What Is A Yankee Basement? A Yankee basement is a root cellar. The name for the space comes from the dugout in baseball, which is the area where teams have their benches located in foul territory.
In what order should I remodel my basement?
- Apply for a Permit.
- Take Care of Dampness.
- Pick Your Materials.
- Gather Your Tools.
- Install Insulation.
- Frame the Walls.
- Install Utilities.
- Mount Drywall.
What is the cheapest way to remodel a basement?
You can save on the cost to finish a basement by doing things not bound by codes: installing trim or doors, painting walls and woodwork, and installing flooring, says Buckeye Basements’ Jon Smith. Beyond that, count on using some pros.
Is it worth remodeling a basement?
Finishing Your Basement Adds Value to Your Home According to Zillow, homeowners can expect to see an average of 70 percent return on their investment with a basement finish/remodel.
What is the hardest part of finishing a basement?
What’s the biggest challenge in finishing a basement? “Typically, the biggest challenge is working around obstructions. There are heating ducts, plumbing drains, water pipes, gas lines and electrical wires that are all off and hung below the floor joist.
Do I need to insulate basement walls?
Walls. Basement walls should be insulated with non-water sensitive insulation that prevents interior air from contacting cold basement surfaces—the concrete structural elements and the rim joist framing.
How can I cover my basement walls cheaply?
Fortunately, you can cover basement foundation walls quickly and inexpensively. Attach wood furring strips, Z-shape channels, or 2×4 studs to flat, dry masonry walls, then add insulation and cover the strips or studs with drywall.
What can I use instead of drywall in my basement?
- Wood Planks. Wood planks are an age-old drywall alternative that has certainly stood the test of time well.
- Veneer Plaster.
- Lath & Plaster.
- Plywood and Sheet Wood.
- Texture Wall Panels.
- Brick & Masonry.
- Exposed Concrete Block.
- Cement Board.
How can I remodel my basement myself?
- Step 1: Decide How You Want to Use the Space.
- Step 2: Set a Budget.
- Step 3: Clean Out Your Space.
- Step 4: Conduct a Moisture Test.
- Step 5: Research Local Codes and Requirements.
- Step 6: Insulate Your Basement.
- Step 7: Take Care of Electrical and Plumbing.
- Step 8: Frame and Put Together Any Additional Walls.
What to Know Before finishing a basement?
- Check the Foundation. Before starting any construction in your basement, assess the state of the foundation.
- Identify Code Violations.
- Eliminate Water Issues.
- Insulate Properly.
- Assess the Ceiling.
- Work Around the Essentials in Your Design.
Does adding a bathroom in the basement add value?
Adding a basement bathroom can increase your home’s resale value by 10%-20%. It also can turn a wasted space into an enjoyable addition to your home. The average basement bathroom will cost $3,000-$25,000, depending on the existing plumbing and condition of your basement.
Do basement bathrooms count appraisal?
As a general rule of thumb, listing agents and appraisers don’t count a finished basement toward the overall square footage, especially if the basement is completely below grade—a term that means below ground level.
How long does it take to finish a 500 sq ft basement?
One of the most significant factors extending the basement remodeling length is the size of the basement. If your basement is less than 500 square meters in size, the finishing time maybe just 2-3 weeks, compared to a 1000 square feet basement that may take double the time to finish.
How much does a 2000 square foot foundation cost?
An average home is about 2,000 square feet and a foundation can cost from $13,000 (including materials, labor and permitting) to more than $40,000 if it’s a basement foundation. For a project on the low end, budget around $15,000 in case of cost overruns and around $45,000 for a project on the higher end.
What’s the first step in finishing a basement?
Many unfinished basements have simple concrete walls. To finish them, you’ll need to first insulate, then frame, and then finish up with drywall.
Why do so many houses have unfinished basements?
Some just want the room to act as extra storage or utility room that won’t need as much attention as other rooms. It could also be that a homeowner wants to leave a basement incomplete to pave way for its customization. Such a basement will remain incomplete until the owner is ready to start the redesign process.
Should my basement ceiling be insulated?
Yes. Faced insulation is actually recommended on basement ceilings and ceilings in general. The covering or “face” of the insulation prevents it from falling out and trickling down into the basement air. This is especially advantageous if the insulation is made of fiberglass, which can harmful if it’s ingested.
Should I put a vapor barrier on my basement walls?
Steve Bliss, of BuildingAdvisor.com, writes: The short answer is: Don’t use a vapor barrier in a finished basement. This is asking for trouble, especially with a full bathroom, which generates a lot of humid air. Rigid foam board on the interior, like you have, is the ideal insulation.
Do basement walls need to breathe?
Nowadays, houses are sealed up tight as a drum. It’s great for energy efficiency and your heating bill. But it’s bad for any moisture hiding in your home that can’t find its way out. That is why your walls need to breathe.
What should I put on my basement ceiling?
A super easy DIY option for your basement ceiling is glue-on tiles. Typically made of polystyrene or fiberboard, these tiles come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles, and are also paintable. You’ll need to install a foundation, like plywood, to glue them to. But after that, it’s as simple as glue and stick.
What is the best material for basement walls?
- It is also possible to use wood paneling to make foam or fiberglass insulation look great.
- The best material to use for basement walls would have to be precast panels.
How do you make an unfinished basement nicer?
- Better Your Basement. 1/18.
- Lay Down Foam Mats. 2/18.
- String Some Lighting. 3/18.
- Throw Down Area Rugs. 4/18.
- Install Storage. 5/18.
- Paint Your Cinder Block. 6/18.
- Hang Curtains. 7/18.
- Create an Art Studio. 8/18.
What is the cheapest way to cover a basement ceiling?
Thin wood paneling — typically 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick — can cover an exposed ceiling, and it’s available in a variety of designs. Fir plywood, hardboard, even oriented-strand-board (OSB) are even more affordable, but these less-expensive options typically require paint or sealant.
What is the cheapest interior wall material?
Plywood. If you’re looking for cheap panels for walls, plywood is inexpensive, easy to install, and durable.
What is the cheapest way to cover a wall?
- Curtains.
- Peel And Stick Wallpaper.
- Print Fabric.
- Wall Panels.
- Wallpaper Panels.
- Mirrors.
- Foam Boards.
- Art Prints & Photography.