Basement Remodel Tips
A basement has a lot of usable space that is generally neglected. If you want to add a bedroom, bathroom, or family room the basement can offer the space for this. Make sure the basement is insulated and a moisture barrier in place. You can use this space for many things from living space to storage.
When remodeling a basement you have to make sure what the bearing points are. You would not want to remove a bearing wall and see the floor above fall in. When you designate the bearing wall you will have to install beams where you want the wall open. You can hide the beam by using joist hangers or you can have an exposed beam. The exposed beam gives you a place to run duct work and other utilities. You can box it all in after everything is ran. Make sure you use adequate headers above doors in the bearing wall to prevent dips in the floor above.
When putting a bedroom in the basement you will still need an egress window. If your basement is fully in the ground you will need a window well with an access. The window must meet all the requirements of an egress window.
To insulate and finish exterior walls on a concrete or block basement it is easier to frame a 2 x 4 wall. You can glue foam to the wall before you frame. Put your framed wall against the foam sheathing. The foam will give you a good r – value and moisture barrier. The 2 x 4 framed wall gives you strength and they will not warp like 2 x 2s.
