Converting Semi-Scary Basement into a Semi-Finished Basement
We would like to semi Finish our basement. We currently have a concrete rough hewn floor and would like it smoothed out, painted or otherwise sealed or finished and figure out other ways to make it less gross down there. At a minimum we want to be able to use it for storage and in the best case scenario, it would be great to be able to make part of it a play room. Anyone ever do anything like this? Have tips as to where to start? Or recs for who could do this work?
HomeSweetstuy
in General Discussion 8 years ago
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8 replies
terranceknox72 | 8 years ago
If you demo the existing slab, you’ll need to install waterproofing under that too, no?
eadam | 8 years ago
We leveled the concrete and tiled our basement to make more living space. Our best decision was to install a radiant heat system under the floor, which makes the space super cosy. Hot water is preferable (cheaper to heat) but we went with an electric system because we were concerned about further reducing the already low ceiling height. It’s expensive, but worth it depending on how you want to use the space. Nothing worse than a cold floor if you ask me…
centerhabarts | 8 years ago
Before you venture into basement finishing, get things organized and pare down. Plan out your space and get creative in making it attractive. Among flooring options stenciled flooring, penny flooring, leather flooring, stained concrete or painted concrete looks really good for a basement. Bottle cap flooring is an innovative flooring method.
Workisfun has given a short, yet very attractive point on basement flooring methods. Rugs come in different sizes, large, medium and small area rugs. They also come in different shapes like round, rectangle, runner, oval, square, Octagon. Among rugs, I like square rug pads. Check for various [living room furniture](http://www.surplusfurniture.com/en/calgary-north/accessories/area-rugs/1/
) and rug ideas online.
Do check for the moisture by taping 2-foot squares of plastic sheeting to the floor and walls. Check after two weeks and if you find condensation underneath, it implies that your foundation is not sealed properly. Dehumidifying would be a great option.
Using awl check for rot or insect damage. Check if there is sagging for t he floor joists. Also, check for the house ventilation system to avoid carbon monoxide buildup in case of using fuel burning equipment.
workisfun | 8 years ago
we got an estimate, sans permits, for demo of a 4-6″ slab that was 60’x20′. then repouring a new 4-6″ slab. $19k. winter price. i did the 15 mil vapor barrier, 1-1/2″ insulation, and radiant heat myself. probably saved as much as we spent.
Lurker | 8 years ago
Just a head’s up a new slab is a pretty big undertaking–likely several tens of thousands of bucks, there are potential structural issues, and I think you’d need to consult an engineer and file permits. (we did) Maybe I’m wrong and it’s possible to simply do another couple inch pour over what you have if you aren’t too picky or worried about ceiling height, just to tighten it up. That’s worth considering.
But doing it “correctly” and putting in a 4-inch slab with steel mesh and vapor barrier and insulation means cutting through the floor and getting soil bore samples analyzed, a structural analysis to make sure digging down doesn’t de-stabilize the foundation, if you have internal walls or columns those need to be gutted and re-supported (and then joists and beams repaired) the latter need to then have footings poured which is more engineering…and on and on. And since you have water coming in from under your current slab I don’t even know how that is addressed. All this to say it’s a big deal project not a minor makeover. From a local no-permits mason we had gotten a 25k estimate just for the floor no walls or paint or exterior insulation or waterproofing, and I think from a reputable place you might double that easily.
HomeSweetstuy | 8 years ago
Great ideas! We do get some water in from the front and back gates (old coal shafts) and am pretty sure it is indeed a rat slab as water does come up from the floor on a heavy rain. Do you have a contractor that did this work for you? we used to be more DIY until the bambino came along and made our time much less available for these sort of projects
Lurker | 8 years ago
Second workisfun. make sure you don’t have periodic flooding or any mold/mildew issues first. If you’re good, then wall to wall or carpet square systems which let you replace damaged sections easily are a great option. Vinyl/linoleum or even vinly plank requires having a perfectly smooth surface. Like us, you may only have what’s called a “rat slab” which is a thin layer of concrete, rather than 4-inch deep, which if cracked or unstable might be an issue with stability, water infiltration, bugs, whatever.
workisfun | 8 years ago
After you confirm you have proper drainage/water management. You could consider tiling it with some area rugs for play. Google options for lighting in low-ceiling rooms. The lighting will have a huge effect on the comfort.