovation experts in Toronto & the GTA. Request Your FREE 3D Design NOW. 1-800-373-7039. Want to remodel your basement but don't know where to start? Get basement ideas with impressive remodeling before-and-afters from HGTV shows to get inspired. Total Basement Finishing (TBF) offers the best basement finishing system for your basement finishing ideas. Free Estimates.

Wilbanks Photography, Inc. Then you'll love Houzz, the ultimate site for finding interior design ideas - - along with the remodeling professionals, local residential architects and home builders in your area who can carry out your dream home visions.

Diy Home Design Software helping you download free architect software for home designing diy style. Learn how to remodel and create a custom 3D design plan. Discover all the various layouts, styles and options you have when it comes to designing and decorating your basement at HGTV.com. DIY Network offers expert tips on how to finish a basement.