Basement renovations are among the most popular types of home renovations. They add extra living space for homeowners and often substantially increase the value of a property. As a result, when you become a home renovation technician, you may find yourself working on at least a few basement projects during your career.

However, renovating or finishing a basement is a lot different than working on other rooms of a house. Basements are far more prone to moisture, which means that you need to take extra care to combat mold. Here’s a brief look at some of the steps that go into renovating a basement.

Proper Insulation Will Keep the Basement Warm While Combating Moisture

Every basement renovation will need to be well insulated. Foam insulation can be added directly to the basement walls by applying adhesive in an S-shape to the concrete and then affixing the insulation. Be sure to cut insulation slightly shorter than actual height or length required. Doing so will ensure the insulation actually fits. You can later fill in the gaps between the insulation and the ceiling, walls, or floors with caulk or foam filler. Insulation is important not only because it helps keep the basement warm in the winter, it also keeps out moisture year round.

Home Renovation Training Will Teach You to Properly Frame a Basement

Next, you will need to use the framing skills you’ll learn in home renovation technician school to create a frame on top of the insulation. When constructing a frame, there are two options for going about the task. You can either build the frame directly on the wall or you can build it on the floor and then lift it up against the wall. For most basement renovations, you will find building the frame directly onto the wall makes the most sense. Unlike other levels of the home, the basement floor is more likely to be uneven, which can cause problems when building the frame on the floor. Also, it’s important to remember that if there are any windows or door frames on the wall, you will find it much easier to construct the frame in-place on the wall.

Install Drywall With Caution after Home Renovation Technician School

The next step is to hang the drywall. Renovation experts understand that it’s important to consider moisture when installing drywall. You’ll want to install spacers at the bottom of the drywall, which prevent the drywall from coming into direct contact with the concrete floor. This prevents mold from growing on the drywall due to moisture that is present in the foundation. You may also want to advise your client to invest in a high-quality mold-resistant drywall, which is much more resistant to moisture than other types. Remember, before installing the drywall to the frame, you’ll also need to create cut outs for electrical outlets and light switches.

Before installing drywall, remember to create cut outs for outlets and light switches

Home Renovation Training Can Teach You About Installing a Subfloor

Finally, you will need to create the floor. In some basements, flooring that snaps together can be installed right onto the concrete, as long as the concrete is free of moisture and is level. However, because many basement floors are at least a bit uneven and are prone to moisture, it’s usually a good idea to install a subfloor first. You will learn how to install subfloors and finishes during home renovation training so that you can then create functional and attractive floors. The subfloor serves two purposes: it acts as a moisture barrier between the concrete and the floor itself, and it helps create a level floor for your clients to enjoy.

Most basement renovations will require a subfloor to protect against moisture

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