Home energy coach: Tips on finishing your basement

Tips on finishing your basement

We are working to make sustainable living the norm• We are an environmental charity that helps people live

sustainably• Our current focus is on climate change through residential

energy efficiency and storm water management• Many of our services offered as a social enterprise• Serving Waterloo Region since 1999

Funding: Our funding comes from local partners, contracts, grants, client fees and your donations

REEP Green Solutions

PHILIP DRADER

Home Energy

Coach

Tips on finishing your basement

• Design / building code• What to do before drywall• Walls• Ceiling• Floor• Questions?

Our AGENDA

General design considerations

• get a permit

• storage

• soundproofing

• pre-existing plumbing

• minimum heights and room sizes

• electrical load

• energy efficiency

• ductwork

Design of bathrooms

• minimum size

• electrical

• pump-up system

• ventilation needs

Design of bedrooms

• exit requirements

• floor space and storage space

Design of basement apartment

Code dictated:

Many elements of the code in play

Local building code official will help

Handouts available

Too in-depth for this talk – Sorry!

Before finishing basement

Avoid moisture inyour basement

Before finishing basement

• Gas line for BBQ

• Drain for main floor clothes washer pan

• Run wires

• Run central vac piping

• Seal duct connections

• Install balancing valves in ductwork

• Replace galvanized water pipes

• Install outside hose bibs

Before finishing basement

• Sound-proof floors • Strengthen floor joists and

sub-floor if planning tile floors• Insulate floors if planning

heated floors • Replace cross-bracing if removed • Don't insulate over waterlines on

outside walls (move them)

Wall considerations

• space available

• how much insulation & type

• wood or steel studs?

• stud spacing

• plan for a flood

Ceiling considerations

• spray foam joist header

• soundproof

• double drywall

• insulate cold room ceiling too

Floor considerations

• insulation

• waterproofing

• drainage gap

• levelness

• flood-proof

Questions?

What 3 things would you like more details on?

Overview

1. Get a permit

2. Spend enough time on the design

3. Design and build for the future

Future Home Energy Coach presentations & open houses

March 5 How to make good window choices 

Presentation: 1:30 p.m. Open House 2—3:30 p.m.

 REEP House for Sustainable Living20 Mill St., Kitchener Register in advance: reepgreen.ca

ANNOUNCING

Home Energy 101 

An informal online course that teaches step-by-step you about how to make your home energy efficient.

Find a mix of videos and blog posts at: 

reepgreen.ca/HomeEnergy101

Put our coach to work for you

To book an orientation or a home energy evaluation

Learn more

Use sign up sheet at the front!

Call 519-744-9799 > Press 1

Email customerservice@reepgreen.ca

reepgreen.ca/HomeEnergyCoach

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