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Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Useful Tips On How To Finish A Basement

By Leanne Goff


Learning how to finish a basement can involve some study and time. However, this type of job can be undertaken successfully if you have a reasonable amount of skill and intelligence. Here are a few helpful tips and ideas to keep you from getting frustrated.

Any successful project starts with carefully thought out plans. Make sure and plan every small detail that you want. Remember that you will probably need to obtain a building permit and this should not be overlooked. It is a little inconvenient but building ordinances are in place to protect you and your family. Permit fees are not expensive.

Walk into the area and bring a tape measure and helper with you. Also, bring a notebook and pencil so you can write down all of the measurements. Remember to measure ceiling heights in every section you plan to finish. Nothing is more important than taking accurate measurements for your project. In fact, it is best to go over and measure everything twice to insure accuracy. This will help you avoid many common mistakes.

Look at your plans and determine the best materials for your room. For instance, your floors, ceilings, and walls, are going to be underground, so they should resist things like moisture, mildew, and mold. This can be a major problem if you use the wrong kind of materials, and it can cost you a lot of money in the future.

Framework materials are an important consideration. For instance you need to decide upon standard 2 X 4 wall studs or ones made from metal. If you want wood, make sure you use wood that will resist rot and insects. In fact, when you select metal studs, you will not have to worry about these things but they can be harder to work with.

Installing wall frames is easier then they are pre-constructed and then stood up and attached to the floor and ceiling. You will need studs, and several types of tools. Also, you must determine the best type of anchoring system for the floor plate. If you are using lumber, you can go with lag bolts or use a nail gun. Nail guns are the quickest and easiest methods but lag bolt systems can be removed easier, if needed.

Make a diagram of all the electrical circuits you are going to need. Remember that you should not do your own wiring if you are inexperienced with matters of electricity. Basements need extra protection and should be placed on ground fault circuits. This can be done with GFCI outlets, but it is easier when you install a good GFCI breaker in the panel. This will protect you and your family from shocks and electrical fires.

If you are confused about how to finish a basement, hire professional help. To save money on construction, ask about framing and work like plumbing and electrical. This way, you can finish the rest and be assured all the basics are taken care of. However, you may wish to have the entire job done by professionals for best results. You can contact a dependable home improvement service for a free estimate and a written guarantee, so there is no risk involved.




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