Questions about a basement remodel?

Carter Dewater: By lowering the floor you make the basement far more functional but it may not be cost effective. You may not be able to get permits to finish the space legally because of the height. The floating floor requires a sub-floor underneath it. Along with a drywall ceiling you will lose another 1.5" of height. You can box in the duct work and add heating vents for the rooms they run through. You should definitely insulate the walls not only in the basement but the entire house as well. Your heating bill will be reduced drastically and you will recover the cost in a few years. If you have a damp basement I would suggest a humidistat. This will keep your basement dry unless you get water as opposed to just dampness. Build your outside walls with 2x3 or 2x4 and add the appropriate insulation between the studs. To box in the ducts you will have to frame around them first. You could also paint them....Show more

Wilbur Marksberry: -Is it too short to add a drywa! ll ceiling and floating floors?-> It's the most space saving option, so go for it. -- Could I lower the floor somehow? How do I find out how far down sewage pipes might run under the house?-----> It's possible to remove the floor, lower the floor and underpin (add concrete under the outed walls) the foundation then pour new concrete.You can easy add a foot to the height. If there is a pipe, just leave it along and box it in. - Would I need to insulate the outside walls? It doesn't seem that cold, even in the winter, because the heater is down there.--->It's a right thing to do and your town might require it by the law too.- Would Drylok be enough for keeping the basement dry? How long would that last? Can I paint on top of it?---->assuming that there is not leakage it's enough, double check the durability with the manufactures. Yes, you can paint over it.- How would I build around the air ducts? They go as low as about to 5'5" off the floor. Would I just have to not build r! ooms around those?-----> You box them in with drywall or just ! paint them and ignore....Show more