Basement Remodel

[GGorman04]

I hope this is not too crazy to post on an oil forum, but I always seem to get the best answers here. I have an unfinished basement that I wanted to eventually convert to add a bar and some type of movie theater room. While I do have basic knowledge on how to perform routine household work, this would be a big project for me. Is there any book that can list the basic steps on how to get from beginning to end?

Certain things like electrical I would hire someone to perform, but things like framing and the like if I had some diagram or instructions I believe I could do myself.

 

[robshelton]

Before you do anything, check with you local building inspector. Yes you can do lots if not all of the work yourself but it will need to be inspected by your local municipality. Think insurance! I know of a few remodels that were torn out because they failed to get a permit. Keep the inspector happy. He can make your life difficult.

And yes, there are many books out there to help you plan and execute the project. Sorry I cant make a recommendation there.

EDIT the HVAC system should be examined and duct work performed so you should get a pro there.

 

[CT8]

As much as a permit seems to suck it is the best idea in the long run especially if you ever sell the house.You addition will then be a value.

 

[GGorman04]

Great advice guys
Once I talk to the township I will need to get a plan together on how to accomplish the work.

 

[JC1]

Originally Posted By: GGorman04
I hope this is not too crazy to post on an oil forum, but I always seem to get the best answers here. I have an unfinished basement that I wanted to eventually convert to add a bar and some type of movie theater room. While I do have basic knowledge on how to perform routine household work, this would be a big project for me. Is there any book that can list the basic steps on how to get from beginning to end?

Certain things like electrical I would hire someone to perform, but things like framing and the like if I had some diagram or instructions I believe I could do myself.


There are plenty of books at the home improvement stores or your library to use as a reference. There are also a lot of videos on Youtube as well.

Personally, I like to watch HGTV and DIY networks. As much as people dislike Mike Holmes, he's got a ton of good information on his shows.

 

[bdcardinal]

If they still make them, the Home Depot books are really good. Your municipality will have a guideline for everything they require. Some places require a separate exit from the basement outside if you are finishing it.

 

[Clevy]

I am a journeyman carpenter. Self employed for the better part of 20 years.

We have a saying I put on all our company shirts,hoodies and jackets as well as my cards.

"Home building is not a hobby,hire a professional"

Now I have come behind homeowners who watched those tv shows and decided to try it themselves. Every single time I walked in and demolished everything that was standing.
So in their effort to save a few bucks in the end their time,effort,blood,sweat and tears and most of all money was thrown in the garbage bin.
If you think you can do it by all means however it's not as easy as it looks. There are tons of things when you are framing that must be accommodated for,and if it's your first go you don't know what's coming next,so how can you accommodate for it.
A typical 2000 sq/ft basement will take 2 framers a day to build. So ask yourself if it's worth it to save 500 bucks considering the potential for headaches and errors.
I'm not saying you can't do it. What I am saying is to get my ticket I put in 10000 hours and 5 years and I've got an inter-provincial journeymans ticket.
I specialize in framing. Multi-unit residential. 30-50 men.
I can tell you that I've got guys with a years experience that aren't good enough to lay out suites. In essence your basement is a big suite. Too much room for errors.
Too many little things to remember.
Every trade depends on the framer to do it right. If it's wrong every trade is going to charge more.
So you gotta decide if saving a few bucks is worth the potential of paying big bucks later.
A book,no matter how well written is a far cry from seeing it done. I've got books. Lots of them. And if I gave even one of them to one of my first year apprentices he'd have rubbed a hole in his head scratching it wondering where to start.
Think long and hard about this.
When we do reno's my electrician pulls the permits and ties the panel. My guys smash the boxes and pull the wire.
Maybe try to save money like that. Little things. Framing is not a little thing and I don't recommend doing it yourself.
Framing a basement for a man with limited experience is like telling the oil change guy in a mechanics shop to rebuild an engine,and giving him a book.
Can he do it. Maybe if given enough time and allowing for errors. Will he make you money. No.
Will you save any money doing it yourself. Possibly. However the potential for disaster and actually costing significantly more money is ever present.
A book isn't going to teach much because no 2 jobs are the same,though the concepts are. The application of said concepts will vary on each project.
So think about it. If you hit a snag take pics and pm me
But I recommend a pro.

 

[GGorman04]

Thanks for the advice.
Clevy, I really appreciate it. I became bolder when a friend of mine finished his basement over the winter. He has very basic skills in construction, yet neatly framed the basement, did the drywall and other non-electrical parts of the job.