I don't have much room in the basement so I have ruled out fully studded walls against the foundation. I live in Southern Wisconsin. My home was built in 1929 and has a poured foundation. I get 5 different answers to my questions. Maybe you guys can help me.

1. do I use a vapor barrier paint over the concrete after I have sealed all the cracks. My basement has no leaks since we relandscaped. I've filled the old cracks with hydrolic cement.

2. I've read two suggestions on using foam insulation.
a. put 3/4" foam on wall first, then put up 2"x2" furring and fill in between with 1-1/2" foam
b. Just put up 2x2 furring with insulation between.

3. If I use "b" from above, do I use Conduit for the wiring?

4. If I build a wall around my furnace and hot water heater, do I need to finish the wall on the inside also?

5. How much space do I need between the furnace and the new wall. My funace is 4 yr old Carrier that gets it's fresh air from outdoors. Both utilities are gas

6. Can my bathroom vent use the same exhaust as the dryer?

I know your answers will bring a whole new set of questions, but I suppose that's why you're there.

Thanks

 

E=mail me direct and I will be glad to help you.

 

I know Jack will give you some great answers, but here's my stab at it.
Usually no. Just put a vapor barrier between the insulation and drywall.
I prefer neither. I prefer 2x4 stud walls around the perimeter to leave sufficient room for insulation and electrical, and to give you walls that are much more straight and plumb. However, given the two choices you presented, I'd choose (b).
Unless you live in one of the very few areas that requires all wiring in conduit (e.g., Chicago), you don't need conduit no matter which alternative you choose.
In my city, no. But I've seen other comments here that indicate that some areas require it. So ask your building department. Be sure to ask whether you need to use the 5/8" type X drywall, or whether regular 1/2" drywall is okay.
The furnace spec sheet should say. My furnace says I need 1" clearance left and right, 0" clearance in the back, and 36" clearance in the front. The 36" number is a pretty common requirement of building departments, even if your furnace instructions don't say so.
Whether or not this is legal, I think it would be a very bad idea. If your dryer is gas, it's probably a fatal idea.