Finishing Basement

Primetime26

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Sep 7, 2012
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Starting to make plans on finishing my basement.

Basement walls have a "insulation wrap" lagged to the concrete foundation. Is anyone familiar with this? Can I frame up next to it? Or will it create potential mold issues? Should I remove it and go with the pink foam board? Seems like a waste if the wrap is already providing insulation and vapor barrier.

Any input would be really appreciated. Can DM pictures of it if need be.
 

cdnlngld

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Feb 24, 2012
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I had the same insulation up in one of my storage rooms when I converted it into an office(two exterior wals of a corner room). Just butted my studs up do it. I did all of the work under a permit(granted it was durring covid. so no on site inspections). I was asked to submmit photos of the walls with electric installed before hangigng sheet rock. There were zero concerns raised about the studs installed buttted up to the insulation. Now, are you looosing inches on the overall size of the room, yes, but it saves you some time and money.
 

cydnote

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If you are risking an inspection it would be wise to consult a building inspector before you proceed. You may not agree with their rules but it will get costly if you don't comply and have to redo. I'm thinking whomever brought it to this point would have sheetrocked over it if the studs are already in place but didn't so because electrical wasn't included. It would be overkill to have walls double studded, and unnecessary expense.
 

CascadeClone

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I think typically, you wouldn't put on new studs over that, you'd just cut out holes for any wiring. That ruins the vapor barrier, but it isn't probably airtight anyway. Others will be more knowledgeable than I however...
 
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Primetime26

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Sep 7, 2012
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thanks for the comments so far. it is concrete behind the wrap so I need some spacing to allow gap for electrical.

what i am currently thinking...
option 1. frame up next to wrap insulation
option 2. remove wrap, install foam, cut out foam for wiring and low profile outlets
option 3. remove wrap, install foam, frame
 

CycloneDaddy

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Sep 24, 2006
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thanks for the comments so far. it is concrete behind the wrap so I need some spacing to allow gap for electrical.

what i am currently thinking...
option 1. frame up next to wrap insulation
option 2. remove wrap, install foam, cut out foam for wiring and low profile outlets
option 3. remove wrap, install foam, frame
You arent going to run eletrical through the studs?
 

AllInForISU

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Nov 24, 2012
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thanks for the comments so far. it is concrete behind the wrap so I need some spacing to allow gap for electrical.

what i am currently thinking...
option 1. frame up next to wrap insulation
option 2. remove wrap, install foam, cut out foam for wiring and low profile outlets
option 3. remove wrap, install foam, frame
Don’t do low profile boxes for electrical
 

Tre4ISU

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thanks for the comments so far. it is concrete behind the wrap so I need some spacing to allow gap for electrical.

what i am currently thinking...
option 1. frame up next to wrap insulation
option 2. remove wrap, install foam, cut out foam for wiring and low profile outlets
option 3. remove wrap, install foam, frame

No reason to use low pro boxes unless you're furring it out in 2x2s
 
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Stormin

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Apr 11, 2006
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Took my basement down to the studs. Had a guy spray foam in between the studs. Then sheetrock. Love it. Well insulated. Cozy.
 

AllInForISU

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in that option there would only be furring strips not full blown 2x4 wall. sorry for confusion

As someone who has finished 2 basements, I highly recommend 2x4 walls if possible. Also insulating anything on the bottom 4 ft doesn’t do much and leaves you vulnerable to more issues if it ever floods
 
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cyfan964

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Oct 22, 2006
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This is why I put 2" blueboard insulation on the outside of my foundation when my house was built. Didn't need to do any insulation inside in the basement. My concrete walls were as warm apple pie.
 
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JM4CY

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As someone who has finished 2 basements, I highly recommend 2x4 walls if possible. Also insulating anything on the bottom 4 ft doesn’t do much and leaves you vulnerable to more issues if it ever floods
I've done basements too. He should put carpet down there and glue in the pad first with a crap ton of adhesive. It's not a mess or hard at all to tear that back out if you have water issues. You won't cuss excessively or throw things, I promise.
 

AllInForISU

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I've done basements too. He should put carpet down there and glue in the pad first with a crap ton of adhesive. It's not a mess or hard at all to tear that back out if you have water issues. You won't cuss excessively or throw things, I promise.

Lol. I remember seeing all of the carpet/pad throughout Ames back in 2016 or so when everything in north Ames flooded.

I’ve gone the waterproof LVP route when I’ve finished mine. Very happy with it, plus area rugs can get cleaned fairly easily if water problems ever occur.
 
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CloneFanInKC

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As someone who has finished 2 basements, I highly recommend 2x4 walls if possible. Also insulating anything on the bottom 4 ft doesn’t do much and leaves you vulnerable to more issues if it ever floods
@Primetime26 What is your basement configuration; Walk-Out, Day Light or traditional?

IMO if you have a walk-out you will absolutely want to insulate the bottom 4'. I've never heard of not insulating the bottom 4' of a traditional basement but I can see the logic in it.

Do you have a sump pump?
 

AllInForISU

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@Primetime26 What is your basement configuration; Walk-Out, Day Light or traditional?

IMO if you have a walk-out you will absolutely want to insulate the bottom 4'. I've never heard of not insulating the bottom 4' of a traditional basement but I can see the logic in it.

Do you have a sump pump?

I agree with that. I assumed it was a non walk out. I’d never insulate below the frost line. In my mind, it’s just a waste of money and could be an issue with water.
 
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cydnote

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,I am usually impressed with the knowledge that can be gained in some of these off-topic threads, but for me this is not one of them. I will reiterate my previous statement saying check with an inspector before you proceed. In my area there is a "residential energy code" which requires basement walls to be insulated and to what R factor. If you fear flooding issues maybe some of those should be addressed first if they can be or at least insure against that to the level of your concern. Insulating only the top half of the wall could potentially lead to moisture condensation problems on the bottom half as the cold could migrate down between the foundation and the interior wall studs. You may not have to comply with code (and may not agree with their premise) but they are there for a reason and why take the chance of revisiting them later as in the event of a resale or when future renovations/upgrades occur.