Finishing a basement can be difficult work. In fact, finishing a basement can prove to be more tedious than renovating a kitchen or bathroom due to its large size which requires a large amount of labor involved. When it comes to basement finishing, there are many operations to perform including framing, plumbing, flooring, wiring, and more. When these operations are not done correctly, it can be disastrous and can even lead to you starting all over.
To prevent you from starting over, WISA Solutions has you covered with a few helpful tips in basement finishing. With our tips, basement finishing can be an easy feat to accomplish. Though there are many ways to make basement finishing more practical, provided below are five tips in basement finishing that can help you complete the job.
Run Your Plumbing Behind the Walls
Running your pipes behind new walls allows for a hassle-free process later on. By running your plumbing behind the walls before they are nailed in place, you prevent having to drill unnecessary amount of holes through the studs. This also means that it will be easier for you to attach your pipe hangers. Do note, however, by doing this method, you will lose a bit of floor space.
Know Your Airflow
When finishing a basement, it can be hard to determine the quality of your airflow if you already have the drywall in place. That’s why we suggest testing the airflow in your basement before this process is done. One way to do this is by using an anemometer to test the airflow in your basement. This device can be easily purchased online, and there are anemometers that allows you to connect to your phone and pair with an app to display your airflow reading. Checking your airflow before putting up the drywall can help you know the quality of your air ducts and determine whether you need to fix your basement’s ventilation.
Use Screws in Your Old Lumber
Old lumber can be hard to nail through which will require a huge amount of work. If you’re working with hard, old lumber, don’t settle for nails or even a nail gun. Consider using screws instead. Screws are better to use in old wood and can create a stronger bond between new and existing walls. Do note, however, that if you are working with very brittle, hard wood, you may want to consider pre-drilling screw holes before using screws.
Use Skinny Lights
It is true that recessed lights work best in basements due to their low ceilings. However, if ducts, pipes, or beams are an obstacle in your basement, then you should consider getting low-profile LED recessed lights. These lights are easily available online or home stores. They are shallow, easy to fit anywhere, and perfect to use for basement finishing.
Silence Your Pipes
One of the worst things that can occur is to encounter leaky and noisy pipes after completing your basement renovation. To prevent that from happening, test your pipes first before putting up the drywall. Seek help from a friend or contractor to test the pipes by running your water, flushing the toilet or draining your bathtub. By doing so, you can discover if you have noisy pipes and can mend them accordingly using duct tape, zip ties, or carpet padding.
If you require additional basement finishing advice or need help with finishing a basement in the Northern Virginia area, contact WISA Solutions online today!