The first thing to do when planning a basement remodel is to make certain that it stays dry. Nothing will ruin a lot of hard work faster than dampness that creates mold and mildew. Starting with a dry basement, decide how the remodeled space will be used. It is rarely necessary to build a downstairs bedroom if you have 10 of them upstairs. So, think about what you want. Most of the time, families what additional living and entertaining space.
Regardless of what will be happening in the space, the basics are still the same. You need to frame up a room, cover the walls, and cover the floor. Your plans will need to work around the furnace, water heater, support beams, duct work, and other permanent fixtures found in most basements.
The best looking job will involve putting strips up around the outside walls so that drywall can cover the concrete or block walls. This will require that you build studded walls just like any other wall. It will need a top and bottom plate with studs attached.
If you measure carefully, these can be built on the floor and raised up into place. Nail them to the floor joists and basement floor. This may require special nails or a nail gun designed for sinking nails into concrete. I prefer 2x4 construction, but if you have limited space, you can use 2x2 for this purpose. With a 2x4, the wall can be insulated. Either type of construction will work against the concrete walls. The concrete walls will give all of the support that is needed.
Follow the same procedure for all of the divider walls until the framing is complete. Add as much insulation as you can or desire. Insulation between the floor joists will keep sound from traveling between the floors as much. Do any electrical wiring and plumbing before you cover the walls and ceiling.
Install the drywall, tape, and paint. You can either drywall the ceiling or use a drop-down type of ceiling. This works great in a basement because it allows for better lighting. Also, you can remove the tiles when you need to work on electric or plumbing.
Because of the hard concrete floor, carpeting is a smart choice for flooring. This adds padding and warmth to the environment. Once all of the walls, floors, and ceiling coverings are in place, the space is ready to enjoy.
