Basement Finishing
- Thread starter jeff0514
- Start date
I would also agree that framing and sheeting aren't very hard and could be done on your own. Taping and mudding is an absolute must in getting someone that knows what they are doing, along with the wiring and the trim work.
When I read this topic's title, was really hoping it would be something about some Cubs fan complaining about how bad the bottom of the NL Central looks... One can only hope 
And yes, it is January and I'm already taking shots at the Cubbies.
And yes, it is January and I'm already taking shots at the Cubbies.
This thread is timely as my wife and I are desiring to finish our basement sometime in the next 5 years (need time to save enough $$$), and I am researching what parts of the process we would be able to handle. The biggest question right now is whether we would be able to complete some of the initial tasks given how much we have saved so far, such as framing or electrical. So my question to all you CF basement-finishing experts is this:
Would it be feasible and reasonable to put in the electrical wiring before framing (at least for electrical outlets if not lighting)?
I would have to actually learn how to do this part, but we are already using the basement for some recreational stuff and my home office, all running off a couple of outlets already in place for water heater and HVAC stuff. It would be nice to at least get some additional outlets spread around so I'm not running extension cords halfway across the basement for my office stuff.
Basement is 1400 sq ft, planning to have one long family room, one bedroom, and one bathroom. Need to figure out how much the framing supplies and tools would cost too if we were going to tackle that.
Would it be feasible and reasonable to put in the electrical wiring before framing (at least for electrical outlets if not lighting)?
I would have to actually learn how to do this part, but we are already using the basement for some recreational stuff and my home office, all running off a couple of outlets already in place for water heater and HVAC stuff. It would be nice to at least get some additional outlets spread around so I'm not running extension cords halfway across the basement for my office stuff.
Basement is 1400 sq ft, planning to have one long family room, one bedroom, and one bathroom. Need to figure out how much the framing supplies and tools would cost too if we were going to tackle that.
If you're in Ankeny you might consider Todd Construction. Lots of experience remodeling basements, for awhile that's pretty much all he did. Fair guy, he'll work with you on what you want and will stay on budget.
http://www.todd-construction.com/index.html
Also, putting in a bathroom in a basement that's not stubbed for it will probably run you around $5K. It's a good investment though, if you finish your basement and sell your house someday you'll get most of it back.
And if you want a bedroom down there you'll need an egress window so you can call it a bedroom. Plus it's the safe thing to do.
Finally, this is one of those deals where you get what you pay for. There are lots of things to consider from electrical to HVAC to code requirements. If you're not knowledgeable in those areas, hire someone who is.
http://www.todd-construction.com/index.html
Also, putting in a bathroom in a basement that's not stubbed for it will probably run you around $5K. It's a good investment though, if you finish your basement and sell your house someday you'll get most of it back.
And if you want a bedroom down there you'll need an egress window so you can call it a bedroom. Plus it's the safe thing to do.
Finally, this is one of those deals where you get what you pay for. There are lots of things to consider from electrical to HVAC to code requirements. If you're not knowledgeable in those areas, hire someone who is.
Matt Gardner out of Ankeny (Also a home builder. Gardner Holmes) did our basement 2 years ago and I couldn't have been more happy with the work. Even gave us free marble counter top upgrade in the bathroom since they had it left over. I had 4 estimates and he came in the lowest. Maybe it's cause I know him. Not sure. But he had the job very organized and it didn't take long at all. I never once had to complain about anything.
If you are in Ankeny and you are serious about getting it done and having it look nice. I would call him. I won't hestate to call him again when I need my next home basement done.
If you are in Ankeny and you are serious about getting it done and having it look nice. I would call him. I won't hestate to call him again when I need my next home basement done.
I recommend talking to the Iowa mens' basketball team. They've been living in the basement for the last few years....may have a few good tips.
I am considering doing this as well. I want to leave the back 150 sq feet unfinished, just to store junk, while my wife thinks we should refinish it all. Any suggestions?
If you are going to have someone mud it have them hang the drywall as well. I bet you would get a better deal on the combo, pros will get in hung in so much less time than you can, they also dont want to cover your drywall **** ups, and they know how to hang it and will use less drywall and screws then you would.
I wouldn't finish it all, I would leave the space. I have a 949 sq. ft. basement with 780 sq. ft. finished. I have two really nice storerooms + storage under my stairs. One storeroom has the furnace/ac unit in it, and the other has the sump pump, water heater, a drain, all the phone/cable/satellite dish wiring, and main water line into the house. I had the builder make both the doors into those rooms bigger so if the water heater, or furnace ever had to be replaced they would be easier to get out.
I store stuff in my basement I don't want to store in the garage, so having the storage space was something I wanted. If your furnace and water heater aren't in your basement, then you could possibly finish the entire space. I thought about when I go to sell my house someday, that people would most likely want some storage space in the basement.
I agree with not finishing it all. My basement is around 700 square feet. 450 is finished and 250 is storage. I love that storage space almost as much as my finished basement.
Bumping this thread, anyone have and good contractors they have used for a basement remodel? We lost our carpet in the rain, I have it all cleaned out, so now is the time to redo it.
So it was finished before and you're now redoing it? I just completed finishing mine, took around 1.5 years total from wall framing to throw pillows, but mine was bare so I didn't have any demo to deal with. I'm in Warren County and used mostly local guys for most of it, they were good. PM me if you want specifics. Big thing I'd say is go with high-quality vinyl plank for the flooring down there. Will save you many headaches.
Yeah the only things I did myself was install outlets/light switches/breaker switches, install LED overhead cans, install EVP flooring, bedroom/bathroom light fixtures, and painted all the walls and all the trim. Everything else I left to the pros. Turned out really nice, added close to 900 sq feet, 5th bedroom, 4th bath. There's no way I could've done any of the heavy lifting down there myself.
I would recommend a drop ceiling unless you really want drywall. Having one already in the house I bought has saved my ass so many times over 10 years. Plus, my theater all has hidden wires, I can remove them easy...etc.
