How-to Finish a Basement | Steps to finishing a basement

How-to Finish a Basement
Planning, Framing, Electrical, Plumbing, Drywall, Paint, Flooring
DIY Steps How-to Finish a Basement.

1. Planning

Planning and Design is the first step to finish your basement.

Planning and Design is the first step to finish and create a beautiful basement. Read more....


2. Layout

Layout and Design is a very important step to finishing your basement.

It is important to decide where all walls, lights, switches, outlets and other mechanicals will be located before you start building. When laying out doors and walls in a basement, great care must be taken as to where they are placed. You always want to be sure you include space for all utilities, built in fixtures and plan ahead for door openings. Spacing of wall studs must also be considered. They cannot be placed just anywhere. Keep in mind that most drywall sheets and other wall finishes come in 4'x 8' sheets. You will want to layout your walls carefully to avoid floating joints and not waste material. Read more....


3. Framing

Framing and standing walls in your basement

Cut and mark the plates... Using your floor layout as a guide, mark and cut 2x4s for the top and bottom plates. Place them on edge beside each other and mark for the studs. The first stud will be at the end of the wall. The remaining studs should be 16 inches on center, meaning that from the edge of the wall to the center of each stud will be a multiple of 16. Make a mark every 16 inches; then with a combination or speed square draw lines 3/4 inch on each side of your first marks. Draw an X in the middle of the marks to show where to nail the studs.Read more....


4. Framing in Place

How to Frame a Wall in Place or Build a Wall in Place.

If building a wall on the floor and raising it into position is not practical in your situation, You can build a wall in place in your basement. Begin by cutting the top and bottom plates, and marking them for studs. Transfer the marks to the faces of the plates, making sure the marks are clear so you can see them easily to align the studs while toenailing.

Install top and bottom plates. Nail the top plate to the joists. Use a level and a straight board to mark the location of the bottom plate or use a chalk line case as a plumb bob. Mark the floor in two places and make an X to indicate on which side of the mark the plate should be positioned. Use masonry nails or a power hammer to fasten the bottom plate to the floor. Read more....


5. Plumbing

Plumbing for your basement. includes Rough and Finish plumbing.

Basements in many newer homes are built with basic plumbing drains and vent stacks built into the basement. This is commonly called stub-outs or stubs. If you see pvc plumbing pipes that look like they just go into the basement floor and lead nowhere, you may already have basic stubs for plumbing. Stub-out plumbing in a basement could include drains for a toilet, tub and shower drains as well as a bathroom sink drain and a vent stack for the future basement bathroom. Don't worry if you don't know which pipe is for plumbing. We will go over some basic plumbing terms on our plumbing page. Read more....


6. Electrical

Electrical Home Wiring for your Basement

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7. Drywall

Hanging Drywall in your Basement

The installation of Drywall, or sometimes hanging drywall as the professionals usually refer to the installation, can be done by the homeowner. Having said that, it is usually best carried out with two or more people as it takes a large amount of lifting of heavy material. Mudding and Taping can also be performed by the homeowner, even so these tasks require some practice and artistry.Read more....


8. Painting

Tips and tricks for painting your basement space

Painting can easily be done by the do-it-yourself homeowner. Listed on our how-to painting page are basic instructions and how-to tips and tricks for painting. Follow these instructions and you will see how simple it is to get great results.Read more...


9. Flooring

Installing flooring in your basement

Installing flooring in your basement can easily be done by the do-it-yourself homeowner. A little bit of water can ruin a very expensive floor quickly. Your primary thought with basement flooring should always be moisture and how to avoid it coming into contact with your new floor. Read more....


10. How-To Videos

How-To Videos recently uploaded.

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Tools for Basement Finishing

Your gonna need some basic tools to finish your basement

You can always find the tools that will make your project easier listed at the bottom of each page when you click the Read more... links in the steps above. Of course if you want to see the basic tools needed to finish a basement you can just ..click here.. to see a list of basic tools you may need.


Detailed info on How to finish a Basement.

This website has been created as a reference guide to help you finish your basement. Stages to finish a basement are listed on this page. Most basements will involve several of these stages. Please feel free to browse thru our website and review the many different steps needed to finish a basement. More detailed information is included at each stage. As you browse thru this website you will find lots of info on Basements and how to finish your basement. You will also find lots of info that can be used for home improvement and remodeling in other areas of your home. Sitemap for Basement Remodeling How-To and Basement Finishing



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Finishing a Basement

This page How-to Finish a Basement is part of the Basements101.com website.
More detailed information on how to finish a basement can be found at www.Basements101.com