5 Ways to Finish Those Basement Projects this Year

Many of us have experienced the need for more space in our homes. Whether we need room for additional storage or would like to expand our living space, the prospect and cost of selling a home and moving into a larger space is daunting to say the least. If you have customers who would like to remodel their basement to add more living space to their home, you may be surprised to learn that this once time-consuming job can be done faster and cheaper than ever before. Let’s explore five ways to complete basement projects effectively and efficiently.

Prior to beginning your build, you will need to have the project planned and obtain any necessary building permits. After you have completed the pre-building planning and administrative steps, it’s time to start building.

• Framing: A strong framework will be essential to the long-term stability of the finished basement walls. In addition to the 2x4’s you will use to frame your walls, be sure to also order a top and bottom plate. Framing a basement can be less complicated because there are fewer, if any, windows to account for. It is generally recommended to space studs 16 inches apart on center by connecting them to the top and bottom plates using 6-inch spike nails.
• Drywall: After adding any plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work, it is time to hang your drywall. It is recommended to first measure and cut your drywall for the ceiling, before moving on to the walls. Have an assistant hold the panel, drive screws into the studs about 16 inches apart and 8 inches apart along vertical joists. Screws should be sunk slightly below the drywall’s surface. After it is installed, you must tape and mud the drywall panels to provide a seamless look when painted.
• Stairs: A common problem that many of us have experienced in our homes is squeaky stairs. This problem occurs when the fasteners used to build stairs start to come loose, thus allowing the wood to move and rub against them. To avoid stairs beginning to squeak and creak over time, use BECK’s SCRAIL® SubLoc® PRO fasteners that will hold tightly and have the ability to be adjusted should your stairs begin to creak.
• Ceiling: Most basement remodeling projects use steel-framed drop ceilings, which are suspended from a higher ceiling that is made from wood or masonry. Steel-framed drop ceilings are an economical choice that can be assembled relatively quickly and come in a wide variety of materials and colors that can match the aesthetic you or your customers are looking for. To install a steel-framed drop ceiling, use a steel thread construction fastener with a pneumatic nailer to adhere the metal support joists to the structure above.  
• Storage: After hanging drywall and installing a ceiling, it is time to add storage to your finished basement. Cabinets and bookshelves elevate your space by allowing you to keep clutter off the floors and neatly organized. To hang cabinets and bookshelves, you must first identify the positions of the studs behind the drywall. Always have an assistant available to help hold a bookshelf or cabinet in place while adhering it to the wall. For any heavy object that will be hung on drywall, it is essential to use fasteners that will be deeply set into the wood studs behind the drywall.

Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

SCRAIL® Fasteners by BECK provide unmatched efficiency and holding power, making them perfect for all aspects of finishing a basement. Whether you are framing walls, hanging drywall, or providing the finishing touches by installing cabinets and shelving, SCRAIL® fasteners will help you get the work done efficiently and accurately. For more tips on finishing basements with SCRAIL®, download our eGuide that will show you how to finish your next basement project even more efficiently.