The Best Way to Finish a Basement

Empty the basement of any furnishings and storage items. Leave nothing in the space prior to finishing it. You will be working on all walls and over the entire floor, so nothing can remain. Open any windows if applicable and set a portable fan pointing up toward the staircase to pull air out of the space.

Sweep and vacuum the bare floor. Put on eye protection, gloves and a painter's mask. Pour floor sealer over one area and spread it with a paintbrush or roller. Start in the corner furthest from the staircase and make your way to the stairs so as not to paint yourself into a corner. Allow the sealer to dry for at least 24 hours or as long as recommended by the manufacturer.

Wipe down the walls with clean cloths and sponges. Caulk any cracks in the wall with a caulking gun. Frame the walls with pressure-treated lumber, placing a stud every 16 inches. Tack the framing to the wall using a staple gun. Roll vapor barrier up against the wall between the framing studs. Tape any seams with seam tape and staple it liberally to the wall.

Roll insulation over the vapor barrier and then tack drywall panels to the frame with drywall screws. Tape the seams with drywall tape. Prime and paint the newly installed drywall with a paintbrush or rollers. Let the paint dry for one day before proceeding.

Install carpet tacking around the perimeter of the basement with concrete nails or screws. Roll carpet padding over the floor, between the carpet tacking. Next, roll carpeting out over the padding, adhering it to the tacking around the floor. The basement is now sealed, finished and ready to be decorated and used.