| Getting your basement finished is not as | | | | shocking, but not literally! |
| complicated as you might think. There are a few | | | | If you want more natural light, consider adding or |
| easy steps to go through, and then you have the | | | | expanding your basement windows. |
| basement of your dreams. | | | | 3. Get your basement insulated. If your basement |
| You're already imagining that new home theater | | | | is not already insulated, this is vital. A lot of |
| down there right? Well, stay focused a bit and | | | | insulation is important for keeping the weather |
| learn how to finish a basement before you get to | | | | temperatures out. It's also beneficial for a few |
| the fun stuff you will do with once completed. | | | | other things. For example, your heating and |
| Here are the simple 5 steps that will guide you | | | | cooling bills. |
| through the process on how to finish a basement. | | | | If you don't have proper insulation, you will lose a |
| 1. Waterproofing - You will need to create a | | | | lot of money through cool air and warm air loss. |
| waterproof basement first. Do not skip this step. | | | | Your air systems will work double time to heat |
| The concrete in your basement is porous. | | | | and cool your basement. Make sure that you |
| Untreated concrete soaks up water and | | | | have an adequate amount of insulation. |
| dampness through a process known as 'wicking'. | | | | 4. Think about your floors. When you are learning |
| The water and dampness damages the integrity | | | | how to finish your basement, an important thing |
| of the cement. When you seal your cement, | | | | to think about is your floor. You may want |
| water and dampness are no longer able to soak | | | | different types of flooring depending upon what |
| into the cement and damage it. | | | | your awesome plan is for your finished basement. |
| This is a major step in learning how to finish a | | | | Indoor/Outdoor carpet is a great selection for a |
| basement. It is crucial if you want to protect your | | | | basement. It goes the extra step to keep the |
| basement and everything in it. | | | | dampness out, and it's really easy to clean and |
| 2. Choose your lighting. Most of the time there is | | | | take care of. |
| poor lighting in basements. Depending upon what | | | | 5. Finish your walls. You will need to cover your |
| you want to do with your basement, there may | | | | insulation or OSB board with something to protect |
| be a need to enhance the lighting of your | | | | it, and to look great. Sheetrock is okay, but an |
| basement. | | | | even better idea is some kind of paneling. If there |
| For example, if you were a photographer, the | | | | is any dampness left, sheetrock will soak it up. |
| dungeon-style room would be great for | | | | You could go ahead with the sheetrock and coat |
| developing pictures; otherwise, you might need to | | | | it with some kind of sealer if you prefer. |
| add new fixtures and wires. | | | | Great job! I told you it wasn't hard to learn how |
| When adding new wires, you should consult a | | | | to finish a basement. Now you are ready to |
| certified electrician. Even if you already know how | | | | make your basement the coolest thing on the |
| to finish a basement, you should seek help with | | | | block. Good luck with your project. |
| the wiring. You want your new basement to be | | | | |