questions about refinishing my basement

[db_9]

I am thinking about refinishing my basement. But I am not sure of the steps involved. We have a high water table where I live and sometimes in the basement we will get water. Sometimes it comes in where the floor meets the wall. But other times there will just be a puddle that came up through the concrete floor. So I was thinking about having the watchguard system with the sump pump installed. Now this is just an interior drain dug around the perimiter of the basement. What about the puddles that come up in the middle of the floor? Would you dig a trench through these so the water would drain to the sump pump?

Also I was thinking about getting the vapoer barrier installed. Now this is a little confusing because some articles say place the vapor barrier directly on the wall. Others say to put the vapor barrier between the studs and the drywall. If you know, could you explain the proper way to do this so the studs and drywall don't get ruined? I see that one of your vapor barriers has some sort of insulation. Does this mean I would not have to add insulation between the studs? How does this vapor barrier compare to other insulations as far as keeping the basement warm?

I was also thinking about getting the thermaldry basement floor matting put in. But I don't intend to frame up the basement for some time. So would it be better to frame the basement before having this installed? Or can I screw the bottom of the frame right through the matting into the concrete?

I was also thinking about getting a pellet stove installed in the basement. So should I have this installed before getting the vapor barrier put in. They will probably have to cut it to vent the stove.

[craig@pioneer]

DB_9:

The WaterGuard system is certainly your best bet.

Vapor barrier should be placed on the poured concrete wall if you have a drainage system like WaterGuard. If not, then it should still be behind the studs.

ThermalDry Wall will not give the same warmth as traditional insulation. However, it will reflect 97% of the heat lost through the wall back into the room.

As for ThermalDry Matting, I always recommend that you finish the basement, then have us come out and measure for the areas you want to put carpet or laminate flooring.

If we have not yet come out to give you an estimate, I would call the office this week. I'm the person who covers your area, and I'll be up there next weekend.

Please call if we can be of service.

Regards,
craig@pioneerbasement

[db_9]

Craig,
You actually came to my house about 2 years ago to give me an estimate. But I decided back then not to do anything with the basement. Now we are having our first baby, so I need some more living space. I will call the office on Monday to set up an appointment and we can talk about my options.

[craig@pioneer]

DB_9
If you still have my card, call me direct. If not, the office will give you my number to call.

craig@pioneerbasement