Basement Re-Finishing

[bver_hunter]

Do not listen to this. If you are going to rent it out you need to meet certain requirements, if not a good contractor will know how to frame it.

I highly doubt you want to take a course on it.

A good contractor is always an essential part of any renovation. For major renovations, they will not start any work until there is a proper architectural design in place.
You will be surprised how a Good Carpentry course helps you to pick out any flaws during the renovation. Obviously, it also helps even more if you have attended separate Plumbing and / or Electrical Courses. They will benefit your ability to add any minor projects after the major renovations have been executed. But again, good contractors will also insist that all the renovations meet the building codes and are approved, especially if you are renting out the properties. Insurance Companies do insist that all such criteria are met.

 

[Smallcock]

We've recently moved to the house that has a huge basement. Actually it's my old dream. In the past I'd kill for a place that had a basement like that for me to finish my way. The basement/mancave was always a requirement for the home. I have never had a basement nor a mancave of sorts and knew this was something I had to have one now that I had my own place. I have always been into technology (I work in tech too) however, I knew nothing about home theater, audio, etc. until being pointed to this forum. So currently I've been in the process of basement finishing. Once it's done, keep you posted on th result

Awesome, please do! And congrats!

 

[Ceiling Cat]

Here is my experience with a home theatre........................

I installed a home theatre in my basement and the noise that it put out was horrendous. Especially the explosions and gun shots from action movies. I kept asking the neighbours if it bothered them, but they kept saying no. I think they were being polite. I could hear my home theatre across the street. I kept turning it down and turning it off after 9:30 - 10:00 PM.
It became pointless to have one in the house. I kept the big screen TV, but now I use a Logitech surround sound computer speaker system or Sennheiser earphones and amp. for when I need to have near zero noise.

I took the home theatre THX speakers to my office and set it up in the conference room on the big screen. ( for my exclusive use only ) I also have the use of the lounge and the kitchen area. Now I can entertain at the office. I do not cook there just reheat take out food. I have shown movies and even had Pink Floyd concerts there ( via DVD ) I was famous for my color organ light shows when I was in university, so that enhances the Pink Floyd events.

 

[Goodoer]

Follow what "james t kirk" says and do not follow the advice of anyone else (except me recommending Captain Kirk)... I'm pretty sure I know what he does for a living. He's helping.

1. Insist on getting Building Permit (and an Electrical permit). You'll need drawings. The Building Inspector will ensure your construction meets building code. The ESA inspector will sign off on electrical.
2. Get drawings done. You may not need an Architect (it is probably too small of a job for them) but the OAA can offer some help. You can also hire a "Designer" (Technologist, Draftsmen, etc.) with a BCIN #.
3. A good set of drawings will generate accurate pricing from professional General Contractors. If the contractor laughs at professional drawings, do not hire that contractor. Sign a contract. Insist that that the job site become the responsibility of the GC and that they are responsible for all health & safety. If someone gets hurt, you do not want to be left holding the bag when the Ministry of Labour comes to investigate.

PS - Wazup is not helping. His advice is scary.

 

[Ceiling Cat]

 

[richaceg]

You need to lay out the plan with a contractor and let him know what you want. giving square footage to get a ballpark figure is a thing of the past. There are a few contractors who do the whole package now. It's mostly subcontracts. You're looking at minimum 3k for the washroom/bathroom install. add 2k if you need framing for rooms.Piping and electrical are additional costs...a minimum of 20k would get the job done. What you can really cheap out is flooring. avoid carpeting a basement because of moisture issues same with hardwood flooring. you're better off with laminate or your best bet is epoxy coat.

 

[niniveh]

"Basement Re-Finishing
I had so much success with my winter tire question, here comes my next "don't have a man, need man advice" question...."

Folks, TY for all your advice, suggestions, recommendations and warnings. Much appreciated. But that post from MSDoll was from Nov.11. She's probably long done and finished with the project.....maybe even took her own advice and "got a man" in the interim.

 

[huckfinn]

Follow what "james t kirk" says and do not follow the advice of anyone else (except me recommending Captain Kirk)... I'm pretty sure I know what he does for a living. He's helping.

1. Insist on getting Building Permit (and an Electrical permit). You'll need drawings. The Building Inspector will ensure your construction meets building code. The ESA inspector will sign off on electrical.
2. Get drawings done. You may not need an Architect (it is probably too small of a job for them) but the OAA can offer some help. You can also hire a "Designer" (Technologist, Draftsmen, etc.) with a BCIN #.
3. A good set of drawings will generate accurate pricing from professional General Contractors. If the contractor laughs at professional drawings, do not hire that contractor. Sign a contract. Insist that that the job site become the responsibility of the GC and that they are responsible for all health & safety. If someone gets hurt, you do not want to be left holding the bag when the Ministry of Labour comes to investigate.

PS - Wazup is not helping. His advice is scary.

This is great advice ^^^^^^^

I am an Architectural Technologist and have also finished basements, additions etc. as a GC. I would not go to an Architect, but someone like a technologist that has a BCIN (Building Code Identification Number). Sorry I haven't practiced in years.....have my BCIN but no insurance which is a requirement to do drawings, so I can't help there.

You need to get a permit and for that you need drawings. If you do it without a permit, and you go to sell the home, it may cause big problems. They may ask you to get the permit after the fact, and trust me the municipality will crucify you. Also, if the electrical is not done with a permit, and you have a house fire caused by said electrical - insurance is void. Also, if you plan on putting a bedroom or something down there.....there are specific exit requirements. Once more, open for liability if you use it for said bedroom without proper exits.

Drawings and someone who knows code etc., will alleviate many problems before you swing a hammer. One or two mistakes will cost you at least the same as drawings. It will also help you to visualize and plan the spaces properly. Your idea of a space and a GCs could be very different.

Huck

 

[SchlongConery]

This is great advice ^^^^^^^

Drawings and someone who knows code etc., will alleviate many problems before you swing a hammer. One or two mistakes will cost you at least the same as drawings. It will also help you to visualize and plan the spaces properly. Your idea of a space and a GCs could be very different.

Huck

The value of good drawings cannot be overstated. Better to plan and figure things out "on paper" (computer) with a $50/hr BCIN Designer than with 3 meatheads with their fingers up their asses @$120 /hr (plus wasted materials) . And you will get meaningful specs to get accurate, enforceable quotations.

And do not deal with anyone who does not like drawings, building permits, or anything but cash and working under the table.

Being cheap gets expensive real fast.

 

[Kawailuvr]

Call the girl that said she had a good contact number . The best advice s use someone that you can have a positive reference from end of story . An honest decent contractor will help guide you but than I suggest to get at least 2-3 other quotes as comparisons