Anyone refinish their basement??

[LeonarD26]

I'm recently bought a new townhouse and really want to refinish my basement for a (budget) hometheater room. I would like this to be a DIY project, with the help of my Father. I'm looking for some good online resources for ideas and any other tips you may have.

I've been on avsforums a lot for specific ideas for which projector I want, acoustics etc, but any recommendations in this area would be cool too.

Thanks!

 

[GasX]

Waterproofing comes first and foremost before any other step

 

[Mr N8]

No matter how cheap and easy that fake wood paneling is, don't use it. Wood trim and crown molding will give you a much nicer effect.

 

[WhiteKnight]

If your house isn't already wired for ethernet do it now, before you finish the basement.

 

[njmodi]

0. Waterproof
1. Put in more power-outlets than you can count
2. Run RG6 to all the walls - just in case you decide to move the TV/computer etc. around
3. Run LAN cable everywhere - including near the TV (for a HTPC)
4. I used a drywall ceiling - it looks much nicer than a drop ceiling (IMHO), gives you the maximum height - so the basement feels more open and airy. I don't buy the "drop ceiling lets me access stuff" argument - its no different from a drywall ceiling between the first and second floor of a 2-storey house...
5. Run speaker wire.
6. Drywall the walls - panelling looks like what it is (cheap)
7. Maybe run speaker wire into a closet or something for your subwoofer - depending on if you want the thing out of sight or not - I didn't, but I wish I did.
8. I wish I had run some cable from my den to the TV - so I could use the line-out on my PC sound card to feed my receiver MP3s etc. (until I get a HTPC - it would be a nice thing to have).
9. Get a carbon-monoxide detector once you do start spending time down there.

 

[ConwayJim]

Look into getting some "sound absorbing" material for the walls.

you could even lay some cork for the ground under the carpet too.


Aslo get everything checked out and approved by an electrician, just to make sure everything is safe.


as stated above, put in some ethernet cable, just in case.

 

[LeonarD26]

Thanks for all the tips. I'm not real sure if I should buy the projector when I first start work downstairs or when I'm close to being done. I know the prices will continue to drop slowly, but will it be possible to setup the AV equipement correctly after I'm completely done? Would it be better to test the equipment out before finishing the walls??

 

[Homerboy]

ActuallY I was just looking into doing this myself soon, minus the "home theater" aspect and just using it as livable sapce for my kids to play. watch some TV, toss a PC etc etc. It's interesting that everyone says "water proof" so immediately. Explain?

I actually do plan on just using wood paneling inlieu of drywall etc simply from a cost/durablilty level, but I do plan on paintint the panelling too as that "wood" color is just too unbarable. My neighbor have done this and it looks perfectly fine for the use of the room IMHO.

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: HomerboyIt's interesting that everyone says "water proof" so immediately. Explain?

Basement's are by definition below gorund level. If they aren't waterproofed, you may be prone to flooding which could cause all sorts of damage to you finished basement. It only takes one flood...

Things you can do to waterproof a basement:

1. Landscape around your house to ensure everything slopes away from the house.
2. Install gutters
3. Cover your basement window wells with plexiglass covers
4. Fix all cracks in the foundation and basement walls
5. Paint entire basement with DryLock
6. Install french drains
7. Install a sump pump

Some or all of this may be necessary to properly ensure your basement is moisture free...

 

[Homerboy]

Thanks... I guess I udnerstand "why" my question more should have been "how"... which you answered....

1, 2, 3 already done.
Obviously I'd seal up the cracks suggested in 4
5 was the "answer" I was looking for I guess.
Cant do 6 or 7 (60yr old house)

I figure I'd run a dehumidifier on the rainy/damp days too if it warranted it.

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: Homerboy
Cant do 6 or 7 (60yr old house)

Actually you can. It's quite expensive though...

 

[Mr N8]

What are French Drains?

I'm doing some remodeling in my mother-in-law's house (soon to be mine, when she gets into the condo she wants), and she has serious issues with water, since her back yard slopes toward her house, before sloping up about 6 feet before the foundation.

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: MogulMonster
What are French Drains?

I'm doing some remodeling in my mother-in-law's house (soon to be mine, when she gets into the condo she wants), and she has serious issues with water, since her back yard slopes toward her house, before sloping up about 6 feet before the foundation.

http://www.french-drain-tile.com/

 

[LeonarD26]

Another concern I have is whether to put a drop ceiling or a dry wall ceiling.... any recommendations?

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: LeonarD26
Another concern I have is whether to put a drop ceiling or a dry wall ceiling.... any recommendations?

Dry wall gives you more headroom and a much more finished look.

 

[kevman]

anyone try those metal fram studs? i've seen them around but no sure waht the verdict is

 

[redly]

Originally posted by: kevman
anyone try those metal fram studs? i've seen them around but no sure waht the verdict is

They screw together a little different than wood. I would say it is an added level of complexity for a beginner and there are little or no savings (might even cost more).

I think the objective with metal studs is weight and stability.

 

[Coquito]

I have a nice 50ft ethernet cable running around the four corners of the basement computer room, because of bad planning. It's white just like the wall, but I would of put it down under the moldings had I thought of it before moving the pc down here.

 

[Squisher]

If you're going to insulate do not run the insulation to the floor. Stop at least 18" short of the floor and I might suggest rigid foam, also. It won't be prone to mold or mildew.

 

[Squisher]

Originally posted by: Mwilding

Originally posted by: LeonarD26
Another concern I have is whether to put a drop ceiling or a dry wall ceiling.... any recommendations?

Dry wall gives you more headroom and a much more finished look.

Yes dry wall looks the best, but a drop ceiling is more forgiving when you decide to do any work to floors above. Like running wires and such

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: njmodi
0. Waterproof
1. Put in more power-outlets than you can count
2. Run RG6 to all the walls - just in case you decide to move the TV/computer etc. around
3. Run LAN cable everywhere - including near the TV (for a HTPC)
4. I used a drywall ceiling - it looks much nicer than a drop ceiling (IMHO), gives you the maximum height - so the basement feels more open and airy. I don't buy the "drop ceiling lets me access stuff" argument - its no different from a drywall ceiling between the first and second floor of a 2-storey house...
5. Run speaker wire.
6. Drywall the walls - panelling looks like what it is (cheap)
7. Maybe run speaker wire into a closet or something for your subwoofer - depending on if you want the thing out of sight or not - I didn't, but I wish I did.
8. I wish I had run some cable from my den to the TV - so I could use the line-out on my PC sound card to feed my receiver MP3s etc. (until I get a HTPC - it would be a nice thing to have).
9. Get a carbon-monoxide detector once you do start spending time down there.

This sounds almost exactly what our finished basement came like in the new/used townhouse I bought...only thing is the guy didn't have a clue with HT wiring and the speaker placement is all wrong.

I have way more outlets than I could ever need though and the walls are drywall as is the ceiling with recessed lighting dimmers and the entire place is wired for cat 5.

I am going to look into the carbon monoxide sensor though....

seems though as there is no shutoff for the outside faucet which kinda sucks....oh well gonna have to kill the main then cause the moron stripped out the spicket for the hose.

 

[LeonarD26]

My biggest worry about a drywall ceiling is if there is a problem with pipes or we need to do additional wiring. What is the cost difference in materials for a drop vs drywall ceiling??

 

[njmodi]

Originally posted by: LeonarD26
My biggest worry about a drywall ceiling is if there is a problem with pipes or we need to do additional wiring. What is the cost difference in materials for a drop vs drywall ceiling??

Just for materials alone, a drop ceiling is more expensive... maybe even 2 or 3 times more expensive (just an estimate). The hardest part about doing a drywall ceiling is furring down under any pipes, building chases around the HVAC ducting, etc. I would recommend just hiring in someone to come and tape the entire basement when you are ready - the pros can do an entire basement in 2 days - whereas it would take someone inexperienced at least a week or two IMHO.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

You don't have a sump pump? My grandparent's house from thr 1920s has one.