Semi-Finishing a basement

[CowboyAndIndian]

Some intermediate pictures in case my explanation of the french cleat was not clear.

I can disassemble the system in about 2 minutes.

[grantmeaname]

Looks fantastic!

[CowboyAndIndian]

Looks fantastic!

Thank you!

Figuring out that the orange store would rip plywood for you and discovering a pocket hole jig were the key
 to making cabinets easily!

[Sibley]

Very cool. What's left on the project?

Are you also sun-powered? I actually did something yesterday because it was nice out. I basically get nothing done all winter.

[CowboyAndIndian]

Very cool. What's left on the project?

Just one item left. This is the corner which has the electrical panel and the sump pump is.
I am thinking about using CPVC 1/4 inch panels with some CPVC trim to give rigidity and a nice look. It will hang from the top and should be easily removed. It is also well within my self-imposed budget.

Are you also sun-powered? I actually did something yesterday because it was nice out. I basically get nothing done all winter.

Absolutely. I originate in the tropics, so this dark/cold winter drains my batteries. I just end up reading and watching YouTube.

BTW, I'm totally stealing the term "sun-powered"

[Sibley]

Ok, I am very interested in what you do with that area. Because I have similar at my house and my parent's house.

[CowboyAndIndian]

Ok, I am very interested in what you do with that area. Because I have similar at my house and my parent's house.

Don't expect much. I am totally clueless on what to do.

DW and I are completely at odds, she does not like my suggestions and I do not like hers!

Options are

• CPVC Panels hung from the ceiling
• L-shaped shower rod with curtains
• Roller blinds
• Storage cabinets with back panels, but using wheels
• Doors, with panels Hinged at the wall

What would you pick?

[Sibley]

Well, I tried to do a skinny wall cabinet with a door, but was forced to choose between storage and hiding the electric panel. My 2nd try was a curtain to hide the panel, got stymied by fire risk. Now of course, I have 2 young cats who would try to climb the curtain. I gave up and left it open. It's ugly but oh well. So are the water heater and furnace.

Haven't even tried anything with the sump pit at my parent's house. The only decent thing I can think of is to make it a walled area, but their pit location makes that impractical.

Honestly, given your setup, I'd just make it a "closet". Walls and door.

[deborah]

Why not do what you did with the lattice elsewhere in the basement?

[CowboyAndIndian]

Why not do what you did with the lattice elsewhere in the basement?

DW vetoed the idea. Said, too much lattice.

[johnnyqnola]

Ok, I am very interested in what you do with that area. Because I have similar at my house and my parent's house.

Don't expect much. I am totally clueless on what to do.

DW and I are completely at odds, she does not like my suggestions and I do not like hers!

Options are

• CPVC Panels hung from the ceiling
• L-shaped shower rod with curtains
• Roller blinds
• Storage cabinets with back panels, but using wheels
• Doors, with panels Hinged at the wall

What would you pick?

I like your last option, doors hinged at the walls. They could either meet at a 90*, or the door next to the breaker box could angle to meet the other door at more of a 135* which would soften the look and save a little space. If you install magnets on the non-hinge edges of the doors, they'd stay shut without devising a latch. You could chamfer the door edges (if you go with the 135* approach) so they line up cleanly when closed. Would still allow plenty of unimpeded access to work on systems within when you fully open the doors flat against the walls.

[CowboyAndIndian]

I like your last option, doors hinged at the walls. They could either meet at a 90*, or the door next to the breaker box could angle to meet the other door at more of a 135* which would soften the look and save a little space. If you install magnets on the non-hinge edges of the doors, they'd stay shut without devising a latch. You could chamfer the door edges (if you go with the 135* approach) so they line up cleanly when closed. Would still allow plenty of unimpeded access to work on systems within when you fully open the doors flat against the walls.

This was also my top choice but DW does not like it.

I'm thinking of going with the CPVC Panels attached to the ceiling since I have to have this basement ready in a couple of weeks, due to a family meetup. With all the other work to do, the CPVC Panels would be just simpler, since it does not need painting.

If I hate the CPVC panels, I will redo it later.

[CowboyAndIndian]

And it is finally complete!

The last project in the basement was completed about 15 minutes ago. I am glad to be finished with this project.

I went with the CPVC panels, due to time constraints and not having to paint it. Did I ever mention, I hate painting ;-)

I used the same method as the lattice panels to attach them to the ceiling, eyehooks in the ceiling and hooks on the panel. I doubled down the CPVC where I attached the panels, since I thought 1/4 inches was not strong enough. I had all the hardware, so I'm not including it in the cost.

DW has been chafing at the bit to fill out the space and I'll provide a couple of pictures when we are done.

Time: 6 hours.

Cost:
3 sheets 1/4inch CPVC : $150
7 1x2 CPVC trim: $90
PVC Cement/Primer: $20

Total: $260

Running Total : $2682

[Sibley]

Awesome, you're done! Looks good.

[CowboyAndIndian]

Awesome, you're done! Looks good.

Thank you. I appreciate all of the advice and suggestions on this journey.

[CowboyAndIndian]

Some pictures with the finished basement. Still need to add the green (fake) plants to make it a little warmer.

One part is right now used as a sitting area and the other as an office. I also plan to add a small workout area where you see the yoga mat.

DW has always loved swings. I had made one for her on the patio in the old house, but it was unusable 6 months of the year. So, the plan was to get her a swing in the basement. I did a Google search to find any clamps which would fit on the I-beam, and I found punching bag mounts for an I-beam. Each clamp can handle 800 lbs (~360kg). I found a swing on Amazon which came with all the hardware and was cheaper than anything I could build ($140). And voila, DW has her swing.

Adding an outdoor carpet and some extra patio furniture (Plastic rattan around a metal frame) completed this sitting area. All items can handle some water. Hopefully, the swing stays out of  any water problems.

I used an old picture for the office side since we have stored some stuff there for DS1's wedding. It has not changed other than storing a bunch of boxes on a plastic folding table.

The overall cost of this basement finish was $2682. This does not include the cost of tools or furnishing. It was well within my self-imposed limit of $3k. It actually surprised me, since I did expect to overrun my budget.

Thanks to all of you for being a part of this journey. Your encouragement kept me going and your advice saved me from some stupid mistakes.

[deborah]

It looks fantastic!

[CowboyAndIndian]

It looks fantastic!

Thank you @deborah. It was a fun ride. Adds a lot of usable space to the home.

[deborah]

Since the basement can flood, are you thinking of putting plinths under the cupboards?

[CowboyAndIndian]

Since the basement can flood, are you thinking of putting plinths under the cupboards?

The blue cupboard is an old IKEA wood one, not particle board, that was ugly and wobbly. If it was particle board, I would have thrown it out. I patched it up, painted it and replaced the drawer and door pulls. A plinth would make it look ugly. If it does get damaged, not much loss.

Everything else is metal/inorganic material touching the floor, so a dousing should not really impact them.

ETA: I do have some CPVC boards left over from the project. I could make a waterproof plinth and put it on top. Would result in one less thing to worry about.

[DeepEllumStache]

You've done an amazing job!

[zolotiyeruki]

I will second the recommendation to put stuff on a plinth.  Even metal stuff, because if/when you get water in the basement, that steel will want to rust.

[CowboyAndIndian]

Thank you @DeepEllumStache.

@zolotiyeruki, you are right. I expect an inch or so of water in the case of any flooding. So, will go around and see what I can do to raise any metal off the ground.