It is easy to learn how to finish basement projects. The important thing to keep in mind is to do it the right way. Finishing a basement is not as complex as you might imagine. There are just a few simple steps to follow, and then you can accomplish the basement you have always wanted.
Evaluating Your Basement - Before you even start thinking of an exciting theme for your new basement decor, you need to pay serious attention to the existing problems your basement may already be having. Waterproofing is one of the first things you should consider when finishing a basement. You will have to build a waterproof basement first and foremost. Do not overlook this essential part of the project, as the concrete in your basement is likely to be porous, soaking up water and having some major leakage.
Leak Problems - Untreated concrete gathers water and dampness through what is called wicking. The water an dampness ruins the integrity of the cement. When you close up the cement in your basement, water and dampness are no longer able to gather into the cement and ruin it. Imagine, you are going to remodel your basement, place some expensive furniture and carpentry in it, and you basement starts to leak or even flood without warning. You would not want everything in your basement, especially the expensive ones, to become ruined because you skipped the simple process of waterproofing!
Basement Insulation - The next important step to make is to have your basement properly insulated. If your basement is not already insulated, this step is very important. Proper insulation is vital in managing weather temperatures. It is also great for many other things, such as lowering your cooling and heating bills.
Drywalls - Work on your walls. You will have to hide your OSB board or insulation with something to guard it and to make it look aesthetically pleasing. Sheetrock is often used by many homeowners, but you could go for some type of paneling. If there is still some remaining dampness, then simple sheetrock can handle it. If you want, you could use sheetrock and apply a coat of sealer.
Basement Lighting - Now lets get to the fun part: lighting. Generally, basements do not have sufficient lighting. They often remind us of a dark and murky place that no one goes to. Depending on what purpose you want your basement to have, there may be a need to boost the lighting of your basement. Can lighting fixtures are particularly ideal for basements with low ceilings, since they are simple in design and really do not take up a lot of space. You should not just rely on artificial lighting, though. To maximize the amount of light in your basement, use natural light coming from the outside. Utilize French doors instead of solid ones; use larger windows or glass blocks; use mirrors to reflect more light.
Floors and Subfloors - As for your floors, you do not have to settle for carpeting. You could go for wooden flooring or tiles. No matter what type of flooring you use, you might want to have a subfloor if you are having a huge problem with dampness or flooding. Now that you know how to finish basement projects, go ahead and start your own. As you can see, its not that much of a complicated task.
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