How To Remodel My Basement Without Mold

by DoItYourself Staff

When you need more space at home and have an unfinished basement, the solution seems obvious. However, many homeowners complete this costly project only to have mold and mildew set in over time. Follow these instructions to remodel your basement while protecting it from mold.

Material List (amount will vary based on square footage)

Waterproofing solution
2x4x8-foot wall studs
2x4x8-foot Pressure Treated studs
1/2-inch Sheetrock
3/4-inch rigid insulation
1 1/2-inch Sheetrock screws
3 1/4-inch framing nails
Circular saw
8-foot level
Hilti gun with 2 1/2-inch concrete nails (rentable)

Framing gun with compressor and air hose (rentable)

Step 1: Inspect Foundation

Look for cracks and leaks. If you discover either of these, you MUST repair them before continuing. Consult the following link for instructions on repairing cracked foundations. http://www.doityourself.com/stry/h2waterproofbasement

Step 2: Clean and Waterproof Foundation Walls

Several products, including Hydraloc and DryLock, offer an effective solution for do-it-yourselfers. Consult the manufacture's instructions before beginning application.

Step 3: Lay Out Perimeter Walls

Check the concrete walls for level. If they are within 1/2 inch, measure 4 inches off each corner at the floor, and make a mark. This will allow for a 1/2-inch space between wood and concrete. Using a chalkline, snap lines on each mark of your four corners. This establishes the location for your bottom plate. Level up from your chalkline and mark the ceiling joists in each corner. Snap lines along the ceiling joists for your top plates.

Step 4: Frame Perimeter Walls

Install your top and bottom 2-by-4 plates on your chalk line. Install bottom PRESSURE TREATED plates using Hilti gun. Install top plates using framing gun. Be careful not to nail into wires or pipes. After top and bottom plates are installed, measure every 16 inches and install a wall stud. Height measurements may vary.

Step 5: Lay Out/Frame Interior Petitions

Using the same method in laying out the perimeter walls, snap equidistant lines on the floor for each room. Level up and snap the same lines on the ceiling joists. Install top and bottom plates. Fill in each stud every 16 inches and frame all door openings 2 1/2 inches larger than actual door. For example, a 3-foot door needs to be framed at 3 feet, 2 1/2 inches.

Step 6: Insulate

Install rigid 3/4-inch insulation along the perimeter walls. Rip the insulation at 14 1/2 inches and press firmly into each stud bay. Make sure the insulation does not touch the concrete walls. DO NOT insulate the ceiling. Open ceiling bays allow for proper air flow between floors.

Step 7: Install Sheetrock

Begin with the ceiling. Install using 1 1/2-inch Sheetrock screws; 7 at each seam and 5 along each joist. All screws should slightly break the Sheetrock casing. Make sure to stagger your seams. Install Sheetrock on the walls beginning at the top. Make sure to leave a 3/8-inch gap at the bottom of the concrete floor.

Step 8: Flooring

Cross hardwood flooring off the list. It is expensive and not conducive to a basement environment. Determine if your concrete floor has been installed with a vapor barrier. Tape a piece of 12x12-inch plastic to the floor. Leave it there for 24 hours. If there is moisture on the plastic, assume that there is no moisture barrier under the concrete. You need to install one. A 3/4-inch cellulose underlayment should be used before installing carpet. The best option is a composite wood flooring. Some composite flooring offers this cellulose barrier attached to the floating flooring itself.