Inexpensive Drywalling Ideas for Basements

Do-It-Yourself

• Perhaps the best way to save money on your basement renovation is to do as much of the work yourself that you can. You don't need to be a professional to drywall, but you must become knowledgeable on the process by speaking to a home-supply-store professional, reading books or watching videos. If you are unsure that you will be able to do the work yourself, you may need to invest in professional assistance. After all, it will cost more in the long run to take down your finished work and have a professional replace it.

Moisture

• Basements are sometimes wet, musty areas that trap moisture. This can cause mold or rot on your drywall installation. Use a dehumidifier or open a window if available to air out moisture-filled areas. An inexpensive oscillating fan can go a long way toward removing moisture and circulating the air to prevent future mold problems.

Insulation

• Insulation is essential to fit in the space before installing drywall. This will help control your heating and cooling costs in the basement and save you money in the long run, even if it costs a bit more in the initial renovation. You can use fiberglass insulation between the framing and the sheet rock. Spray-foam is another option that will expand then fill the space and provide useful insulation. For the eco-conscious, try options such as recycled denim or even bales of hay to insulate your basement space. Doing this work yourself will allow you to save money on labor.

Ceilings

• An important area to drywall in a basement is the ceiling. This will help the space seem more finished while also increasing insulation and softening the noise from people walking above. Because the sheet rock is heavy, this will at least be a two-person job: one or more people can support the weight of the drywall while the other nails it in place. Braces designed to support the sheet rock while it is being installed can be expensive. Instead, use a ladder or planks of wood to wedge the sheet rock in place until it is nailed.

Adhesive

• For a professional-quality installation, use drywall adhesive to attach the sheet rock to the basement framing. This will support the weight of the drywall and make it sturdier. This adhesive must be used alongside screws, not in place of them.