How to Best Frame Your Basement for Finishing

Just like your house needs a sturdy foundation to stay strong, basement remodeling requires a foundation as well. You might be thinking about cement or stone barriers, but in a remodel, a foundation is the structure of wood that goes up beneath your walls. This framing is the basis of strength in the overall project, so you want to be sure you do it right. Here’s how to best frame your basement for finishing.

The most important thing to do is use the correct lumber. Less knowledgeable contractors will try to reduce costs by bringing in 2×2 or 2×3 boards and spacing them further than 2 feet apart. Beware this kind of laziness because it can lead to problems down the road. You want walls that will stand for years to come, bringing your family the most enjoyment possible.

The correct size studs for basement remodeling are 2×4 and they should be placed no further than 16 inches apart. It’s imperative that you get this right because a weaker foundation leads to weaker walls. You’ll probably end up with cracked drywall due to the walls moving with the shifting of your home. The correct size studs also leave room to do the internal work of electric and plumbing to make the room more functional.

Framing the wall with 2×4 boards also leaves adequate space for the insulation you need to keep the room warm in winter and cool in summer. Smaller spaces lead to crushed insulation which reduces its benefits. Without good insulation, the room may be unusable during certain portions of the year.

When doing basement remodeling, you want to start with a strong foundation. By using the correct size studs and spacing them closer together, you’ll end up with strong walls for a project that lasts. Being able to install the needed insulation, plumbing and electrical work is important so your room will be functional all year long.