Renovation Videos

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Basement

The basement is where the house’s systems live: the main water shut-off, the electrical panel, the furnace and the water heater. Before anything else, find and label them. Our shut-off guide shows you how.

Routine jobs here are maintenance: checking the furnace filter through the heating season, flushing a water heater and testing the sump pump before the wet season. The furnace filter and sump pump checks are on our winter maintenance checklist, and flushing a water heater has its own guide.

Finishing a basement is one of the bigger DIY projects, and the one most likely to need a permit: framing, new plumbing or heating, egress and a second suite all trigger one in most cities. Gas appliances (furnace, water heater) are licensed work. Read do you need a permit before you buy lumber, and fix any moisture problem before you cover a wall.

Events

Videos

  1. Wiring a Second Basement Light Switch with 14/3 Cable

    Step by step how toThis Old House · 9:18

  3. Basement Stair Remodel Over Carpet Stairs With Pine Plywood Treads

    Step by step how toAndrew Thron Improvements · 9:26

  4. Insulating Basement Walls with 2 in. XPS Foam Board and Tape

    Step by step how toThe Excellent Laborer · 16:27

  8. Framing Basement Walls: Stud Length, Plates and Anchoring

    Series partAndrew Thron Improvements · 6:52

    Project: How to Finish a Basement

  10. Rebuilding a Tiny Basement Shower on a Concrete Slab With Tile

    Project buildMr. Build It · 18:56

    Project: Basement Shower Makeover

  13. Planning a Basement Renovation: Water, Permits and Layout

    ExplainerHome RenoVision DIY · 1:03:27

  14. Rim Joist Insulation: Batts, Foam Board or Two-Part Spray Foam

    Step by step how toHome RenoVision DIY · 18:21

  15. Furnace Filter Changes: Arrow Direction, MERV Ratings and Timing

    Step by step how toThe Funny Carpenter · 5:34

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