Basement Remodeling

February 25, 2010

Choosing a basement remodeling contractor

Filed under: Uncategorized — Basements @ 11:19 pm

Finding a trustworthy, reliable, quality contractor to finish you basement can be difficult. After all finishing a basement is a big job and you want a contractor that has a lot of experience dealing with basement remodeling. There are a few things to consider when hiring your basement contractor.

Here are some basic questions to ask the basement contractor:

How long have you been in business?

Do you have liability insurance and workers compensation coverage on your employees?

Will you provide the proper building permits?

Will you assist with basement designs and create custom drawings for the job?

Does your pricing include all labor and materials for the project?

What is the standard warranty period?

How long will it take to complete the project?

Will I be provided a project manager or who will be the available for communication of any issues?

Do you have any references and jobs we can go visit? ( This one is very important )

Everyone always says “You need to check references”. I find that most people don’t. I’m not sure if they if they just don’t want to bother people on the reference list or if they are nervous to talk to strangers. Who knows. The one thing I do know is that if you don’t talk to people that have had work done by the contractor you are considering using then you are not getting the full story on what to expect. Take the time to call those references and pick the most recent ones if possible. Ask the contractors previous clients:

Did they do a good job?

Did they keep within the budgeted estimate?

Was it a high quality finished product?

Did you get everything you expected?

Did they finish the project on time?

Did they keep the jobsite as clean as possible? ( They should be treating your home like their own )

Were their workers and subcontractors friendly and polite? ( They should treat your family with kindness and respect )

Would you use them again?

and last

Can I come to see the finished basement job?

Some people will not want a stranger coming into their home to see their basement. My experience is if the homeowners are happy with the quality and they like the contractor they used they will be more than happy to have you over to see the finished project.

These tips should help you narrow you search down to a few good contractors. Good luck.

For more information on basement remodeling visit BasementSource.com

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February 24, 2010

Basement bars

Filed under: Appliances, Basement bars, Basement remodeling design and planning, Cabinets, Ceramic Tile, basement remodeling costs, basement remodeling images — Tags: bars, basement bar, basement design, basement ideas, basement plans, basement remodeling, basement remodeling images, Cabinets, columbus, finished basements, ohio — Basements @ 10:00 pm

The top three items people want when remodeling their basement. Home theaters, bathrooms and bars. A basement bar adds a nice touch to a finished basement. It can make a simple snack area for your home theater or an exciting place to entertain friends and hang out to watch a football game on the big screen. Whatever it is you need, it can be done. The biggest factor when creating a basement bar is budget. By time you add cabinets, countertops, tile, appliances, etc the cost can add up very quickly. You need to figure out what the primary use of the bar will be and try to set your budget accordingly.

A simple basement bar could be made up with several different cabinets choices for the floor and the wall cabinets. You could use a midrange quality cabinet with a laminate top. You can use an inexpensive sink and faucet to make it a wet bar. Depending on budget you can add a tile floor or backsplash. If that’s not in the budget just paint the drywall behind the bar and carpet up to the cabinets. You can always add the tile work later down the road. The average cost of a simple basement bar would be around $2,500-$4,500 depending on your selections and feature

Basement bar with undercabinet lights, a mini frige and wine fridge but no sink

: Bar with mini fridge, wine fridge, and sink

An custom bar would usually consist of higher end cabinets, granite countertops and be slightly larger or have an actual wrap around bar for seating. The cabinet choices for this type of bar would vary greatly. You could also dress up the cabinets with different types of decorative moldings. This would be the type of bar for entertaining guests at a party. You would basically have all the features of your kitchen. This bar would not only have a sink and faucet but it would have a disposal, dishwasher, refrigerator, wine fridge, microwave and more. You would complete the bar with floor tile and an interesting tile backsplash accent complete with under cabinet lighting to highlight the features in your design. You could have different levels to the bar or add pendant lighting above. You could build in flat screen TV’s or fish tanks in the wall. There is many different ways you can make your bar stand out above the rest. the average cost of a custom basement bar will start around $5,000 and go up from there. For more information on basement remodeling visit BasementSource.com

Basement bar with full fridge, microwave, wine rack, undercabinet lights, tile backsplash, and more

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Finish your basement with less dust and save your furnace

Filed under: Basement remodeling design and planning, HVAC (Heating & Cooling), Products and Supplies, basement ideas — Tags: Basement, basement ideas, basement plans, basement remodeling, basement remodeling pictures — Basements @ 7:13 pm

When finishing a basement there is going to be dust spread throughout the house. It travels through the air and in the vents and on the shoes of the workers coming in and out of the basement. It comes mainly from rough framing, concrete demolition, installing insulation, drywall, interior trim and painting. There are ways you can help control the levels of dust in your home during the project.

Keep the dust down

Make sure that you or your basement contractor take these steps before starting the remodeling work.

Move all personal belongings out of the basement. If there is no room and they have to stay in the basement move them into an area that is not being finished and cover them well with plastic. It’s also good to hang plastic over the crawl space openings and Install a wall of plastic around the mechanicals area (furnace, hot water tank, etc.). Make sure when you do this that you leave enough room for the furnace and other gas appliances to breath. Stay at least 4 ft away from all of the mechanicals. You can also buy a system called a ZipWall that makes it easy to block off areas from dust.

Make sure the door at the top of the stairs is always kept closed when not in use. Open a basement window and place a fan in the window blowing out. This will create a vacuum in the room and blow a majority of the dust outside. Then when the door on the upstairs is opened the dust in the air will be drawn down and out the fan in the basement window instead of upstairs.

When installing the return air lines in the basement make sure you stuff a towel into the opening or tape them off with duct tape. Otherwise your sending all that dust and debris straight into the furnace and throughout your home. Make sure to remove the towel or tape when the basement remodeling is complete then you can install the return air grills

Change your furnace filter several times throughout the project. It is best to change the filter once after the drywall is done, after the painting and after carpet and your final cleaning. This will help cut down on dust in the upstairs and save your furnace. When all that dust gets into the furnace it gets into the blower motor and burns it up.

And finally when your basement is done hire a professional duct cleaning company. They will come and vacuum out the all the construction dust in the air supply and return lines in your furnace. Otherwise you might be seeing dust in your house for the next several months after the project is completed.

For more information on basement remodeling explore BasementSource.com

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February 14, 2010

If you need basement remodeling ideas try google images or a basement remodeling book

If you are getting ready to finish your basement ? check out google images for ideas but try this basement remodeling book for all your answers.

basement remodeling home theater dublin ohio

They are both a great place to find ideas for finishing your basement. If the project is a ” Do it yourself ” remodeling job or your hiring a contractor you should really check out the following book:

” Basement Ideas That Work“

I recommend it to customers who are still looking for ideas and its a must have for anyone who is planning on finishing a basement on their own.

This book has all types of tips, tricks, plans and more about finishing a basement

Otherwise you need to hire a basement contractor or design expert to guide you through the process.

Whether its google images or the book you will be able to see what some of the latest trends in basement remodeling are along with samples of home theaters, bathrooms, wet bars, playrooms, fitness areas, built ins, basement flooring, basement remodeling plans and much more. You can find other basement remodeling books at the BasementSource.

Both are helpful tools for creating the layout of your space because you can see ideas that have worked for others. Helping you choose style, colors, textures and much more.

If you need a basement remodeling contractor in Columbus Ohio and surrounding areas contact us.

Thanks.

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January 25, 2010

Egress Windows

Filed under: Basement, Basement remodeling design and planning, Egress Windows, Fire protection & Safety, Uncategorized, basement ideas, basement remodeling images — Tags: Basement, basement ideas, basement remodeling, basement safety, basement windows, egress windows, finished basements — Basements @ 9:38 pm

Are you considering basement remodeling? You should be aware of your local building codes egress requirements. Most municipalities are now requiring emergency exit from the basement and proper emergency entry by firemen and rescue workers in the event of a basement fire. Installing a Egress Window not only allow natural light into your basement but more importantly it will provide a safety escape for you and your family and meet your local basement egress window requirements. The best installation option is to choose a contractor that is familiar with the local codes to be sure you are meeting the requirements. The following information should give you a general idea of the requirements.

Building Planning Codes
IRC Code Section R310

R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue required. Basements and every sleeping room shall have at least one operable emergency and rescue opening. Such opening shall open directly into a public street, public alley, yard or court. Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, emergency egress and rescue openings shall be required in each sleeping room, but shall not be required in adjoining areas of the basement. Where emergency escape and rescue openings are provided they shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor. Where a door opening having a threshold below the adjacent ground elevation serves as an emergency escape and rescue opening and is provided with a bulkhead enclosure, the bulkhead enclosure shall comply with Section R310.3. The net clear opening dimensions required by this section shall be obtained by the normal operation of the emergency escape and rescue opening from the inside. Emergency escape and rescue openings with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground elevation shall be provided with a window well in accordance with Section R310.2. Emergency escape 52 2006 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE® and rescue openings shall open directly into a public way, or to a yard or court that opens to a public way.

Exception: The ladder or steps required by SectionR310.2.1 shall be permitted to encroach a maximum of 6 inches (152 mm) into the required dimensions of the window well.

R310.2.1 Ladder and steps. Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches (1118 mm) shall be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps usable with the window in the fully open position. Ladders or steps required by this section shall not be required to comply with Sections R311.5 and R311.6. Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches (305 mm), shall project at least 3 inches (76 mm) from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches (457 mm) on center vertically for the full height of the window well.

R310.3 Bulkhead enclosures. Bulkhead enclosures shall provide direct access to the basement. The bulkhead enclosure with the door panels in the fully open position shall provide the minimum net clear opening required by Section R310.1.1. Bulkhead enclosures shall also comply with Section R311.5.8.2.

R310.4 Bars, grilles, covers and screens. Bars, grilles, covers, screens or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, bulkhead enclosures, or window wells that serve such openings, provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with Exception: Basements used only to house mechanical equipment and not exceeding total floor area of 200 square feet (18.58 m2).

R310.1.1 Minimum opening area. All emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet (0.530 m2).

Exception: Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square feet (0.465 m2).

R310.1.2 Minimum opening height. The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches (610 mm).

R310.1.3 Minimum opening width. The minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches (508 mm).

R310.1.4 Operational constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge.

R310.2 Window wells. The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall be 9 square feet (0.9 m2), with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches (914 mm). The area of the window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully opened.

Sections R310.1.1 to R310.1.3, and such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool, special knowledge or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening.

R310.5 Emergency escape windows under decks and porches. Emergency escape windows are allowed to be installed under decks and porches provided the location of the deck allows the emergency escape window to be fully opened and provides a path not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height to a yard or court.

** Always be sure to check your local building department to make sure you meet the local requirements**

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January 3, 2010

Your sump pumps best friend, the battery backup

Filed under: Back Up sum pump, Plumbing Fixtures, Products and Supplies, Uncategorized — Tags: backup sump pumps, basement ideas, basement remodeling, basement remodeling pictures, finished basement, finished basement ideas, sump pump, water damaged basements — Basements @ 10:15 pm

One of the most important things you can do before you finish your basement is to ensure you have a quality sump pump and backup system.
Every year I get calls from homeowners who’s basements have flooded due to power outages or failed sump pumps. I recommend backup systems in every basement I finish. If only the contractor that finished their basement would have recommended or installed a backup sump pump system they could have saved thousands of dollars in repairs, insurance premiums, not to mention the headaches of refinishing their basements. If your remodeling your basement spend the extra $500-$1,000 to install the proper backup equipment. Most water backup insurance deductibles are $1,000 and if you have a problem you’ll spend that anyway. At least this will save you the hassle and headache of tearing out the carpet, trim, drywall, insulation and re doing it all.
There are many things that can go wrong down with a sump pump that can cause basement flooding. It can be a power outage, a failed sump pump, a stuck float switch or a sump pump that cannot keep up with the inflow of water. Most builder use the cheapest pump they can find during construction and usually the sump pit is littered with debris by the end of the job. that sump pump has been pumping out mud, sawdust, trash, or anything else that falls in the pit. By using a battery backup sump pump your basement should remain dry during almost any occurrence.

So here are my recommendations.
1. Change out your existing pump with a high quality pump like the Zoeller M53 Automatic Mighty Mate 1/3 hp Sump Pump

2. Buy a battery backup system to install or have your contractor do it. The two I recommend are the following:
Standard- Glentronic’s Bw4000 Combination Primary and Back-up Sump Pump System
Best- SUMPRO Gold Complete Battery Back-up System w/ 2 Batteries (5000 GPH) – SPD- SUMPROGOLDKIT
(Most systems require you buy the batteries separate but you normally get the best deal from a local dealer like interstate batteries or an auto part store.)

3. Always, Always, Always have you battery backup system installed on a seperate breaker from your existing sump pump. If for some reason one of the breakers trips the other one should still function.

4. Normally the batteries only last for about 4 years so keep track of when you installed it and when its due for replacement.

Always use a backup sump pump in your finished basement

Author: David Michael

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December 21, 2009

Cabinet choices for Basement Wet Bars

Filed under: Basement remodeling design and planning, Cabinets, Products and Supplies, basement ideas — Tags: basement design, basement ideas, basement plans, basement remodeling images, Cabinets, finsihed basements remodeling ideas, ohio, wet bar — Basements @ 9:13 pm

The cabinetry and styles utilized for constructing basement bars often have more personality than cabinetry utilized in other rooms of the home. The homeowner feels free to create a more dramatic space in which their personal style can be expressed without the resale fears present when designing a kitchen or other predominant space in the home. The cabinetry style typically falls into one of the following three categories: traditional, contemporary, or transitional family friendly.

Traditional cabinet styles and finishes are often used to create a pub style bar. Typically a designer would suggest a door style with lots of detail and applied moldings in a darker wood species and stain for this style. One way a homeowner can add their personal touch to this style is by ordering the cabinets with distressing or in a rustic wood species. These options give the cabinetry an older more authentic appearance with use of sand through, worm holes, and dents. Decorative wood overlays are another way the homeowner can add their personality to the bar. The overlays make cabinetry appear handcrafted; their intricacy makes the cabinets appear that they are custom built by an artisan. Homeowners should also consider the type of storage they will need in their basement bar. Typically in a traditional bar you will find stemware holders displaying wine glasses and lighted cabinets with glass doors displaying liquor bottles.

A basement bar found in a contemporary home is typically thought of as very simple; design flair and personality are not added necessarily by the intricacy of the cabinets, like in the traditional bar. These qualities are added by the accessories and cabinet finishes. Vertical lift door cabinets are being offered by most mid-level and up cabinet companies. This type of cabinet hinging is considered a more contemporary alternative to the typical hinging. Integrated appliances fitted with matching cabinet panels, creates a seamless and simplistic design—the bar may house a clear ice maker and the appliance would appear to be just another cabinet. Putting a dramatic finish on a contemporary door style will also create style and personality—cabinet manufacturers are offering bolder and a larger selection of paints and finishes. Although, a homeowner may fall in love with Washington Red Cherry paint, she may feel apprehensive about using it in her kitchen, but in a basement bar she can use the color that she loves.

A family friendly basement bar is possible with some of the options that cabinet manufacturers have. Typically family friendly cabinetry serves a dual purpose: storage for adult items as well as children’s items. The cabinets will often have roll trays and other interior accessories for games and children’s snack items. The adult cabinet storage available consists of locked liquor cabinets, as well as a safe out of reach cabinets for glass stemware. The most popular cabinet styles in family basement bars are simple in style so they are low maintenance and require little cleaning.

There is a great kitchen design book that can help you to design your space. Its Design Ideas for Kitchens (2nd edition) This book talks about layouts, cabinet types & styles, energy efficient appliances, hot new countertop ideas, and more. There is plenty of useful information that you can apply to the design of your new wetbar.

For more information or purchasing cabinets visit www.thecabshop.com

For more basement remodeling tips visit BasementSource

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December 17, 2009

Basement Bathroom Ideas

Filed under: Basement remodeling design and planning, Plumbing Fixtures, basement bathrooms & accessories, basement ideas, basement remodeling — Tags: basement bathrooms & accessories, basement ideas, basement remodeling images, bathroom, plumbing fixtures — Basements @ 9:28 pm

Today’s basement bathrooms: small spaces that can have big design

The bathroom in your basement is one of the smallest but it typically sees the most traffic, especially when you’re entertaining guests. It is the perfect opportunity to take a risk and design a space your guests won’t soon forget.

Before you start construction on the basement figure out the floor plan of your space. Then figure out your personal style. Do you want contemporary or traditional decor ? How will it fit in with the rest of the basement. To get great new ideas and keep current on trends, look at remodeling magazines, search for basement remodeling images on Picasa or Google images, visit a local plumbing – bath showroom, or check out home improvement websites. You can find articles on recent trends and new bath products that can help you determine what products best fit your needs.

When working with a relatively small space every styling detail counts. Some manufacturers product sets are making it easier for homeowners to coordinate their pieces. This way each element in the room is designed to perfectly match each other.

Lavatory Sink & Faucet

Most homeowners we deal with are trying to maximize space in their basement bathroom. Usually a pedestal sink is the best way to do that. A pedestal sink provides a clean, open look to the area. The only drawback is a loss of storage space. You can offset that by installing custom built ins or a small closet. If a pedestal sink isn’t your style you can use a sink base cabinet with a granite top and under mount sink. You can also use a vessel sinks. This is where the bowl sits on the top of a vanity cabinet. Vessel sinks are becoming one of the latest trends in bathrooms and add a unique design to the space.

There are many different styles of bathroom faucets. Popular versions include wide-spread faucets ,vessel fillers and wall-mount faucets. The faucet and finish you choose will help pull the decor together . Many of them have matching accessories for towel bars and toilet paper holders.

Toilet

The toilet is one of the most important elements. You want to choose a model that is not only stylish but also highly reliable. Again many toilets are now designed as part of a collection to match your sink and the other pieces in your bathroom. Most popular choice is the elongated bowl model with a good water efficiency.

Shower Surround, Doors & Valve

The shower can be the centerpiece of your bathroom. The latest trend is accented tile walls with borders or inlays and poured pans with tile floors. Add a seat or built in wall niche for a little pizzazz. The shower valve should match your faucet or you could even upgrade to a unit that has body spray jets.

The shower doors are also an important aspect to the bathroom. Our favorite and again most popular is a frameless shower door system. It has a track on the top, bottom and two sides but the glass has no frame around it. This makes it not only were appealing visually but also easy to clean. You can get the doors and the glass in several different finishes so make sure that the finish you choose compliments the rest of the bathroom.

Accessories

You’ll still have to pick out a mirror, light fixtures, cabinets and hardware along with toilet paper holders, towel bars, etc. That’s usually easily done after you get the rest of the bathroom fixtures picked out. Check out the recommended bathroom remodeling books below.

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Tax Credits and Green Home Improvements

Filed under: GREEN IDEAS, Insulation, Plumbing Fixtures, Tax Credits, Uncategorized — Tags: basements, green, Insulation, tankless hot water heaters, tax credit — Basements @ 9:05 pm

Buying a home or making green home improvements? Don’t miss out on these tax credits

(ARA) – A wide range of tax law changes over the last year will result in considerable savings for millions of Americans on their 2009 federal tax returns. Homebuyers and homeowners have some of the most to gain from the changes.

Understanding the qualifications for home-related credits can be confusing and intimidating. Jessi Dolmage, spokeswoman for 2nd Story Software, the makers of TaxACT, breaks them down.

“If you’ve never owned or haven’t owned a principal residence during the three years prior to the purchase date, you may qualify for the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. The purchase date must fall after April 8, 2009 and before May 1, 2010, with closing to take place before July 1, 2010. It’s equal to 10 percent of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000. You only have to repay the money if the home ceases to be your primary residence or is sold within three years of purchase,” says Dolmage.

Property cannot be acquired from a relative, and married taxpayers must both qualify as first-time homebuyers if filing jointly. The credit can be claimed on a 2009 return or an amended 2008 return.

The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 extended the credit’s closing date from Nov. 30, 2009, to April 30, 2010, and added rules for homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009, including:

* You must be at least 18 on the purchase date (only one spouse must be 18) and cannot be claimed as a dependent.
* Purchase price cannot exceed $800,000.
* If the sale doesn’t close by April 30, 2010, you may still qualify if there’s a binding contract to purchase by that date. The sale must close before July 1, 2010, and the credit cannot be claimed before the closing date.

Purchase date and modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) determine credit phase out. If the purchase date was before Nov. 7, 2009, full credit is available to those with an MAGI up to $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers). If you have an MAGI between $75,000 and $95,000 ($150,000 and $170,000 for joint filers), you’re eligible for reduced credit. Higher incomes do not qualify.

If the purchase date is after Nov. 6, 2009, full credit is available to those with an MAGI of up to $125,000 ($225,000 for joint filers). If your MAGI falls between $125,000 and $145,000 ($225,000 and $245,000 for joint filers), you could receive a reduced credit. Higher incomes don’t qualify.

“Current homeowners looking for a different or new home may also qualify for the First-Time Homebuyer Credit,” Dolmage says. “The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act modified the credit to allow for up to $6,500 if you purchase a replacement home before April 30, 2010. You must have lived in the same principal residence for a five-consecutive-year period during the eight-year period that ends on the purchase date of the replacement home.”

In addition:

* You must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence after Nov. 6, 2009, and before May 1, 2010, and close on it before July 1, 2010.
* The credit phases out for those with an MAGI between $125,000 and $145,000 ($225,000 and $245,000 for joint filers).
* 2009 purchases must be claimed on a 2009 return; 2010 purchases can be claimed on a 2009 or 2010 return.

All homeowners can claim tax credits for green improvements. The Residential Energy Property Credit is worth 30 percent, up to $1,500, for improvements such as adding insulation or installing energy-efficient windows, doors, or heating and air conditioning systems. Bigger improvements involving alternative energy equipment, like solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines can be claimed under the Residential Energy Efficiency Property Credit. This credit is equal to 30 percent of the cost of the qualified property, with no limit on the maximum amount of the credit available.

New tax laws also include breaks for children, college expenses, new vehicles, unemployment and several other areas. Information about all 2009 tax law changes can be found at www.IRS.gov.

“You can see exactly how the changes will affect your 2009 taxes with TaxACT Free Federal Edition,” Dolmage adds.” With TaxACT, all taxpayers can prepare, print and e-file their IRS return for free. Go to www.TaxACT.com to get started.”
Courtesy of ARAcontent

For more basement remodeling tips visit BasementSource

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December 16, 2009

Basement Ideas – Insulation Materials and Installation

Filed under: Basement, HVAC (Heating & Cooling), Insulation, Products and Supplies, Tools — Tags: Basement, basement finishing, basement ideas, home remodeling, Insulation, remodeling a basement, remodeling ideas, remodeling ohio — Basements @ 11:35 pm

Its a good idea to insulate your basement. This will help keep it at a stable temperature and also help your home be more energy efficient saving you money. There are many different varieties of insulation materials. For example Fiberglass, Cellulose, Foam ,or Radiant Barrier Foil. The most popular for basement remodeling is fiberglass insulation. It’s usually purchased in bat’s or rolls. The Fiberglass bats come in bags that usually have pre cut lengths of about 8 feet. You can also buy it in 30 or 40 foot rolls and cut it yourself which is sometimes cheaper.

For basement remodeling in Ohio we normally use a R-13 insulation with vapor barrier. You can buy it at any or your local home improvement stores. Its also a good idea to check the local building codes before you get started on your basement remodel or purchasing any of the insualtion materials. Codes usually vary from city to city.

**Before installing the insulation you need to make sure you have completed the framing, rough electric & low voltage, rough plumbing, and HVAC work, and fire stopping.

When installing the insulation you will need the following.

Dust mask ( You’ll need these for drywall too )
Razor knife
Stapler or Smack Stapler
Tape measure
Rubber Gloves

We normally wear long pants and long sleeve shirts because it will irritate the skin. If it gets on your skin rinse and soap with cold water. This will help to avoid opening the pores on your skin.

You install the insulation in between all of the joist spaces on the framed walls. Sometimes you need to cut both the length and width to get them to fit. You never want to make the insulation packed into the space or touching the concrete wall. If it’s too tight you will lose the insulation R-value and if it touches the concrete wall it could pick up moisture and create a mold issue.

If you want to install insulation in the ceiling it will help to control noise transfer to the upstairs. This is always a good idea if your installing a home theater or media room. You will need to remove the paper vapor barrier from the insulation or buy it unfaced. That keeps from having any extra combustible materials inside the ceiling cavities.

Normally after we finish the rolled insulation we go back and fill all the corner joints on the wall framing and around windows or doors with spray foam insulation. Just make sure to buy the spray foam for doors and windows. Otherwise it can expand too much and cause you doors or windows to not open or close properly.

Once your insulation is done your ready for drywall.

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