Hi,

I am new to this forum. I surf around on the forum little bit and found you guys are very knowledgeble.

I am thinking to finish my basement, I called contractors for FREE quotes. They quote unbelivable money. So I did little research and found that if I do it myself it would cost $3000, which is fine. So I submit application and drawing to township.

They send series of queries and asked to resubmit drawing and explanatoin. Is that the exprience everybody gets? or it's just me?

Please reply, I will submit detailes of queries if someone is ready to help.

Thanks in advance.

 

newforbasement,

Take a look at these for help in what you are wanting to do...

http://www.co.larimer.co.us/building/basement.htm

http://www.cityofmarion.org/bldg_ins...nt_finish.html

http://www.whitebearlake.org/Buildin...ent%20Info.htm

http://www.timbr.com/tips/howtos/bathroompic.asp

This should help you!

 

I guess it depends on how much detail you put in the original plans.

By the way, I doubt you can finish your basement for $3000, unless it's pretty small. I originally estimated $3,600, but it eventually cost me $15,000.

Please tell us the queries you got from your township.

 

Thanks for your replies.

I received following review point from township. Just to give brief back ground. I have 1/2"
sheet rock already installed on celling. Have a nice carpet already glued on ground. All
I want to do is install sheetrock walls on all four sides.

My basement is 20' X 40', so it's not very big basement. So I estimated $3000, I am flexible
to kick in another $1000. Do you still think it's not enough. I am not looking for very
quality finishing because it's my first project. So I am sure I can't give that professional
touch like construction company.

Building :

Fireblocking required. Must use 2" nominal lumber or 23/32" plywood with all joints backed
with same. Alternative can use thermofiber - but it must be supported. Also can use 5/8"
type x gypsum. 1/2" gypsum will not be approved by subcode official for fireblocking.
See N.J.A.C 5:23-6.6(e)14


Fire :

Under the 2000 international fual gas code all gas-fired appliances ( furnaces, hot water
heaters, and dryers) required combustion air. Combustion air shall be high and low openings.
One commencing within 1 foot of ceiling and one commencing within 1 foot of floor. Please
submit revised submittal. Submit size of louvers. Must equal 1 square inch per every 1000
BTU's of all gas fired appliances. Metal louver is credited with 75% of it's size for total
inches.


I have total 40000 BTU's.



Eletrical:

1. The receptacle location do not comply with in 1999 N.E.C. ART210-52 with regards
to spacing.

2. What size cable and circut breakers are you installing.

- I have already receptacles in basement. all I will be doing is pulling them on finished
wall. There is a separate circut breaker installed for basement.


3. specify size of wire.

- I am thinking to install receased light in basement. How do I calculate size of wire?

I would really appriciate your help.

Thanks in advance.

 

Here are some random thoughts as to the notes of your inspector.

1. Receptacles must be no more than 12 feet apart, and no more than 6 feet on either side of a doorway (you don't measure across the doorway). These measurements are made around corners. Any wall 2-feet or wider (such as a short wall between doors) nees a receptacle (walls under 2-feet need no receptacle). Closets, bathrooms, and unfinished areas do not need to follow these rules. Bathrooms need a GFCI-protected receptacle within 36" of the rim of the sink.

2. I recommend you use all 12-gauge wiring. It's only slightly more expensive than 14-gauge, and gives you more flexibility. This will allow you to use all 20-amp breakers.

3. The bathroom receptacle must be on a 20-amp circuit, and nothing outside of a bathroom can be on this circuit.

4. Adequate combustion air is very, very important to the health and safety of your family. Sounds like you need 40 square inches of combustion air. Two 6" ducts should do it.

5. You have many options for fireblocking material. Use whatever is most convenient for you.

6. $3000 might barely be enough if all you need are walls and electrical outlets and lighting. You'll spend about $1000 on lumber and $1000 on the drywall. The electrical supplies won't cost more than a few hundred. That doesn't leave much for insulation, doors, paint, and tools. And it leaves nothing for a bathroom, if you plan one. But most significant of all is that it's not hard to spend the whole $3000 budget on the carpet alone. Don't forget smoke detector (two if you'll have a bedroom). And if you have a bedroom, don't forget the egress ladder.

 

John,

Thanks a lot for your help.

Eletrical part is much clear now, however build part is not clear. I have 1/2" sheetrock already installed on my ceiling. All I want to do is install frames and sheetrock. Is that query says I need to install 5/8" sheetrock on entire ceiling?

please confirm.

 

The inspector is not telling you to use 5/8" Type X drywall over the entire ceiling. Only where you need fireblocking.