Considering finishing my basement

[espyking83]

Looking to possibly refinish my basement. It was already semi finished when we bought the house, but tore everything out when we realized that mold was in the walls, probably from the ‘96 flood around here.

Anyways. We dont live in a flood plain, but its pretty flat and about every 20 years or so (on average) theres a sizeable flood where water comes in basements. Was wondering if there are any materials i should look at that could withstand temporary water in the event it happens again. Would 2x4’s have to be ripped out, should i look at aluminum?

We also run dehumidifiers to keep moisture down, would the addition of central air keep moisture in check?

 

[NUTTSGT]

Where is the water coming in from ?

 

[espyking83]

Where is the water coming in from ?

Exterior basement stairs and would imagine once the water water gets high enough from above or through the basement windows

 

[NUTTSGT]

Exterior basement stairs and would imagine once the water water gets high enough from above or through the basement windows

Before working on any exterior, I would try to rectify these issues.

 

[PCustoms]

Before working on any exterior, I would try to rectify these issues.

This.

Sounds like you're (on average) due for the next flood soon. Fix the grade, verify the basement is dry then finish.

 

[gizardlizard]

Agreed. Buck up, bust out concrete and add drain tile.

 

[bmxdukie]

I wouldn't if it was me.. however, could you build an addition instead?
Avoid water egress at all costs..

 

[nadogail]

I wouldn't if it was me.. however, could you build an addition instead?
Avoid water egress at all costs..

Egress is another word for “EXIT”. Will you be trying to keep the Water from exiting your building?

 

[bmxdukie]

Egress is another word for “EXIT”. Will you be trying to keep the Water from exiting your building?

Oh shoot! I meant ingress i guess! Thanks for letting me know.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Why not just paint the walls?

 

[logical]

Depends on the look you are going for. My walls were painted but that isn't my idea of "finished".

I don't know the solution for the OP without seeing the property and would fix the problem from the outside rather than try to create a water friendly living space. I was in my house for 10 years before I did the work so I knew it was dry.

 

[Bert_]

Depends on the look you are going for. My walls were painted but that isn't my idea of "finished".

I don't know the solution for the OP without seeing the property and would fix the problem from the outside rather than try to create a water friendly living space. I was in my house for 10 years before I did the work so I knew it was dry.

The second picture is what I would shoot for if I wanted living space in my basement. You get a little water in that room, no big deal. Might have to dry out the carpet.

I've seen basements that stay dry for 15 years or better. People finish them with drywall, ect and eventually they spend a bunch of money to rip out and replace the bottom 4 ft.

 

[BobnCO]

Use the wet area moisture and mold resistant drywall not standard, I always use on walls in basements, it does not absorb water. Traditionally its used in kitchens and baths.

 

[logical]

The second picture is what I would shoot for if I wanted living space in my basement. You get a little water in that room, no big deal. Might have to dry out the carpet.

I've seen basements that stay dry for 15 years or better. People finish them with drywall, ect and eventually they spend a bunch of money to rip out and replace the bottom 4 ft.

Yes, it happens to many but in my area it's usually in older municipalities that have combined sewer/storm drain systems or near rivers. I have a septic system, am on pretty high ground and am nowhere near a lake, ocean or river. When I built the house we didn't so much excavate for a basement as we basically built a two story and brought the grade up around in the front. In back, the basement floor is above grade. Again, we have nothing to go on really for the OP's case.

 

[PhantomEB]

Myself, if I knew it could happen again, the floods, I would eliminate that exterior door to the basement if it’s not needed. Then dig around the house and get the water DOWN instead. Fix grade at this point. Put extensions on any downspouts to either barrels or 10’ out.

only after the building envelope is fixed then I would go after the basement.