Steps for Finishing a Basement

Cleanup

• Before you start the finishing process, you have to do a thorough cleaning of the basement. This includes clearing the space of boxes, furniture, cobwebs, dirt, bugs, and debris. Wash down the walls and floors with a strong scrub brush and a soapy water mix with a half cup of bleach to every gallon of water. This will help disinfect the area. Allow the walls to dry for a couple of hours before continuing.

Measure

• After the cleanup is complete, get full measurements of your basement from floor to ceiling and wall to wall (corner to corner) before proceeding.

Insulation

• Next, you have to attach insulation to your foundation walls. Glue foam insulation directly on the walls and joists.

Frame

• The next step is to lay frames in the basement. These frames are wooden planks that are attached to your basement walls. They will be used to set your drywall in place. See "References" for pictures of how to frame the basement. After the frame is up, put fiberglass insulation behind the frames for added protection from cold weather.

Put Up Drywall

• The next step in finishing a basement is to nail your drywall to the frames. The drywall has to be cut and fit for each wall. Use joint compound to seal up the edges and nails on the drywall and sand down the rough spots.

Floor and Ceiling

• Next, install the floor. Choose between a hardwood, vinyl, carpet or other flooring. When putting down your new floor, you have to be sure that the floor is completely dry because some basements get a lot of moisture. You can install a drop ceiling or drywall because many basements have vertical planks up there, or leave the ceiling as is if it is already finished.

Paint and Finishing Touches

• Once the drywall is up and the floor and ceiling are down, you can go ahead with painting and decorating the space to your liking. Be sure to add several layers of prime paint before applying your final color. Buy floor mouldings to give the basement a cleaner, more finished look.