Last year we had an egress window put into the basement so we can turn the basement into a fourth bedroom.
Here’s the list of what we want to do next, but we’re not sure in what order:
[ul]
[li]Putting down Dri-Core and then a floor on top of that (thinking Pergo)[/li][li]Putting in a bathroom in one corner which would include plumbing,a wall, a door and different flooring[/li][li]Sheetrocking the ceiling and putting in recessed lighting[/li][/ul]
So, what’s the best way to attack this whole process for a DIYer?
Well aside from getting the permitation and plans etc. You’d do well to run your plumbing and electrical firsts and foremost, testing everything as you go, and allowing for extra receptacles and circuits that you may want to use at a later date. Once that’s completed, I’d attack the ceiling and walls getting them to full paint. Lastly, install the floor, tiles, molding and outlet plates and covers.
You don’t indicate whether moisture has been a problem in the past. What is the basement wall construction? Monolithic pour, CMU, or other? A chloride patch test on the floor in several spots will indicate the presence and amount of water diffusing through the slab, and guide further material selections.
Step one will be a sketch plan, presented to the local AHJ, who will tell you what you are permitted to do yourself, and what, if any trades must be subbed to licensed contractors. The sketch plan should show electrical devices, indicate the square footage of the finished space, and provision for heating/air exchanges, with calculations provided. Adequate space in your panelboard for additional circuit breakers (which must be AFCI type for the bedroom area) is assumed. From your description of the project, the following permits may include: general construction, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire.
Is there a fossil fueled heater or water heater in the basement? If you are erecting a partition wall which will enclose them, adequate combustion air must be supplied, unless they are both 90%+ appliances using outside air.
The order of activity I’ve used for similar projects (with inspections shown) is:
vapor barrier, partition wall layout and erection (construction rough)
electrical box and wiring install, including hardwire smoke detectors (electrical rough)
water supply and DWV plumbing install (plumbing rough)
supply trunk and return HVAC (mechanical)
fireseal all partition wall header penetrations (fire)
drywall and 3 coat mud/finish
prime and finish coat walls
suspended ceiling grid, panels, and electrical/mechanical finish trims, if present
electrical devices and trims (electrical final)
bathroom flooring
plumbing fixtures and trims (plumbing final)
main area flooring
touch up and finish clean (construction final)
collect $$$$ and have a beer(s)
