Looking at putting wife's sewing room in the basement (it's where she wants it). Instead of nailing studs to the walls and insulating and whatnot, I'm looking at putting in the middle of the basement and just doing a free-standing room. Framed with 2x3's as it's not load bearing. Make it avoid any utilities, like cleanouts for the drains. Good pathway around it, so the concrete walls are fully exposed. And plenty of other space left for storage. It's a new house to us, but it's been in place for twenty years, so it's clear to see it's a dry basement. I don't know how warm it stays in winter but that was part of the thought: instead of heating a large area I could do a small room with a space heater. Wouldn't need to insulate a small room if it only has to go from 55F to 65F nor require "lots" of power to do so. And if insulation is needed, it could easily be added (I was going to only finish one side of the wall, leave the studs and electric exposed).
I do have the dehumidifier running at a good clip to control moisture now; I've left it at "comfort" which I think is around 50% and it's removing a gallon per day or so (but who knows if it'll taper off). That's the other thought: instead of having to put down vapor barrier against the wall and worrying about future issues, just skip it all. Let the basement breath, and make a smaller structure. Cheaper too. [I'm guessing I need something under any flooring but I haven't gotten that far on this plan.]
Am I nuts in thinking this? Most people go and fully finish if they do anything, but I'm always worried about the cost and then future mold problems.
My basement is something like 28' x 60' with a nice high ceiling in most of it.
I do have the dehumidifier running at a good clip to control moisture now; I've left it at "comfort" which I think is around 50% and it's removing a gallon per day or so (but who knows if it'll taper off). That's the other thought: instead of having to put down vapor barrier against the wall and worrying about future issues, just skip it all. Let the basement breath, and make a smaller structure. Cheaper too. [I'm guessing I need something under any flooring but I haven't gotten that far on this plan.]
Am I nuts in thinking this? Most people go and fully finish if they do anything, but I'm always worried about the cost and then future mold problems.
My basement is something like 28' x 60' with a nice high ceiling in most of it.