DIY Old Basement Remodel

Walls

• Old basements usually have old concrete walls that have cracks or leaks. It makes it harder to install new drywall for fear the leaks will cause water damage. One strategy is to seal these cracks first with a clear silicone caulk and then paint over the cracks with a durable concrete floor paint. This will seal out most of the water. Another strategy is to seal the cracks with mortar and then paint the walls. When you install the drywall, it is best to create a complete wall frame from 2x4 boards, and anchor it to the floor (if the floor is in better shape than the walls) and ceiling joists using concrete nails and screws respectively. A layer of foam insulation can also be applied to the walls before the frame goes up, providing more separation between the walls and the wood.

Ceilings

• Old basements can have old wiring, plumbing and rotting joists that make it hard to install a good ceiling. Any sagging joists can be propped up with a joist jack, before a solid wood or concrete beam is set in place right below the lowest point of the sagging beam. Another method is to simply install a drop ceiling below the lowest point on the joists. This is a good idea only if that leaves enough headroom in the finished basement. Old wiring can either be replaced or moved so it does not contact the ceiling. Plumbing should always be replaced, since it will cause leaking onto the ceiling. However, with a drop ceiling, you can replace the tiles that are damaged by leaks. If you want to continue the old theme of the house, consider installing a ceiling in between large wood beams and leaving them exposed. This could add charm to your new renovation.

Floors

• The floor of an old basement is often riddled with cracks and stains. Your best option is to wash the floor with an acid based solution, then seal the cracks and paint the floor with a durable concrete floor paint. A simple rug is one of the best ways to finish the floor in an old basement without spending a lot of money. However, there are other options. A subfloor underlayment that is water proof will help prevent water from seeping up from the ground. Plywood subflooring can be installed over this layer, and then tiles, carpet or Pergo flooring can be installed on top.