For any homeowner, finishing the basement is a project that not only takes months to complete, but very expensive if a contractor is hired to do the work. But if the homeowner decides to do most of it then the cost of labour is no longer a factor. However for the homeowner who has very little experience in the carpentry trade, all is not doom and gloom. With knowledge of framing, layout, use of measuring and cutting tools, installation of wallboards and an interest to learn, the homeowner can start and work throughout and complete project without any real delays.
The first step in finishing the basement is to look at the existing floor plan, furnace, plumbing and electrical outlets and how will it affect the new project. Next, figure out the new location of bathroom, bedroom, recreational room, hobby room, laundry room, hallway, closet space and shelves. Centralize a room that would be of most importance and have the other rooms accessible to it with ease as well. The size of bedrooms will depend on what type of beds will be used in it. The same principle applies to washroom and other rooms too. Use the existing rooms as a guideline to figure out and proportion the basement layout. Also look at ceiling and type of materials needed for it. A suspended ceiling is recommended for areas where shut-off plumbing fixtures are located.
Next, what are the rooms used for and will the rooms need sound proofing? Though this may seem minor, it is a big issue to someone in the family, if music, television, power tools, or constant banging is too loud and beyond the comfort zone of hearing.
Feasibility is the next issue, will the homeowner have to relocate plumbing fixtures, heating ducts, electrical wiring and outlets, remove walls and so forth to accommodate the basement plan? For a basement floor without existing bathroom fixtures, (toilet) the concrete floor will have to be jackhammered and new lines installed and then fresh concrete is poured to fill hole before wood framing starts.
Once the plan has been revised, sketch a plan of all rooms and figure the amount of materials required and then calculate the total cost. Use a current building supply catalogue to obtain material pricing. Despite the total cost of materials the project can be done in stages to fit budget.
To frame the first wall in place, use the existing walls as straight lines and measure to and from to locate the new wall position. Apply that method and have fun framing.
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