Quote:
Originally Posted by tvp2003
Also, any tips on developing basements (I think my first step will be to get one of those books from Home Depot that basically guides you from start to finish -- although any online resources or other recommendations are appreciated  ) |
Lots of random tips from finishing 2 basements and helping on another set
Make sure you get the appropriate permits and inspections OR at the very least build it to code. People might say permits are not worth the time, but it really is no hassle at all compared to ripping the walls out to prove you did it properly the first time. You can buy a copy of the building/electrical code at home depot/rona. Buy a 50lb box of nails, the cost makes it more than worth it over buying little plastic boxes with 100 nails in it and you will have a huge number left over . For finishing, buy (or rent/borrow) a miter saw and a brad nailer (mini nail gun w/ compressor for finishing nails). I would get a set of sawhorses, just buy the brakets and make yourself. Dont get too fancy. As for a saw, a circular will do the trick, but if you are going to invest in a miter saw it will also do most of the cutting of 2x4's etc.
A drill is needed for Drywall, cordless is nice but fiddling and waiting for batteries to charge can be a pain. When you get your drywall mud, make sure it had a high glue ratio, alot of the stuff they sellat Rona will say multipurpose, but if there isnt enough glue in it, it will be near useless for papering your joints. Use the 'professional' paper tape, dont use the mesh stuff since you will pay far more and have to deal with more problems if your joints are not aligned. Make sure your draywall joins are all on the stud ie each edge of the drywall is screwed into a 2x4, or else you will not have flat walls.