Finishing a Basement?

[crackinhedz]

Ok guys, my offer on a house was accepted today! Probably won't close until next month...and probably wont finish the basement for a very long time...

But can anyone give me some pointers??

I would love to finish the basement myself to save a lot of money, but I will most likely end up paying someone since I don't have the free time, supplies, or even the knowledge to do it myself.

So I was wondering, what would be the best way to go about it?? The basement is HUGE. Square foot wise I would put it around 1000 sq. ft. (probably more). Obviously I would like a Theater room, and most definitely a play room for my son.

Anyways, who does this kind of work? What would their title be called?? in other words, how would I look them up in a phone book?

Also, I think there is electrical wiring already in place, but im sure for a theater I will need more and in certain spots. So would the guy who does the finish work also do electrical, or would I need to hire an electrician?? also what about AC and Heat?


Honestly, my dream is pretty far down the road but I want to make sure I have it planned out right.

Also, if anyone knows someone who does this kind of work in the Lynchburg, VA area at a decent price please let me know!


Thanks guys.


Edit:

[fletchlives]

Word of mouth like this is your first and best way to get it done at a good price, especially with a lot of builders needing work these days. There are also companies around that specialize in basement refinishing so just look them up for VA and see who's close as well. They do it all as far as plumbing, electrical, and general construction, but will be pricier. I'm in the middle of doing mine right now, but am doing it slowly and on my own. I have a friend who is a contractor so he helped me do the framing for the walls and the electrical work back in the spring, but have been going solo since then. None of it is as hard as you may think. It's been rewarding to do, and I know I'll be really proud and enjoy my HT even more having done it myself. Good luck!

[crackinhedz]

Thanks for the response fletch.

I would love to do myself, and may end up doing just that. Im just afraid I don't have the time. But, ya never know.

Im fairly handy with tools and can learn to do just about anything...but I also don't want a half assed basement.

Ive been trying to read websites about how to "do it yourself" and even though they say its not that hard and give decent explanations, I still fnd it very difficult to understand simply because reading and doing are two different animals.

[dukeBLUdevil]

There are a couple of places in Roanoke, VA about 20 miles from Lynchburg, that specializes in home theatre. Can't remember names. Sorry

[Hammie]

Go to your local mom and pop HT shop and ask them who they recommend in your area for an HT build.

I think the first thing you want to do is think of a budget.

Also, Google search "sound proofing a home theater." You should get some good suggestions on what you need to do.

In regards to doing it yourself. I guess it depends on how quickly you want it done. I refinished mine over a two year time frame. It took a few months to finish it to a point where it has habitable and then the remainder was spend slowly finishing trim work, painting/re-painting, new carpeting, etc.

Make sure you keep us updated with pics on the status if you do get it finished, both as a DIY or Pro job.

[solarrdadd]

you should have a licensed electrician give you an evaluation as to what you have available in your basement that exist. Verify good grounding and properly sized conductors for those circuits too. i would recommend you have, if possible at least 2 dedicated 20a, 120v circuits TVSS type for your home theater gear. have him check the panel to make sure your wiring is in good shape. also, an investment in whole house TVSS system at the panelboard is a good investment. that's the kikd of stuff i did for my own gear.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by louhamilton

Also, Google search "sound proofing a home theater." You should get some good suggestions on what you need to do.

good idea!

Make sure you keep us updated with pics on the status if you do get it finished, both as a DIY or Pro job.

Of course. Once I move in, I hope to take pictures and sketch up a drawing of the room dimensions...maybe you guys could advise on possible layouts?

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by solarrdadd

you should have a licensed electrician give you an evaluation as to what you have available in your basement that exist. Verify good grounding and properly sized conductors for those circuits too. i would recommend you have, if possible at least 2 dedicated 20a, 120v circuits TVSS type for your home theater gear. have him check the panel to make sure your wiring is in good shape. also, an investment in whole house TVSS system at the panelboard is a good investment. that's the kikd of stuff i did for my own gear.

Thanks, I was hoping youd chime in on the electrical issues.

So what would an estimated cost to wire the whole house with a TVSS system? (and what exactly is TVSS?)

And if I have the whole house with TVSS, would I still also need to add 2 dedicated 20a, 120v circuits for the home theater? (im thinking yes, because it would still need a dedicated circuit for HT equipment correct?)

... I see you are in VA, make any house calls??

[solarrdadd]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

Thanks, I was hoping youd chime in on the electrical issues.

So what would an estimated cost to wire the whole house with a TVSS system? (and what exactly is TVSS?)

And if I have the whole house with TVSS, would I still also need to add 2 dedicated 20a, 120v circuits for the home theater? (im thinking yes, because it would still need a dedicated circuit for HT equipment correct?)

... I see you are in VA, make any house calls??

TVSS stands for Transient Voltage Surge Suppression, it's a device that clamps down on the amount of surge voltage that invades your system either by the utility or lightning strike. this type installs in the main electrical service panel of your house to give the entire distribution system protection. the price can range from under 100 to hundreds to suit your level of comfort; that was the unit cost.

I would recommend the dedicated circuits for a couple of reasons:

these circuits will not be shared by any other devices in your house.

interupptions caused by overload or fault by another device will not affect the dedicated circuits.

you know exactly what is on that circuit and it's properly labeled in the panel.
you want #12awg wire (or #10 depending on distance from the source) to be used as required for 20a circuit.

even with the whole house protection, i still recommend at the point of connection for your equipment, have a 20a, 120v TVSS type receptacle (one for each circuit) this provides redundant protection from utility surges and doubles your chances of a positive outcome from a lightning strike. I have both, but that's just me.

as for the house calls, only for special things or for friends and since your a member I'd like to consider you both! hit me with a PM and let's see what happens. I will answer all questions to the best of my ability.

[bhampton]

I finished a portion of my basement to build my HT.

(I left much more than half of it unfinished for now.)

Here's a few things that I would mention...

1) I got a permit. It was only $75 (a drop in the bucket for the total project) and it was required. I had 2 inspections and got a certificate of completion when I finished.

2) I got a book from Creative Homeowner that covered everything walls, floors, stairs, everything. I'll go find it later so I can give the title. There's lots of great books similar to it though.

Here it is...



Amazon link...

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide...830035&sr=8-11



This book covers everything in just the right amount of detail. (According to me that is.) I looked at several books but this one was just my speed.

3) I had carpet installed for me. It was almost the same cost as it would have been if I did it myself.

4) I installed a sub-floor. My basement is concrete (like the inside of a pool sort of) The sub-floor stuff was cheap, easy to install, and there is simply no way I would have gone without it.

5) I put a vapor barrier up between the walls of the theater and the foundation. This was basically a big sheet of plastic that looked like a glad bag only it was one large sheet. After I built the framing for the walls that went along the foundation it took me 5 minutes or less to put this large sheet of plastic behind them. I'm very glad I did. Last winter I had a water pipe freeze and burst behind the walls of the HT. The water ran down the walls and under the sub-floor. The walls and carpet never got wet.

6) I bought a pre-hung door... this one is kind of a given. I don't know what a door that's not pre-hung costs but the door with it's frame cost about $100 and it just goes into the space you make for it. Some people use exterior doors because they have better sound proofing qualities.

7) I was tricked by my drywall. The drywall company was nice and put little marks all over the drywall showing you where screws or nails would typically go. They put those marks on both sides but in fact...Drywall is directional. There is one side that is supposed to take paint and one side that is always supposed to be the back. So... some of my drywall sheets got wavy after painting... oh well.. I suppose I could fix it but the walls are dark red and the lights are off most of the time.

That's all that comes to mind. People seem to love my HT. I get lots of complements and for a while the local church would have movie nights here.

-Brian

Edit--- One thing I like to keep in mind whenever I do these kind of projects myself is "If anyone could possibly make this job any easier... they could cash in for big bux." Some stuff like Drywall seems like it could be easier but if I could think of a way to make it easier that notion would be worth lots of money to people who do it for a living each day.

[crackinhedz]

Thanks for the tips Brian. I will look into that book you mentioned.


I will definitely post some pics of the basement once I get in the house. Give you guys a good idea of what im working with...and maybe get some helpful pointers.

Also, the ceiling of the entire basement has insulation already placed, and along the ceiling studs there are these things that look like little cheese graders. Someone posted a pic of them a while ago, but I could not find it. Im assuming its to hold the sheet rock in place on the ceiling...anyways, like I said once I get into the house I will take some pictures.

[crackinhedz]

4) I installed a sub-floor. My basement is concrete

The basement is all concrete, so I might have to do a sub-floor. Is this just a layer/level of wood?

[fletchlives]

Yep, it's basically an insulated piece of pressboard wood. You can get them in 2x2 sheets at Home Depot.

[Magic]

I just subscribed to this thread so that I do not miss any info.

I'm in as close to the exact situation as you Crackin as I can be. I am building a home right now and the basement is being left unfinished (money saver). I already know that it is going to be my media/entertainment area, but that is a ways off. I want to do as much as I can myself, but have never done anything like this before. I'm sure that I could do a decent job with proper information/directions, but I am looking at all possibilities just in case. So I will stay up-to-date on this thread and absorb all useful info (solarrdadd) and buy any and all DIY books that are suggested (bhampton). And of course, if anyone has a strong recommendation for contractors/electricians in the Grand Rapids, MI area.... those would be welcome as well.

Thanx Crackin for starting this thread.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Magic

Thanx Crackin for starting this thread.

hey, if we can all learn a thing or two...

[crackinhedz]

Also, i've read that it is recommended before starting anything to check and make sure the basement does not have any leaks or mold etc.

Im assuming this info will be known when they do a House Inspection and also a VA inspection, correct? or is this something I will have to do on my own?

[Fenix88]

my HT is in the basement. I would get a dehumidifier and also have some type a battery back up for your sump pump if you have one. I like the basement watchdog. I also re routed all water lines out of the room just to be on the safe side. I also broke up the room in corners putting 2 outlets per 20amp circuit breaker depending on where your stuff goes.

[tlimof]

Hey, my brother in law does all that type of things, but we're in Maryland around 4 hours from Lynchburg, so here are some links that could help you:

This one help you find local contractors specialized in Home Theaters:

http://www.constructiondeal.com/cate...D=182027558512

This one has Home Theater tips and stuff:

http://www.hometheaterfocus.com/

This one has a bunch of contacts and info:

http://articles.directorym.net/A_gui...msburg_VA.html

So hope this helps you a little bit.

[crackinhedz]

thanks for the links.

[bhampton]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

The basement is all concrete, so I might have to do a sub-floor. Is this just a layer/level of wood?

Yeah,.. Have a look at the stuff if you go to a store like Home Depot. It's wood on top and plastic on the bottom with raised sections like big cleats.

Once you have the framing done this subfloor stuff goes down fast and easy. It just goes together (tongue and groove I suppose is the name for it.)

I can't imagine not putting a sub floor over concrete.

-Brian