How to Finish the Basement Series
Adding details to your plan
By now you should have a general sketch or printout of your dream basement. The
next thing that you' ll need to do is add some detail to your plan.
Here are the things that you want to consider. Below is a general
list of the things you' ll want to consider while adding details to
your initial plan. Many of the areas are covered in greater detail
in the following sections. If you' re planning to do the work
yourself then while considering each of the different areas begin to
make a list of general tools that you will need to either rent or buy.
Flooring
Carpet:
Contrary to popular belief, carpeting is excellent in basements.
The primary reason why is because carpets let your floor breathe.
If you' re considering carpet make sure you spend the bulk of your cash
on the padding. It' ll make a world of different
Ceramic
Tile:
Tile is fine but on a hard basement floor it' s going to feel...
well... hard. Before going this route consider what you are going
to use the basement for. If it' s going to be a kids playroom,
I' d stay away from tile; however, if you' re going to use it to entertain
adults, the tile is a very nice accent. The other major factor that
you will need to take into consideration is that you' ll need a very
level floor. If your current floor isn' t very level, then you'
re going to need to install a sub-floor.
Floating
Floors
This style of flooring has gotten pretty good press as of late
but it can be a little more expensive than many of the other options;
however, installation and maintenance are a breeze
Ceiling
Drop or Suspended Ceiling:
This is a popular option if you have shut off valves that you plan to
access periodically. It is also convenience if you plan on installing
surround sound and need to access your sole plates for running wires.
Drop ceilings are not very difficult to install but do require patience.
Hard
Ceiling
Installing a hard ceiling gives your basement a professional
look. You likely won' t even notice that you in the basement unless
you have a leak and you' ve covered up the pipes. Installing a
hard (drywall) ceiling isn' t difficult given the right tools.
Combination.
Install a hard ceiling in areas where primary shut off valves do not
exist and a drop ceiling in areas where either shut off valves exist
or you think you' ll need future access to.
