Installing drywall in your basement requires a good amount of planning, preparation, and tools. Before you start, make sure to check your local codes. You might also need fire-resistant type X drywall for basements that are used for utility service.
To start, determine what type of drywall will work best for your needs. There are a variety of options, including standard drywall, specialty drywall, and drywall treated to resist mold and moisture. The best choice depends on your climate, and if your basement is going to be damp or dry.
Next, prepare your floor. Next, clean the floor. Use a damp sponge to remove any dust. Once the basement is clean, you can begin the process of installing drywall. To stop dust from entering your home, you should turn off your air conditioner. Plastic sheeting can be used to absorb dust.
Hanging drywall inside a basement is not an easy task, especially with so many wires and pipes. You can reduce the difficulty if you have a family member or friend who can help. You should hang the drywall at a height not too high. Use a jack to help keep it steady.
Before you begin, measure the length and width of each section of ceiling. Basements are often damp. Make sure you choose a drywall that resists moisture. Home Depot stocks a variety of thicknesses for drywall. Most often, 3/8" or 1/2" is used. However, there are special types that are resistant to mold.
Once you have measured the ceiling, you should decide how much drywall you'll need to finish. The amount of drywall you need will vary from one room or the next so plan accordingly. In general, you will need a long piece of drywall for the ceiling, and smaller pieces for the walls. These drywall pieces are typically 8 feet long. It is possible to cut these drywall pieces depending on the type.
As you hang the drywall, be sure to keep your joints horizontal. You can smoothen them by sanding them if you are unable to do so. A sanding sponge can be a handy tool. Sanding your walls will remove imperfections and texture caused by nails. Sanding your drywall will also prepare it for painting.
Finally, you will need to spackle any areas where you'll be hanging items. You should not do it too often as this could cause damage. You might also consider using a spackling product that has a mold resistant additive. You can smoothen any rough edges with a fine-grit, sponge sandpaper.
Apart from preparing your ceiling and walls for drywall, it is important to ensure they are prepared for electrical and plumbing works. This will increase the cost. You can rent ladders or drywall lifts from Home Depot to complete the task.
FAQ
Can I do the whole renovation myself?
If you are able to do it yourself, why not pay someone else?
It doesn't matter how much you love DIY, there are times when you simply cannot do it yourself. You may not be able to control all the variables.
If you have an older home, for example, the wiring might be outdated. To ensure safety and reliability, you will need to hire an electrician.
Be aware that structural damage might be too costly for you to repair during the renovation.
You may not have the proper tools to complete the job. For instance, if you are planning to install a new kitchen sink, you'll need to buy a special tool called a plumber's snake which is used to clear clogged pipes.
There are plumbing codes that will require you to hire a licensed plumber for your project.
Let's just say that you must know what you can do before you undertake such a daunting task.
If you aren't sure if you have the skills or knowledge to tackle the task, get help from your family and friends.
They can advise you on the steps you should take and where to look for further information.
Are you better off doing floors or walls?
It's important to know what you want to accomplish before you start any project. It's important to think about how you are going to use the space, who will use it and why they need it. This will help you decide if you should go for flooring or wall coverings.
You may want to lay flooring before you create an open-plan kitchen/living space. You can also choose wall coverings if you want to make the room private.
How Much Does it Cost to Renovate a House?
The cost to renovate a building depends on its material and complexity. Certain materials, such as wood, require special tools like drills and saws. Others like steel don't. The price for renovations will also vary depending on whether you would like your contractor to do all of the work for you or if it is something you prefer.
Home improvement projects cost on average $1,000 to $10,000. If you plan to hire professionals, the total cost would range from $5,000 to $25,000. If you hire professionals, the cost would be between $5,000 and $25,000. However, if the task is done entirely by yourself, the cost could rise to as high as $100,000.
It is important to know that renovation costs can be affected by many factors. They include the type of material used (e.g. You can choose between brick or concrete, and the size of your project as well. These factors must be taken into consideration when estimating the cost of renovation.
Is it worth the extra cost to build or remodel a house?
If you're thinking about building a new home, there are two options for you. You can buy a pre-built house. This type of home is already built and ready to move in to. A custom-built home is another option. This option will require you to hire a builder in order to design and build your dream house.
The cost of building a new home depends on how much time and money you spend designing and planning it. You'll probably need to do the majority of the construction work yourself if you build a custom home. This will require more effort. But you can choose the materials you want and where you want them to be placed. So, it might be easier to find a contractor who specializes in building custom homes.
A new house is generally more expensive than a home that has been renovated. You'll have to pay more for land and any improvements. Permits and inspections are also required. On average, the price difference between a new and remodeled home is $10,000-$20,000.
How can I avoid being taken advantage of when I renovate my house?
You can avoid being ripped off by knowing exactly what you are getting. It is important to carefully read all terms and conditions before signing any contract. Also, don't sign blank contracts. Always ask for copies of signed contracts.
Statistics
- A final payment of, say, 5% to 10% will be due when the space is livable and usable (your contract probably will say "substantial completion"). (kiplinger.com)
- It is advisable, however, to have a contingency of 10–20 per cent to allow for the unexpected expenses that can arise when renovating older homes. (realhomes.com)
- Design-builders may ask for a down payment of up to 25% or 33% of the job cost, says the NARI. (kiplinger.com)
- Most lenders will lend you up to 75% or 80% of the appraised value of your home, but some will go higher. (kiplinger.com)
- On jumbo loans of more than $636,150, you'll be able to borrow up to 80% of the home's completed value. (kiplinger.com)
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How To
How do I plan a whole-house remodel?
Planning a home remodel takes planning and research. Before you even start your project there are many important things that you need to take into consideration. The first thing to do is decide what kind of home renovation you want. You can choose from a variety of categories, such as kitchen or bathroom, bedroom, living space, or living room. Once you've chosen the category you want, you need to decide how much money to put towards your project. If you don't have experience with working on houses, it's best to budget at minimum $5,000 per room. You might be able get away with less if you have previous experience.
Once you've determined the amount of money you can spend, you need to decide how large a job you want. A small kitchen remodel will not allow you to install new flooring, paint the walls, or replace countertops. However, if enough money is available to complete a kitchen renovation, you should be able handle most things.
Next, find a contractor that specializes in the project you are interested in. This will guarantee quality results, and it will save you time later. After finding a good contractor, you should start gathering materials and supplies. You may need to purchase everything from scratch depending on the size and scope of your project. However, it is possible to find everything you need in a variety of shops that sell premade items.
Once you've gathered the supplies needed, it's now time to start planning. The first step is to make a sketch of the places you intend to place furniture and appliances. Next, design the layout of your rooms. Remember to leave enough space for outlets and plumbing. It is a good idea to place the most important areas nearest the front door. This will make it easier for visitors to access them. The final step in your design is to choose colors and finishes. You can save money by using neutral colors and simple designs.
Once you have completed your plan, it is time to begin building. It's important that you check the codes in your area before you start construction. Some cities require permits. Others allow homeowners to build without permits. Before you can begin construction, remove any walls and floors. Next, you'll lay down plywood sheets to protect your new flooring surfaces. Next, you will nail or screw together pieces wood to create the frame for your cabinets. You will attach doors or windows to the frame.
When you're done, you'll still have a few finishing touches to do. You will likely need to cover exposed wires and pipes. Plastic sheeting and tape are used to cover exposed wires. It's also a good idea to hang mirrors and photos. You should always keep your work area clean.
This guide will show you how to create a functional, beautiful home. It will also save you a lot of money. Now that you have a basic understanding of how to plan a house remodel, it's time to get started.