Looking for advice on finishing a basement, in particular, walls/flooring. I've read several things on the internet, all of which seem to contradict everything that the contractors have told me and included in their proposals.
Received about 6 estimates, ranging from $30k - $115k, which makes it even harder to trust someone when the quotes are all over the place. I'd say the average quote was around 38-40k.
I've been in my house for two years. Have never seen water enter the basement, however, there is efflorescence at the base of the cinderblock walls. Prior homeowner painted 1/3 of walls in the Drylok crap, which makes me wonder a bit. Basically tells me there is water in the block and water vapor coming through walls. I currently have one sump pump which constantly goes off when we get a good rain, and continues to go off periodically for a day or two following the rain. We will be adding a second sump pump before we finish the basement. Our back yard can get pretty wet as you can imagine. Is there a specific area that we should position the second pump? Caddy corner? Directly across in opposite corner?
That being said, I'm concerned with moisture/mold, and want to make sure I take the proper steps to prevent against these things as best as possible. I want the basement done right.
I've read that you should NEVER use fiberglass insulation for basement walls, however, every contractor indicated that is what they use to finish the walls. I've read that XPS rigid foam board is a better option, due to it being mold/moisture resistant. Can anyone confirm this technique? It's cheaper than spray foam, but seems to be a better application that fiberglass. Do these contractors not know what they are talking about? Are they taking the easy way out? Are they not up to date with current building trends? Also, every contractor said they would use fiberglass batts in the rim joists? Is that a good option or is there something better? I will then have a mold/moisture drywall put up on the foundation walls to create a thermal barrier.
I have a concrete slab. Everything I read says that a subfloor should be installed before flooring is laid down. Again, none of the contractors proposed a subfloor. They all said they would install carpet/laminate/vinyl directly over the slab. Water vapor comes up through the slab, so if imagine a moisture resistant subfloor would be necessary. what is the proper technique for a basement subfloor? I've read so many different opinions. And again, why have all of the friggen contractors just looked past this issue???? If we use a canadian product called DRICore, it will add about $2,225 to the total cost. This product seems to get overall good reviews and appears to take into consideration mold/moisture factors. Just not sure if this is necessary, worth the money, or a good product in general...
And finally, do you insulate a basement ceiling? Some contractors said yes, others said no. The ones who said yes recommended R19 fiberglass batts. I believe the US Department of Energy website says not to insulate a basement ceiling, especially if insulating the walls. I've also read varying things on the Internet, however it seems the consensus would be to forego the ceiling insulation.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I live in southern NJ if you also want to recommend a legit contractor.
Thanks!
Received about 6 estimates, ranging from $30k - $115k, which makes it even harder to trust someone when the quotes are all over the place. I'd say the average quote was around 38-40k.
I've been in my house for two years. Have never seen water enter the basement, however, there is efflorescence at the base of the cinderblock walls. Prior homeowner painted 1/3 of walls in the Drylok crap, which makes me wonder a bit. Basically tells me there is water in the block and water vapor coming through walls. I currently have one sump pump which constantly goes off when we get a good rain, and continues to go off periodically for a day or two following the rain. We will be adding a second sump pump before we finish the basement. Our back yard can get pretty wet as you can imagine. Is there a specific area that we should position the second pump? Caddy corner? Directly across in opposite corner?
That being said, I'm concerned with moisture/mold, and want to make sure I take the proper steps to prevent against these things as best as possible. I want the basement done right.
I've read that you should NEVER use fiberglass insulation for basement walls, however, every contractor indicated that is what they use to finish the walls. I've read that XPS rigid foam board is a better option, due to it being mold/moisture resistant. Can anyone confirm this technique? It's cheaper than spray foam, but seems to be a better application that fiberglass. Do these contractors not know what they are talking about? Are they taking the easy way out? Are they not up to date with current building trends? Also, every contractor said they would use fiberglass batts in the rim joists? Is that a good option or is there something better? I will then have a mold/moisture drywall put up on the foundation walls to create a thermal barrier.
I have a concrete slab. Everything I read says that a subfloor should be installed before flooring is laid down. Again, none of the contractors proposed a subfloor. They all said they would install carpet/laminate/vinyl directly over the slab. Water vapor comes up through the slab, so if imagine a moisture resistant subfloor would be necessary. what is the proper technique for a basement subfloor? I've read so many different opinions. And again, why have all of the friggen contractors just looked past this issue???? If we use a canadian product called DRICore, it will add about $2,225 to the total cost. This product seems to get overall good reviews and appears to take into consideration mold/moisture factors. Just not sure if this is necessary, worth the money, or a good product in general...
And finally, do you insulate a basement ceiling? Some contractors said yes, others said no. The ones who said yes recommended R19 fiberglass batts. I believe the US Department of Energy website says not to insulate a basement ceiling, especially if insulating the walls. I've also read varying things on the Internet, however it seems the consensus would be to forego the ceiling insulation.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I live in southern NJ if you also want to recommend a legit contractor.
Thanks!
