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Old 02-09-2012, 02:59 AM
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sphelps sphelps is offline
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Realistically you can most of that yourself, anyone can really. Everything you need to know is on the web.

First get your permits.

Next framing, this is the easiest and quickest part. Keep your hallways 36" or wider, frame the doors properly (2" wider than door size or you purchase pocket door kits and they go in with framing), 32" door for the furnace room and that's pretty much it. Get it inspected and if you pass then you know you did it right.

Electrical next, honestly scares people but it's super basic stuff. Again it will be inspected so any problems will be pointed out and you can fix them.

Plumbing next, use all pex fittings to avoid soldering. You can pressure test lines if you're worried about leaks and again inspection will be required. I see no shower so that's easy but check your rough in positions and DO NOT be afraid to break up your concrete, it's not only easy but lots of fun.

Next hang your drywall. Pretty easy as well if you have someone to help you. Measure your walls and plan to hang the boards horizontal, for example if one wall is 12 feet long order 2 12ft sheets for it. There is a glue you can use to stick the drywall to the framing which means less screws which is good. Planning for a flat ceiling is cheapest, you put ceiling drywall up first, princess auto sells a lift that works fine and will make your life much easier.
You can order drywall from Alberta Drywall exactly how you need it online, they deliver right into your basement for $75!

Higher a mud and tape guy, don't do this yourself. I know a guy, super cheap and really good, shoot me a PM when you're ready.

Doors usually go in next, prehung doors are only $100 a piece and go in easy. Make sure you plan ahead with left or right hinge to match where your light switch is and when you do the framing make sure one side of the door frame is perfectly level so you can just screw your doors up to that side and then shim the other side.

To get to this point I'd estimate under $8000.

After that it's all finishing stuff which is where some expertise and experience is needed for things like flooring and cabinetry but casings and baseboards are simple things.

Last edited by sphelps; 02-09-2012 at 03:02 AM.
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