I have a partial basement with an adjoining crawlspace. The crawlspace is approximately 24' by 24', ranges from 2 ½ to 3 feet deep ans has three concrete block supports under the main beam. I would like to dig out the crawlspace and I have seen alot of opinions/ advice on this subject on this message board. My questions are: 1. What would be the best way to support the main Joist (with metal beams?) and what would be the best way to go about it (excavate along side the supports first then set up temp post and beams- take out concrete supports, dig and put new ones?) 2. How much of a job like this can be done by a novice (assuming the crawlspace footings aren't deep enough and will have to be extended). Keep in mind all work will have to be done within the inside of the crawlspace ( no bobcats/ front loaders) and wheelbarrowed out. Any help, advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Planning to finish basement. Went to Home Depot to get prices and compare materials. Planning on using metal studs, 2 1/2" on concrete perimeter walls and 3 1/2" for the partitions. When looking at the foam insulation, noticed they had 2" thick by 24" wide insulation, and on the label it stated it was for the basement. They didn't have 16" pre cut foam. Is it alright to have 24" on center studs for non load bearing perimeter walls? If so, I also noticed they had both 25 and 20 gauge steel, is it necessary to use 20 guage steel now that the sheet rock will only be supported by 3 beams? And should I use 5/8" rock instead of 1/2" sheetrock? Is there a formula for the spacing, metal guage, and sheetrock thickness?