Your Basement Finishing Checklist

1. Install a Basement Waterproofing System

You want to keep your basement dry all of the time, especially since you're going to spend your hard-earned cash to finish it.  Protect your investment, and install a basement waterproofing system that includes a battery back-up sump pump system.  You wouldn't want one mechanical failure or power outage to ruin your beautiful, finished basement.

2. Air Seal & Insulate Walls & Floor Joists

Live comfortably and efficiently in your newly remodeled basement.  Most contractors will install fiberglass batt insulation between the floor joists in the basement.  These batts can easily fall out of place, and they do nothing to stop energy-wasting air leakage—except poorly filtering the outside air that's leaking into your house.  The paper facing on fiberglass batt insulation is also the perfect location for mold to grow when there's moisture in the air.

Save energy (and money), control moisture, and enjoy a comfortably finished basement.  Rigid foam insulation can be secured to foundation walls with adhesive or masonry fasteners, while spray foam air-seals and insulates rim joists in one step.

3. Use Waterproof Basement Finishing Materials

While waterproofing systems and air sealing take care of invasive moisture, leaky pipes and plumbing leaks still pose a threat to your new living space.  The best formula for a dry, long-lasting basement renovation is to use materials that are waterproof and won't support mold growth.  You'll need wall panels, flooring, and ceiling tiles that can withstand bursting water lines and overflowing toilets.

4. Optimize Basement Lighting

Don't overlook lighting.  Not much natural light will be beaming in from outside, so your finished basement needs a well-designed lighting scheme.  Fluorescent lights, integrated with a finished drop ceiling, provide excellent general-purpose lighting that's also energy efficient. Don't forget those special light fixtures for your man cave, such as a decorative lamp over a pool table or a small spot light aimed at a dart board.

Woods Basement Systems has been waterproofing, remodeling, and repairing basements and foundations for over 26 years.  Our Basement and Foundation Specialists conduct free basement and foundation inspections and can provide you with a free estimate on your basement remodeling project.  Contact us today, and request a FREE copy of Basement Finishing Science: What to Have Done...and WHY.