You may think its strange to go over foundations in a very basement finishing article. Your foundation was already designed with your property right?
Yes, that’s correct, though the foundation we’re going to discuss has nothing to do with the inspiration holding your property up. Of course, a basement finishing project doesn’t need a foundation in the traditional a sense the term, nevertheless, the thought of starting with a strong foundation still applies.
In this situation, the strong foundation we’re speaking about may be the framing that is to be the premise for every far wall with the basement finishing project. As more and more fly-by-night contractors have entered the market industry, we’ve noticed some disturbing trends in basement framing.
The first is the utilization of 2×3 and 2×2 studs instead of the traditional 2×4 studs. The second is the practice of spacing wall studs 24″ (or even more!) apart.
While at first glance this can appear like a great area to save some costs, you need to be careful of the basement finishing contractor who would like to use these methods.
We affirm that 2×4 framing is vital to a quality basement finish. A 2×4 wall with wall studs spaced every 16″ can provide for any better, stronger wall, that is unlikely to advance and result in future drywall cracks. This type of wall framing is also more consistent with the rest in the house and supplies the framing depth necessary for other building components (electrical, plumbing, insulation, etc.)
Additionally, the cavity depth that 2×4 wall framing provides is way better to get the entire benefit from the insulation which will enter your walls and supply the comfort needed. With anything less than 2×4 framing, the insulation will crush and reduce the general benefit with the insulation.
Ultimately, after your basement finishing contractor leaves, you are the person who will likely be experiencing the benefits (or cursing the shortcomings) of one’s basement. The vast majority of homeowners prefer a solid foundation (e.g. framing) inside their basement finishing project because they do not desire to handle drywall cracks in the future, and they also need a more comfortable basement environment
And at the end with the day, now don’t you deserve a much better wall to your weaker one?
Building more…
