I recently moved back home from college and I want to remodel my basement into my own little place. I need to put up two walls because the basement is huge and I want to section it off. The floor is concrete and the walls are wood paneled and the ceiling is low. The place where one of the walls is going to be has two poles and a lowered part of the ceiling. I am an enthusiastic guy who's not afraid to try this. My cousin who is a year older managed to do the exact thing I am attempting to do but he lives hundreds of miles away and isn't that available. My theory is if he can do it, so can I. I am going to get some tapes and what not to learn how to put up walls, but I doubt they will help me with concrete floors. I need to know if there is anything I should know before I start learning and if this is a really bad idea. My parents don't want to pay for it because it truly isn't necessary. I have the time and I want to learn. Any suggestions or tips?? I also have some pictures of what the basement roughly looks like if that is any help. sleepycali07@aol.com

 

With your willing spirit and a little hard work, you should have no problem putting up two new walls in the basement. Concrete floors aren't really a problem (think about how many houses are built on concrete slabs). You'll just need to attach the framing to the floor with masonry screws (Tap-Con is a well-known brand name). Any good book on framing techniques will give you detailed instructions.

The Feb. 2001 issue of The Family Handyman magazine has a good article on framing with steel studs instead of 2x4 lumber. It includes plenty of pictures and diagrams.

Most of all, don't sell yourself short. Adding non-load-bearing walls, like the ones you want to install, is not complicated. Just plan your work carefully and allow plenty of time to do the job right!

Good luck!