New home - unfinished basement
#1
06-23-02, 05:16 PM
New home - unfinished basement
We are moving into a new construction home in July. The basement is poured concrete, completely underground. The builder has put insulation on the walls.
I am wondering what, if anything, we should do to the basement before we move in (we plan on finishing the basement in a few years). Someone suggested putting down the sealer stuff you usually put in garages (sorry, don't know the name). Will this help prevent any moisture problems? Should we wait and watch the floor for awhile before doing anything?
Also, I have not yet asked the builder, but should I expect that anything was put underneath the insulation that was attached to the walls?
Thanks. My husband and I are very much novices in this area.
I am wondering what, if anything, we should do to the basement before we move in (we plan on finishing the basement in a few years). Someone suggested putting down the sealer stuff you usually put in garages (sorry, don't know the name). Will this help prevent any moisture problems? Should we wait and watch the floor for awhile before doing anything?
Also, I have not yet asked the builder, but should I expect that anything was put underneath the insulation that was attached to the walls?
Thanks. My husband and I are very much novices in this area.
#2
06-23-02, 05:41 PM
Member
Finishing a basement
Welcome to DoItYourself.com!
For general info regarding basements:
http://www.doityourself.com/basement/index.htm
For Home Improvement How To's on many subjects:
http://www.doityourself.com/sitemap.htm
Before you begin your project please check in with local authorities regarding building codes, permits, and inspections.
http://doityourself.com/enjoyinghome...outpermits.htm
Moisture problems:
http://www.nawsrc.org/faqs/tips.html
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distrib...s/7051-03.html
http://www.waterproofing.org/
Insulation & vapor barriers:
http://www.resercon.com/Insulation.html
For general info regarding basements:
http://www.doityourself.com/basement/index.htm
For Home Improvement How To's on many subjects:
http://www.doityourself.com/sitemap.htm
Before you begin your project please check in with local authorities regarding building codes, permits, and inspections.
http://doityourself.com/enjoyinghome...outpermits.htm
Moisture problems:
http://www.nawsrc.org/faqs/tips.html
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distrib...s/7051-03.html
http://www.waterproofing.org/
Insulation & vapor barriers:
http://www.resercon.com/Insulation.html
#3
06-24-02, 10:00 AM
It's likely that the builder installed foil or paper faced insulation between the studs. I doubt he'd install a plastic vapor barrier, but pull back a section insulation and look for a plastic film.
If it were my basement, I'd probably leave it alone for a year until I get a sense of how dry it is. Also, the concrete will continue to cure and settle for a while.
Maybe build some nice storage shelves in the meantime.
As far as finishing the basement..... my advice (from experience) is that a basement will ALWAYS be a basement, regardless of how nice you finish it!
Good luck.
If it were my basement, I'd probably leave it alone for a year until I get a sense of how dry it is. Also, the concrete will continue to cure and settle for a while.
Maybe build some nice storage shelves in the meantime.
As far as finishing the basement..... my advice (from experience) is that a basement will ALWAYS be a basement, regardless of how nice you finish it!
Good luck.
#4
06-24-02, 05:17 PM
Member
My guess is that the builder installed plastic faced insulation by attaching it directly to the concrete foundation, perhaps with white plastic facing the room. So, fill us in -- is Rich right, am I right, or are we both wrong?
I agree with Rich. Just observe for a year, getting an idea of what your basement is like in all four seasons, and letting the concrete cure. Some places have lots of water problems in a basement, and others have none. Find out which best describes your area, and find out what is common practice for your area when finishing the basement. Talk to your friends who might be having their basement finished, and go over and see what the pros are doing there.
I agree with Rich. Just observe for a year, getting an idea of what your basement is like in all four seasons, and letting the concrete cure. Some places have lots of water problems in a basement, and others have none. Find out which best describes your area, and find out what is common practice for your area when finishing the basement. Talk to your friends who might be having their basement finished, and go over and see what the pros are doing there.
