CREATE LIVING SPACE Remodeiiing basement adds to home value HOMEOWNERS who need more space but find themselves locked in by ris- ing house prices may have an answer to their problem right under their feet. “A basement, often thought of as just a damp place for storage, can be converted to a family room, study or even an extra bedroom,” says Michael Krach, vice president of a leading manufacturer of building materiais used in remodelling. ‘‘And, basement remodelling is a project that prac- tically any do-it-yourselfer can complete.’’ Krach offers the following step-by-step instructions on haw to turn a basement into an energy- efficient area for work or recre- ation. Because it is energy-effi- cient, it will not only add living space to your home, it will also add value. The following eight steps include tips that can save you time and money —_ooth while you are working oa the project and for years to cone. GETTING 8TARTED One of the firs: things to con- sider when remocelling the base- ns oa a cei a el tents rate ned Aa NEWS photo submitted REMODELLING YOUR basement can add a faraily room, study or even an extra bedroom to your home. This weekend handyman is installing insulation to hi- basement walls. ment is the condition of its ceiling, walls and floor. Patch any loose mortar, cracks or holes, and level u:e floor with a hydraulic patch cement, available at any focal home centre or building material retailer. In some cases, waterproofing the basement walls may be necessary. Decorate and Coordinate .. for Christmas. fs 3 OQ DRAPERIES, OFF FABRICS & LABOUR UPHOLSTERY, BEDSPREADS CUSTOM BUILT FURNITURE Free shop at home service North Vancouver 1099 Marine Drive Phone: 985-6148 wo (0) Custom Design Diana INTERIORS W) Vancouver 3004 W. 41st Avenue Phone: 261-2278 Seal the walls with crack repair substances and sealers, also 13 - Friday, November 7, 1986 - North Shore News available at a local retail outlet. If seasonal water seepage occurs, consult a professional waterproof - ing contractor. STEP 1. FRAMING THE WALLS — With the prep work behind you, you're ready to frame the walls — the start of one of the most important parts of the remodelling: Insulating those walls. Without insulation, the base- ment acts as a natural ice box, which contributes to the cost of heating the home in winter. The easiest way to install the in- sulation is inside a framework of 2x4 studs, installed 16 in. on cen- tre. If your basement floor is level, the franied walls can be assembled on the floor and then raised into position. If your basement floor has not been levelled, it is best to install the top and bottom 2x4’s and then the upright studs. In either case, the bottom studs should be pressure-treated lumber. anagem The Ruler To our customers, friends and business associates who added so much to our office-warming party — A WARM THANK YOU! This Saturday, Novernber 8, we are inviting everyone who would like to taik with us in a relaxed, informa! atmosphere to Our onen house. Come find out how you can make your building or renovation project suit your budget, your lifestyle, or your business Marathon Management will take full place. responsibility for your construction and decoration. You need only to deal with one contractor. We do everything ourselves! The job 1s finished when you are satisfied. Open House Wolmanized lumber, available at any building material retail centre, is recommended because it is usually guaranteed to resist rott'ng or deterioration for 30 years. The completed frameworh should be anchored to the flocr with masonry nails and naiied directly to the joists overhead. STEP 2. ELECTRICI- TY.PLUMBING AND VES- TILATION — Unless you have considerable experience, you should probably hire a contractor to handle this part of the project. Regardless, there are a few things you should think about. For example, you may want to move your water meter to a sepa- rate utility room for easy access. Also, air ducts may be needed to channel! conditicned air from the central heating and cooling system to the new living area. Finzlly, this stage of the project is See insuiation Page 14 Name You Can Trust 'e Want Your Pl ans! e New Homes e Additions e Renovations OPEN HOUSE We have full design services in-house, providing prompt accurate information about how design and price affect each other. We wuld be pleased to discuss your existing plans or your ideas. We look forward to meeting you. Saturday, November & 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.