hondadrv24

The Time has come to finish my basement. My wife went and got the permit yesterday and we are going to start framing tomorrow or Saturday. Today I was hoping to cut out the new egress windows under the old ones, but it is pouring outside, so its a good day to do a little more planning. Here are a few pics of what I'm starting with




We plan on making a bedroom, a bathroom, playroom that's connected to the main family room and the utility room. I'll update with progress as it happens!!

inspectorD

Wow , what an empty room.
Get ready for all the advice....it's on it's way.

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handyguys

Its great you already have plumbing under the slab for your bathroom. Hopefully its in the correct spot. What are your ceiling plans? Drop or drywall? Looks like you have a lot of ABS pipe and wires in the way.

My piece of advice - Move as much stuff into the joists now as possible. Depending on your layout you may also want to consider moving the water heater as well. Good luck, take pictures of your progress ans feel free to askk questions as you go.

The Handyguys are kicking around doing a multi-part podcast series on finishing a basement. Do you think there would be much interest in such an endeavor?

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joeychgo

I have a few suggestions, just off the top of my head.

Add as many windows as you can. That will help avoid the "dungeon" feel.

Also, move as much as you can -- plumbing that comes below joists, water heater (you might want to switch to a tankless one)

If it was me, I would also beef up the joists under critical weight spots. (i.e. Under the 1st floor bathtub) - It's just alot easier now.

hondadrv24

Yes, the plumbing is in the right spot, for the most part, the shower drain is a little close to the toilet, but I think it is far enough away to put a 30" door between the two. As for the sink, I plan to cut the existing tee out and turn it the other direction, run the drain pipe through the wall behind the toilet and along the concrete wall toward the back wall (one with water supply). The shower is going to be an over-sized walk in and the bathroom is going to be a pass through into the bedroom back by the water supply. all the plumbing at the ceiling height is going to stay as is and I plan on replacing the water heater at a later time, for now I plan to make a small utility closet to hide the water heater and the furnace.

I plan on dropping the ceiling to 8' by running 2x4 perpendicular to the floor joists on 24" centers, so that it looks like it is done right.

approximate room sizes are:
family room ( by stairs) 24x24
bathroom 10x8'6"
bedroom 9'x12' one 29x47" window
utility room 7x7
daughter's play room (back behind the water heater toward the panel box) 9x12 two 29x47" windows

I got half the lumber today, and dad is coming tomorrow to help me frame.

inspectorD

1 cent...panel box cannot be in a closet.
1 more cent..the furnace will need a makup are opening.

=== 2 cents.

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Daryl in Nanoose

One little note. Do not call it a utility closet, call it a utility or mechanical room.

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hondadrv24

panel box will just be in the room, no closet in that room


do you mean by furnace makup???

I plan on leaving about 1' around the suction trunk and the back side of the furnace and about 4" to the studs from the other side of the water heater.

glennjanie

Hello HondaDrv:
The existing basement walls appear to be poured concrete with a brick pattern in the concrete. I really like the brick look and would recommend simply painting those walls. You could go really wild and paint the mortar joints white and the brick some natural brick color, like red or sand.
You might also look into suspended ceiling tile; they have some very pretty patterns now, even tin ceilings. That way you would have access if you need it later.
Glenn

inspectorD

The furnace will need some air to operate the burner, gas or oil. You will need a door with slats or a vent on a wall into a room with over 100 sq feet.
The furnace should also not be installed with access to the bedroom.

Your building inspector will point this all out in your plan. Talk to them, they know more about your area than I do.

Enjoy.

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