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Framing an unfinished basement

7K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  walkman 
#1 ·
Hello all. I want to do some reading/learning and prepare for a DIY project to finish the basement at my place. I was wondering if you all have any good links to reading material for how to properly frame out the space. Im good with running wiring, drywall, etc...but Ive not done any real framing and I want to make sure its done properly.

Thanks in advance !
 
#2 ·
I don't know specifically of any concise, complete work on how to finish a basement, but I'm sure they're out there. You might check out "Taunton Press" publications. They have books on just about every aspect of building and are very thorough with good illustrations. They also publish a magazine that you might like called "Fine Homebuilding" that isn't strictly limited to building homes. Framing a basement is mostly filling in and trying to incorporate "features" that you can't alter for the most part into your finished space. You can check out some of the projects on this site for inspiration, I did, though after completing my design and starting the project.

If you're not going to hire a professional designer, I think it's helpful to get a 2nd and 3rd opinion on design at least from a friend you think has good taste.
 
#3 ·
Framing should be all non-load bearing, so not a big problem
16" OC, windows & doors framed in - no real need of a header, ceiling depends upon what is there - electric/pipes/heat etc

Do a search on here for basements & read the theads
Biggest issue usually is framing for proper insulation to keep the basement dry/and/or get rid of water vapor that comes in thru the concrete
 
#4 ·
"I was wondering if you all have any good links to reading material for how to properly frame out the space." -------- Basic framing: http://books.google.com/books?ei=8h...lt&as_brr=3&q=basic+framing&btnG=Search+Books

Basements: http://books.google.com/books?ei=8h0KSqSpLKTgtAPf5ezhCA&ct=result&q=finishing+a+basement&as_brr=3

Insulation, moisture problems, as Dave said: http://www.buildingscience.com/docu...g-existing-basements/view?searchterm=basement http://www.buildingscience.com/docu...rol-for-new-residential-buildings?full_view=1

Check your local Building Department, example of online site: http://www.aacounty.org/IP/Resources/FinishBasementGuide.pdf
You would want to get everyone out safely in case of fire.

Be safe, Gary
 
#5 · (Edited)
1 of 3

Please note the diagrams would not copy over. You will need to verify this with your local building department. Code requirements may be more or less stringent in your location.

DEFINITIONS
ARC-FAULT CIRCUIT-INTERRUPTER (AFCI): A AFCI is a device intended for protection from the effects of arc-faults (electrical fires) in a circuit by detecting the arcing in the wiring or device plugged into the circuit and tripping.
CLEANOUT: An accessible opening in the drainage system used for the removal of possible obstructions.
COMBUSTION AIR: The air provided fuel-burning equipment including air for fuel combustion, draft hood dilution and ventilation of the equipment enclosure.
EMERGENCY EGRESS: An operable window, door or similar device that provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in the event of an emergency.
GROUND-FAULT CIRCUIT-INTERRUPTER (GFCI): A GFCI is a device intended for protection of people (electrical shocks and electrocutions) by tripping when a line to ground fault is detected.
HABITABLE ROOM: Any room which meets the requirements of the code for sleeping, living, cooking or dining purposes, excluding such enclosed places as closets, pantries, bath or toilet rooms, hallways, laundries, storage spaces, utility rooms and similar spaces.
OVERCURRENT: Any current in excess of the rated current of equipment or the ampacity of a conductor (wire).
OVERCURRENT-PROTECTION DEVICE (CIRCUIT BREAKER): A device designed to open and close a circuit by nonautomatic means and to open the circuit automatically on a predetermined overcurrent without damage to itself when properly applied within its rating.
RECEPTACLE: A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of a single attachment plug. A receptacle outlet is where one or more receptacles are installed.
GENERAL BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS
ROOM SIZES
Habitable rooms shall have an area of not less than 70 square feet. Habitable rooms shall not be less than 7 feet in any direction.
The minimum width of a hallway shall be not less than 3 feet.
CEILING HEIGHTS
Habitable basements shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet. Beams and girders spaced not less than 4 feet on center may project not more than 6 inches below the required ceiling height.
TOILET, BATH AND SHOWER SPACES
Every toilet, bathtub or shower shall be installed in a room, which will afford privacy to the occupant.
Bathrooms, toilet compartments and other similar rooms shall be provided with a window area not less than 3 square feet, one-half of which must be openable. The window requirement shall not be required where artificial light and an approved mechanical ventilation system capable of producing 50 cubic feet per minute are provided. Bathroom exhausts shall be vented directly to the outside.
BEDROOMS AND HABITABLE BASEMENTS REQUIRE EMERGENCY EGRESS
Bedrooms and habitable basements emergency egress openings are required. Every bedroom and habitable basement shall have at least one openable window or exterior door approved for emergency egress or rescue. The units must be operable from the inside to a full clear opening (the tilting and or removal of sashes can be used to obtain the opening requirements) without the use of a key or tool. Where windows are provided as a means of egress or rescue they shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches, a minimum net clear opening of 5.0 square feet, a minimum net clear opening height of 24 inches and a minimum net clear opening width of 20 inches (Note: 24” X 20” does not meet the required 5 sq. ft. opening). See FIGURE 1.
Where emergency egress windows exit to a window well, the minimum area dimensions of that window well shall be not less than 3 feet by 3feet unobstructed if greater than 44” vertical depth a permanently affixed stair or ladder is required.
WINDOW IN OPEN POSITION
OPEN AREA MINIMUM OF 5 SQ. FT. OR GREATER
44 INCHES MAXIUM HEIGHT OM FLOOR TOSILL FR
TOP OF FLOOR
MIN. 20” WIDE
MIN. 24” HIGH
FIGURE 1
BASEMENT EMERGENCY EGRESS
Revised 04/19/07 2
UNDER STAIR PROTECTION
Enclosed accessible space under stairs shall have walls and soffits protected on the enclosed side with ½ inch gypsum board (drywall).
SMOKE ALARMS
Smoke alarms shall be installed in the basement, in each bedroom, and outside of each separate sleeping area within ten feet of the bedroom(s). When a new smoke alarm is installed they shall be interconnected so that when one alarm is activated all will alarm. Required smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring when such wiring is served from a commercial source, and when primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection (circuit breaker).
STAIRWAY ILLUMINATION
Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code requires that all basement stairs be provided with a means to illuminate the stair, including the landings and treads with an artificial light source located in the immediate vicinity of each landing at the top and bottom of the stair. The control for activation of the lighting should be accessible at the top and bottom of the stair without traversing any step of the stair.
CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR WALL CONSTRUCTION
STUDS
Studs may be utility grade or better for non-bearing walls (#3 or better in bearing walls). Stud spacing shall be per TABLE 1. A pressure treated bottom plate is required. A single or double top plate is permitted.
TABLE 1: STUD SPACING
Wall finish material
Stud spacing, inches on center
Drywall
16, 24
Wood veneer, hardwood paneling
16
ATTACHMENT REQUIREMENTS
Wall construction shall be fastened in accordance with TABLE 2.
TABLE 2: FASTENING SCHEDULE
Connection
Nailing Method
Top plate to stud
End nail 2-16d or toe nail 3-8d
Stud to bottom plate
End nail 2-16d or toe nail 3-8d
Bottom plate to floor
Face nail, 6d (concrete nail) @ 16”o. c.
Revised 04/19/07 3
DRILLING AND NOTCHING STUDS
Studs in non-loadbearing walls may be notched to a depth not to exceed 40 percent of a single stud width. Studs may be bored or drilled, provided that the diameter of the resulting hole is no greater than 40 percent of the stud width, the edge of the hole is no closer than 5/8 inch to the edge of the stud, and the hole is not located in the same section as a cut or notch.
Fireblocking
Fireblocking shall be provided to cut off all concealed draft openings and to form an effective fire barrier between stories. Fireblocking shall be provided in the following locations:
1. In concealed spaces of stud walls and partitions, including furred spaces, at the ceiling and floor level;
2. At all interconnections between concealed vertical and horizontal spaces such as occur at soffits, drop ceilings, cove ceilings, etc;
3. In concealed spaces between stair stringers at the top and bottom of the run.
4. Horizontal Fireblocking is required in concealed spaces every 10 feet.
Fireblocking shall consist of 2 inch nominal lumber or two thicknesses of 1 inch nominal lumber with broken lap joints, or one thickness of 23/32 inch wood structural panel with joints backed by 23/32 inch wood structural panels or one thickness of 3/4 inch particleboard with joints backed by 3/4 inch particleboard, ½ inch gypsum board or ¼ inch cement based millboard. The integrity of all Fireblocking shall be maintained. When piping, conduit or similar obstructions are encountered; the insulation shall be packed tightly around the obstruction.
Pressure treated bottom plate
Fireblocking
Fireblocking
Fireblocking
Pressure treated bottom plate
or
Fireblocking is required in the above location when the other side is being finished.
Fireblocking every 10’ in furred horizontal wall cavities.
FIGURE 2
FINISHING BASEMENT
FIREBLOCKING REQUIREMENTS
 
#6 ·
2 of 3

CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR FLOOR/CEILING CONSTRUCTION
DRILLING AND NOTCHING JOISTS
Notches in the top or bottom of joists shall not exceed one-sixth the depth of the joist and shall not be located in the middle third of the span. Cantilevered (overhanging) joists shall not be notched. Holes drilled or bored in joists shall not be within 2 inches of the top or bottom of joists, and their diameter shall not exceed one-third the depth of the joist.
DRAFTSTOPPING
When there is useable space above and below the concealed space of a floor/ceiling assembly, draftstopping shall be installed so that the area of the concealed space does not exceed 1,000 square feet. Draftstopping shall divide the concealed space into approximately equal areas. Draftstopping shall be provided in floor/ceiling assemblies under the following circumstances:
1. Ceiling is suspended under the floor framing; or
2. Floor framing is constructed of truss-type open-web or perforated members.
3. The assembly is enclosed by separate floor construction above and separate ceiling construction below.
Draftstopping material shall not be less than ½ inch gypsum board, 3/8-inch wood structural panels or particleboard. Draftstopping shall be installed parallel to the floor framing members. The integrity of all draftstopping shall be maintained.
MECHANICAL CODE REQUIREMENTS
APPLIANCE ACCESS
Appliances and equipment, such as furnaces and hot water heaters, must remain accessible for inspection, service, repair and replacement without removing permanent construction. The furnace room shall have an opening or door large enough to permit removal of the largest piece of equipment, but not less than 20 inches wide. An unobstructed working space not less than 30 inches wide and not less than 30 inches high shall be provided along the control side of the equipment when the door of the furnace room is open.
COMBUSTION AIR (non-tight construction only)
Fuel-burning appliances shall be supplied with combustion air. Furnace rooms must be provided with two permanent openings to adjacent spaces; one shall be located within 12 inches of the top and one within 12 inches from the bottom of the adjoining wall. Each opening shall have free area equal to a minimum of 1 square inch per 1,000 Btu/h input rating of all appliances installed within the furnace room, but not less than 100 square inches. The openings are not required if a louvered door is provided or the furnace room area is greater than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu/h input rating of all appliances installed in the room. See figure 3 #1+2
UNUSUALLY TIGHT CONSTRUCTION
Homes built in compliance with the Model Energy Code or so tightly that infiltration air from the outside is not adequate for combustion, combustion air shall be obtained from outdoors, from a vented attic or from a vented under floor space. (Additional information about combustion air requirements can be found in the Installers guide that came with your Water Heater/Furnace/Appliance). See figure 3 #3-6.
Revised 04/19/07 5
FIGURE 3
Combustion air requirements are based on total input rating of all appliances in the enclosure.
CombustionaircannotbeobtainedfromSleepingrooms,Bathrooms,Toiletroomsorstorageclosets.
TIGHT CONSTRUCTION
TIGHT CONSTRUCTION
#2-Confined space < 50cu.ft. Per 1000 Btu/hr. with two openings (min. 100sq.in. each) to unconfinedspace.
#I-Unconfined space > 50cu.ft. Per 1000 Btu/hr.
NON-TIGHT CONSTRUCTION ONLY
NON-TIGHT CONSTRUCTION ONLY
TIGHT CONSTRUCTION
TIGHT CONSTRUCTION
#4-Two vertical ducts each 1sq.in. Per4000 Btu/hr.
#3-Two horizontal ducts each 1sq.in. Per2000 Btu/hr.
#5-One opening to vented attic and one vent to vented under floor space each 1sq.in. Per4000
#6a-Single opening to vented attic or 6b-single opening to the outside with 1sq.in. Per3000 Btu/hr.
6b
6a
Revised 04/19/07 6
PLUMBING CODE REQUIREMENTS
PLUMBING FIXTURES
Showers: Hinged shower doors shall open outward. All glass, which encloses a shower, shall be safety glazed. Showerheads shall be water conserving with a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. All shower control valves shall be anti-scald with a hot water limit of 120F.
Lavatories (bathroom sinks): Lavatories shall have waste outlets not less than 1¼ inch in diameter. A strainer, pop-up stopper, crossbar or other device shall be provided to restrict the clear opening of the waste outlet. Faucets shall be water conserving with a maximum flow rate of 2.2 gallons per minute at 60 psi.
Water closets (toilets): water closets shall be water-conserving low consumption at 1.6 gallons per flush and shall be provided with a flush tank or similar device designed and installed to supply water in sufficient quantity and flow to flush the contents of the fixture, to cleanse the fixture and refill the fixture trap.
Bathtubs: Bathtubs shall have outlets and overflows at least 1½ inch in diameter, and the waste outlet shall be equipped with an approved stopper. All bathtubs with showers shall have control valves with anti-scald with a hot water limit of 120F.
Sinks: Sinks shall be provided with waste outlets not less than 1½ inch in diameter. A strainer, crossbar or other device shall be provided to restrict the clear opening of the waste outlet. Faucets shall be water conserving with a maximum flow rate of 2.2 gallons per minute at 60 psi.
Laundry tubs: Each compartment of a laundry tub shall be provided with a waste outlet not less than 1 ½ inches in diameter and a strainer or crossbar to restrict the clear opening of the waste outlet.
Clothes washers: The discharge of a clothes washer shall be through an air break.
ACCESS
All cleanouts, valves and shut-offs shall be accessible. Minimum clearance in front of cleanouts shall be 18 inches on 3 inches and larger pipes, and 12 inches on smaller pipes. Concealed cleanouts shall be provided with access of sufficient size to permit removal of the cleanout plug and rodding of the system. Cleanout plugs shall not be concealed with any permanent finishing material. Fixtures having concealed tubular traps shall be provided with an access panel or unobstructed utility space 12 inches in the least dimension.
FIXTURE SPACING FIGURE 4
MIN. OF 21” IN FRONT OF VANITY AND WATERCLOSET
MIN. 30”x30”
WALL
MIN. 24”
MIN. 21”
MIN. 4” or
Installed tight to wall
And caulk.
Minimum 4” space
Minimum 15” from center of toilet to tub
Revised 04/19/07 7
ELECTRICAL CODE REQUIREMENTS
PANELBOARD CLEARANCES
The dimension of the working space in the direction of access to panelboards shall not be less than 36 inches in depth and 30 inches in width. The work space shall be clear and shall extend from the floor or platform to a height of 6 feet 6 inches. In all cases, the workspace shall allow at least a 90-degree opening of panel doors or hinged parts. A dedicated space directly over a panelboard that extends from the panelboard to the ceiling shall be kept clear of unrelated equipment. This required workspace shall not be designated for storage. Panelboards shall not be located in closets or bathrooms.
Artificial illumination shall be provided for all working spaces for panelboards.
BRANCH CIRCUITS
A 15 or 20-ampere branch circuit shall be permitted to supply lighting units or other equipment or a combination of both. The rating of any one cord and plug device shall not exceed 80 percent of the branch circuit ampere rating. The rating of any equipment fastened in place shall not exceed 50 percent of the branch circuit ampere rating when also supplying one-chord or plug devices in the same circuit.
A minimum of one 20-ampere branch circuit shall be provided for receptacles located in the laundry area and shall serve only receptacle outlets located in the laundry area.
12’
2’
6’
12’
12’
6’
FIGURE 5
6’
6’
RECEPTACLE DISTRIBUTION
 
#7 ·
3 of 3

RECEPTACLE OUTLETS SPACING & REQUIRED LOCATIONS
General spacing: In every family room, dining room, library, den, bedroom, recreation or similar room, receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the floor line in any wall space is more than 6 feet, measured horizontally, from an outlet in that space, including any wall space 2 feet or more in width and the wall space occupied by fixed panels in exterior walls, but excluding sliding panels in exterior walls. The wall space afforded by fixed room dividers, such as freestanding bar-type counters or railings, shall be included in the 6-foot measurement. A wall space shall be considered a wall unbroken along the floor line by doorways, fireplaces and similar openings. Each wall space that is 2 feet or more in width shall be treated individually and separately from other wall spaces within the room. Where unbroken at the floor line, two or more walls of a room that form a corner shall be considered as a wall space. See FIGURE 5.
Appliances: Appliance receptacle outlets installed for specific appliances, such as laundry equipment, shall be installed within 6 feet of the intended location of the appliance.
Laundry room: At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed to serve laundry appliances.
Bathroom: At least one wall receptacle outlet shall be installed in the bathroom adjacent to each sink location. 20-ampere branch circuit required supplying bathroom receptacle outlets.
Hallways: Hallways of 10 feet or more in length shall have at least one receptacle outlet. The hallway length shall be considered the length measured along the centerline of the hall without passing through a doorway.
GFCI
All single 125 volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in bathrooms or to serve countertop surfaces in bar areas or kitchens, shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection.
AFCI
Arc-fault circuit interrupters shall protect all single 125 volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacle outlets installed in bedrooms.
RECEPTACLE REQUIREMENTS
Receptacles installed for the attachment of portable cords shall be rated at not less than 15 amperes, 125 volts, or 15 amperes, 250 volts, and shall be of the grounding type.
FACEPLATES
Faceplates for flush-mounted receptacles shall be installed and shall completely cover the wall opening and seat against the wall surface. Metal faceplates shall be grounded.
TABLE 6: CONDUCTOR SIZE
CIRCUIT RATING
15 AMP
20 AMP
30 AMP
Conductors (wire): Min. Size (AGW) Circuit Conductors1
14
12
10
1 These gages are for copper conductors. Revised 04/19/07 9
LIGHTING OUTLETS
At least one wall-switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room, bathroom, and hallway. In rooms other than bathrooms, one or more receptacles controlled by a wall switch shall be considered equivalent to the required lighting outlet.
Recessed portions of lighting fixture enclosures, other than at the points of support, shall be spaced not less than ½ inch from combustible materials unless the fixture is specifically listed for direct contact.
At least one lighting outlet shall be provided in under-floor spaces, utility rooms, spaces used for storage, or contain equipment requiring servicing. The control switch for such lighting outlets shall be located at the point of entry to such spaces. Where equipment requiring servicing is present, the lighting outlet shall be provided at or near such equipment.
LIGHT FIXTURES IN CLOTHES CLOSETS
The types of fixtures installed in clothes closets shall be limited to surface-mounted or recessed incandescent fixtures with completely enclosed lamps, and surface-mounted or recessed fluorescent fixtures. Incandescent fixtures with open or partially enclosed lamps and pendant fixtures or lampholders shall be prohibited. Fixture installations shall be in accordance with one or more of the following:
1. Surface-mounted incandescent fixtures shall be installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling, provided there is a minimum clearance of 12 inches between the fixture and the nearest point of a storage space.
2. Surface-mounted fluorescent fixtures shall be installed on the wall above the door or on the ceiling, provided there is a minimum clearance of 6 inches between the fixture and the nearest point of a storage space.
3. Recessed incandescent fixtures with a completely enclosed lamp shall be installed in the wall or the ceiling provided there is a minimum clearance of 6 inches between the fixture and the nearest point of a storage space.
4. Recessed fluorescent fixtures shall be installed in the wall or on the ceiling provided there is a minimum clearance of 6 inches between the fixture and the nearest point of a storage space.
EP
72”
24”
12”
CLOTHES CLOSET
STORAGE SPACE
FIGURE6
ELECTRIC PANELS SHALL NOT BE LOCATED IN CLOTHES CLOSETS, TOILET ROOMS OR BATHROOMS Revised 04/19/07 10
REQUIRED CEILING HEIGHT OF
RESIDENTIAL BASEMENTS
Ceiling
Floor
Example: a 120 square foot family room would require a minimum of 80 square foot of the room to have the minimum 7 foot ceiling height and the remaining 40 square feet could be as low as 6 feet 6 inches from the floor to the finished ceiling.
6’-6” min.
6’-6” min.
7 foot min.
duct
BM
A minimum ceiling height of 7’ is required for two thirds of the room area. Hallways shall have a min. 7’ ceiling height.
Max. projection of furred ceiling is 6” below required ceiling height of 7’
In order to accommodate the installation of beams, ducts, and piping hung from the underside of floor joists in basements and meet the intent of sec.305 of the 2003 IRC we are allowing the above to apply in accordance with sec.1208.2.1 of the 2003 IBC. Bathrooms shall also comply with exc. #4 of IRC sec. 305
 
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