Steps to Basement Finishing

With the concrete walls and floor, you most probably think that your basement has no value. This is not the case. With a good finish, the value of your home is likely to go up. Homes with good basement finishes fetch a fortune in Toronto. It is therefore important that you find out what it will cost you to finish the basement by either hiring a contractor or opting for DIY.

What to Do Before You Start Renovating Your Basement

The first step to take before embarking on finishing the basement is to first clear it of any garbage and dirt. You should then proceed to conduct a moisture test. If there is any moisture, then you will have to correct the leakages and make your basement waterproof. This can be achieved using a waterproof coating and painting of the walls. The exterior walls should also benefit from this exercise. This will be a preventive measure. If you have some problems that are in need of care be sure to check out our basement renovations.

In Toronto, you will have to obtain the permits before proceeding with the exercise. After obtaining the permits, it is time to get the tools and materials that you will need in finishing your basement. Get the measurements of your basement before you buy the materials. You can then start the process.

Steps to Finishing Your Basement

How to Finish the Basement Walls

This is where to start if your basement is bare concrete. Finishing the basement walls involves a number of steps.

Step 1: Install Insulation

Install polystyrene foam to insulate the walls of the foundation directly. When you are through with the installation process, you can go ahead and install drywall.

Step 2: Frame Your Walls

It is imperative that you take the right measurements of the wall before embarking on making the frames. The frames will help you in the installation of the drywall.

Step 3: Install Drywall

You can now hang your drywall on the frame. Make sure that create access holes on the drywall sheet. These holes will carter for the valves and the outlets. This should be done using a drywall knife.

How to Finish the Basement Floor

When you are through with the basement walls, you can shift your focus on the basement’s floor. The best way to go about this is to use waterproof materials on the floor. This will prevent unnecessary leakages and flooding in your basement.

Step 1: Choose a New Flooring for Your Finished Basement

You can proceed to choose a flooring option that best suits your budget and preference. These flooring options include vinyl, tiles and carpet. You should then learn how to install both flooring and subflooring.

Step 2: Install Subflooring and Flooring

Ensure that the floor is moisture-free before you install the subflooring and ultimately flooring. The subflooring should be done using both plywood and polystyrene sheets. You should also install a moisture barrier.

How to Finish Your Basement Ceiling

There is a need to hide the pipes, wires and vents that could be visible in the basement. These steps will help you realize this.

Step 1: Choose Your Ceiling Type

By installing a ceiling in the basement, you give it a more attractive and complete look. You have two types of ceiling that you can install. The first one is drop-ceiling. The second option that you can use is a drywall ceiling. If the ceiling is already low, just paint or install drywall in the ceiling.

Step 2: Install Your Ceiling

When installing the ceiling, make sure that you have all the required tools and materials in place. To effectively install the ceiling, use the manufacturer’s instructions.