When finishing a basement where do you start?

From insulation and framing to selecting your paint and finishing touches, follow these steps to finish your basement walls.

Step 1: Install Insulation.
Step 2: Frame the Walls.
Step 3: Install Utilities.
Step 4: Mount Drywall.
Step 5: Paint.

Does a basement need a ceiling to be finished?

1. What is the minimum height for a basement ceiling? Local codes for basement finishing vary, however, according to the International Residential Code (IRC), a basement living space must have a clear floor-to-ceiling height of at least 7 feet (6 feet for bathrooms).

What is the easiest basement ceiling to install?

When it comes to finishing the basement ceiling, most homeowners think of two options, drywall or dropped ceiling. The latter is a cheaper option and is easy to install since it doesn’t require a lot of tools. On the other hand, you will need help to install a drywall ceiling.

What is the cheapest way to finish a basement ceiling?

If you’re wondering if paneling or drywall is the cheaper finishing option, generally speaking, drywall is cheaper than paneling. This is because it requires less attention to detail and finish work during the installation process. Drywall also adds better soundproofing than paneling, and it’s easier to repair.

What is a good ceiling height for a basement?

seven feet high
Building codes require finished basement ceilings to be at least seven feet high. A seven-foot ceiling does not make for an enjoyable space. Nine inches is the height of the finished space, and anything below seven feet may feel cramped.

How easy is it to convert a basement?

Converting a simple single-room cellar using a waterproof membrane cavity system (more on this later) can take just two or three weeks, including digging out the sump and fitting the pumping system. However, converting and extending the cellar, including lowering the flooring, can take several months.

Do you need planning permission to convert basement?

Converting an existing residential cellar or basement into a living space is in most cases unlikely to require planning permission as long as it is not a separate unit or unless the usage is significantly changed or a light well is added, which alters the external appearance of the property.

What type of ceiling is best for a basement?

Suspended ceilings are one of the most popular basement ceilings. Consisting of a simple grid and lightweight tiles or panels, a suspended ceiling covers exposed beams, ductwork, and electrical wiring, while allowing easy access for repairs or leaks.

How can I cover my basement ceiling cheaply?

Install Drywall or Paneling Thin wood paneling — typically 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick — can cover an exposed ceiling, and it’s available in a variety of designs. Fir plywood, hardboard, even oriented-strand-board (OSB) are even more affordable. These cheaper options typically require paint or sealant.

How can I raise the ceiling of my basement?

Joists are the vertical beams that support your home’s flooring. To raise your basement ceiling, raise the height of the joists by 3 millimetres or 1/8 of an inch per day to gradually increase the basement height. Raising the ceiling of your basement is the cheapest method to increase its height because most homeowners can do this themselves.

Why is it important to have a basement?

When you utilize it correctly, a basement is an important asset in a property. Your basement can be remodelled into an at-home gym, a legal secondary suite, or even a wine cellar. However, not all lower levels are constructed as viable living spaces. Because basements were once built primarily for storage, they have lower ceilings.

What’s the difference between benching and underpinning a basement?

Benching a basement is very similar to underpinning. However, with benching, the entire floor is not lowered. Instead, a bench or ledge is built around the sides of the walls to maintain the structural strength and support of the foundation. Only the flooring inside the benched framework is removed and lowered.

Is it OK to remove concrete base in basement?

The concrete base is removed in sections because the foundation of your basement must be reinforced to maintain its strength and stability. This method should only be completed by trained professionals. If your flooring is not excavated properly, your house can collapse.

What’s the best way to build a basement ceiling?

Get creative all at once, or add design over time as you improve that basement. Another easy option for basement ceilings is using peel and stick PVC mosaic tiles. This is the easiest way to have a multi-tile ceiling. It’s a way more economical option as well.

What can I do to make my basement look brighter?

The lighter color on the ceiling also gives your basement brighter looks. It’s useful for a basement that has less light sources. The next basement ceiling ideas is keeping your basement ceiling bare without cover. You can still see the pipes and other parts of the house water system in this basement ceiling.

Why does my basement have a low ceiling?

Basements are often thought of as casual spaces. Not generally frequently visited (and sometimes used as storerooms), you might not put a lot of thought into your basement ceiling. Besides, basements often have low ceilings, which is why many people don’t give much thought to them.

Do you need a ceiling fan in the basement?

Basements are often humid, which is why it will be a good idea to install a fan there. And not just a ceiling fan, but you might also want to install an exhaust fan as well so it can suck out the stale air and improve air circulation. When you install a fan in the basement, make sure it goes with the theme of the place.