Basement
Get ideas, projects and tips for finishing, waterproofing and organizing your basement.
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How to Finish a Basement: Framing and Insulating
Turn your unfinished basement into beautiful, functional living space. Framing basement walls and ceilings is the core of any basement finishing project. Learn how to insulate and frame the walls and ceilings, build soffits, frame partition walls and frame around obstructions.
Other Projects for DIYers from The Family Handyman:
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Home Repair: How to Flatten Basement Air Ducts to Gain Space
Install wider, flatter heating and cooling ducts (you can have them custom made) to increase headroom in your basement, especially when finishing the ceiling.
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How to Dry Out Basement Carpeting
A wet carpet in a flooded basement may be salvageable, depending on the water source, but you have to work fast before mold starts growing. Here's what you need to know.
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How to Finish a Foundation Wall
We show two good ways to insulate and finish a basement or concrete wall. A 2x2 wall saves space and a 2x4 wall is easier to assemble and insulate. Both will create that snug extra room you need.
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Man Cave Ideas
Build your "man cave" in a garage, a basement, a corner of the yard, or any other piece of unclaimed real estate in your house. Get inspired by these DIY spaces.
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Wet Basement Repair: Curing a Wet Basement
If your basement is wet and your lawn is too flat or has too much clay to drain, you may need to direct your gutters into a dry well. Learn how to install one properly in this article.
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How to Install Basement Windows and Satisfy Egress Codes
We'll show you all the how-to steps you need to install a basement egress window, from cutting a hole in the basement wall to framing the opening to setting the window. Doing the project yourself can save you more than $4,000. The egress window will not only allow natural sunlight to enter your dark basement, it will provide a safe escape route for you and your family during a fire or other home emergency.
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Damp Basement: Finding Leaks and Water Sources
Wet or damp basements create musty odors and mold. Solutions are not always easy, but you can track the source of the moisture with a few simple tests.
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Insulate Basement Rim Joists
In just a couple of hours, you can seal and insulate your rim joists, which are major sources of heat loss in many homes. This project will help lower your heating costs and save you money. Insulating the rim joists is one of the best things you can do to make your home more energy efficient. And it’s easy, too, so anyone can do it.
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