Finishing the Basement (project)

[xdarrylx]

Thanks Mark & Lynda, BrianT.

[xdarrylx]

ESA came this morning for the final inspection and not a single thing was noted - excellent! City of Ottawa was here last week and they passed everything during the final inspection as well. The permits are now officially closed and I am officially relieved - LOL!

[Sam Steele]

Hello xdarrylx and others on this thread!

I went through many posts and am really impressed with all the great comments, suggestions, pictures etc!

We are thinking about finishing the basement and just at the very very early stages of .... should we? How much $ do you think honey?

Well 1500 sq ft to finish. 2 bedrooms, full kitchen with island, laundry room, full bath with shower. That’s going to hurt. ☺

Hire a contractor or just piecemeal to local workers and oversee the project ourselves? I have had a few years of construction from many years ago and get the lingo but not sure on code and best practices as it’s been so long.

I wish I could do a lot of the work myself but physically I cannot anymore due to my medical situation.

Attached is a few pics. Some say just frame a few inches away from the builder installed batt insulation as it’s much cheaper and you don't have to insulate. But you lose so much in room dimensions? Some of that insulation sticks out 8" from the foundation wall. I would really love to rip it out and spray foam to maximize space or do what xdarrylx did with 1" foam or Roxul Comfort board.

Wish I would have opted for the inexpensive $20K nine foot ceiling option That heating ducts will be a pain.

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated!

Thx… Sam.

[xdarrylx]

Hey Sam,

That's quite a project you're undertaking there...2 bedrooms + a full kitchen + full bathroom. It's going to cost a good chunk of change and it's unfortunate you can't take advantage of your previous construction skills due to your medical situation - you'd most definitely save yourself a small fortune (at the cost of adding more time onto your project).

The first thing I'd recommend is seeing what sort of height you have from the floor to 2" under that large duct work beneath the I-beam. Supposed to have a minimum of 75" if I recall.

Also, I wouldn't leave the builders insulation up if you want to "do it right" as you won't achieve the R-value you're looking to get for the sake of saving some money. Those large windows will server you well for letting in lots of light - hopefully you don't have to move the plumbing rough-in...that'll be one less headache.

When you do start your project, don't forget to start a thread and post pics and ask questions...it was hugely helpful for me and get me ideas, inspiration and more!

Good luck

[Sam Steele]

Thanks xdarrylx!

The builders insulation is coming out then since it will not meet the R value needed. Will look at options. Wondering what the cost of spray foam is per sq. ft.

The large duct under the I beam is too low and will not meet code. ugh.

And the rough in plumbing will need to be moved as the builder placed it in such a bad spot for the washroom. Also have to break the concrete to add more plumbing for the island where the sink will go.