Do it Yourself Basement Remodel

Slatting and Drywall

• An inexpensive way to remodel your basement is to use 2-by-4 boards and drywall. It's relatively simple and requires just a few tools. One way is to build wall frames from the 2-by-4s and install them in the basement. They can be built the same height as the basement walls and then anchored to the floor with a hammer gun and concrete nails, or mortar screws and a power driver.

Another Method

• Another option is to anchor 2-by-4 boards so the longer edge is flat against the wall. This is a great strategy for smaller basements because the walls won't take up as much interior space. The walls will only be about 2 inches thick, whereas frame walls will be 4 inches thick. Place the 2-by-4 boards flat against a concrete wall and anchor them directly to the wall with a hammer gun and 2-inch long concrete nails. Secure the 1 1/2-inch thick boards to the 1/4-inch drywall with drywall screws.

Installing and Painting Drywall

• With either method you will be mounting drywall to the 2-by-4 boards with drywall screws and a power driver. The drywall is finished the same way with both methods. Cover the screws with joint compound, tape the seams and cover them with joint compound as well. A simple metal trowel will do the job. Let the compound dry and sand with 220-grit sanding blocks. Then prime and paint the walls with an interior paint.

Flooring

• The best flooring for a basement remodeling job is Pergo floor boards. A composite material, it can be laid right on the concrete or over a simple subfloor of plywood. The floor boards lock into place and because they aren't wood, won't warp or bend--even in humid basements. A humidifier is still recommended to keep the drywall and 2-by-4 boards free of excess moisture.