Rough-In Electrical and plumbing/heating

Hi everybody, All done with the framing in my 5 yr old 800 square foot L shaped basement.. Next step is doing all my rough-in's.. What is the best electrical wire to use 12 or 14 gage, I am planning on having a fridge, entertainment center, arcade game and home office down there.. Also how high should I go from floor for the outlets on wall? And I am planning on cutting in through main heating supply and return trunks running length of basement, should I just use normal air vents like the 1's in floor upstairs, or are there special one's, I have heard there are some with fans in them, what are the advantages? I am also planning on putting in a vent-free wall gas heater, any pro or cons on them. I have a 4x8 bathroom framed out and planning on just a sink and a UP-FLUSH toilet, does anybody have any expieriance with the UP-FLUSH type tiolets? . Really just looking for any idea's or shortcut/helpful hints on any electrical/lighting, heating/cooling, or plumbing anybody has to offer.. Thanx to everybody for all their help so far with my project..

 

Contact your local authorities regarding building codes, permits, and inspections. There have been many posts on the forums where basement projects have been required to be ripped out in order to sell the house because the project was done without permits and meeting code requirements.

 

As for wire guage - use 12. 14 guage will meet code requirements for most outlets and lights but 12 guage is not much more expensive and is there for future needs. Often you will find 12 guage on sale, making it cheaper than 14.

You will need 12 (and a 20 amp breaker) for the fridge anyway.

Height - I put mine at knee height and it is great - don't stoop as far to plug something in.

As for the heating/AC - much depends on your existing system and how you will divide up the basement. Have a qualified pro look at it and advise.

 

Set your hammer handle on the floor and use the claw to mark your outlet height. You won't need to measure and all will be equal. If your running conduit for everything 14 gauge is fine. Many people still use romex and if you do definitely use 12ga. you can't remove it.
I do basements and have never had any problems mounting standard boots to the ceiling tile. I do add a sheet metal angle iron spanning the length of the tile to reduce sagging. Return ducts are done the same.
Don't know about the gas heater and I always sub out a plumber to rough in my baths (I hate plumbing).
Good luck, take your time, and enjoy your finished basement, I am right now.

 

Thanx alot for the suggestions, I will use the 12 gage and and hammer trick.. I plan on going with the recessed lights in the drop ceiling.. I have found some information on the UP FLUSH ejector type toilets and sinks and I will be going that way also..I have been waiting 5 long years for this and by the end of summer I should 3/4 of the way done and I'm shooting for a x-mas christening for the Bar... Looks like the total will be about $12,000 including adding a bulkhead exit, I know it will be worth every penny..Again thanx for all the help and I'm sure I'll be back with more questions and reading the post's..