Basement Frame Ideas

Frame Foundation Walls

• Before delving into the construction of the basement layout, start with its foundation walls. Since these walls are the only barrier between the inside of the basement and the outside, they are the site of common foundation problems. Correct any moisture problems in the basement and waterproof its masonry walls.

  Add extra protection to your indoor basement space by installing a vapor barrier along the walls, and construct a wall frame against the basement's masonry walls. This wall will function as a buffer between the coldness of the foundation wall and the warmth of a basement living space. Install insulation in the walls to make the basement more energy efficient.

Box in Pipes

• Exposed pipes, posts and heating ducts that protrude beyond the wall boundary do not have to stay out in the open. Construct a frame around these parts, connecting the frame to a wall or the ceiling, to box them in and keep them out of sight and out of reach.

Separate Utility From Living

• In any basement, the utility units are located along a wall near their leads to the rest of the house, while the water heater and boiler are often in the same location.

  Frame out a utility room from the rest of the basement space. This division not only conceals the units from easy view, it also enhances safety in the basement's living space.

  Give the room enough space to move around the units in case of repair and maintenance tasks. Use the space to store household cleaning and maintenance equipment. With a few shelves and hooks, this utility room will provide ample storage to free up more space in the basement.

Divide a Large Space

• A single wall frame can divide a large basement space into two areas. One area can be a family room and the other an exercise room. Orient the wall to flow with the traffic down the basement stairs; locate it where it will be easy to maneuver around without feeling like an obstruction to the basement's space.

Make Rooms

• Frame out your basement to divide its space into the number of additional rooms required by your family or lifestyle. Plan the room layouts to flow into a central hallway that leads to the steps instead of one room opening into another. For fire safety, a simple basement layout will make it easy to find the exit in an emergency.