ᐅ Basement Conversion and Electrical Conveniences

Hello,
I’m not entirely sure if this is the right place to ask, but I think it is ;o)

We recently bought a “used” house, but the question probably also applies to new home builders:

The basement is still quite basic: one large room, no tiles, two opposite basement windows, a gas boiler in the basement, exposed pipes, and a water connection for a washing machine.

We would now like to make the basement a bit more appealing, meaning: adding partition walls, covering the floor (tiles? or are there other alternatives), and also enclosing the pipes and so on.

My questions:
- Should I install the floor first and then build the walls, or the other way around?
- Are there any ventilation requirements I need to consider when creating rooms without windows?
- How much would floor covering (tiles??) roughly cost for almost 70 sqm (750 sq ft)?
- What would it cost to build the walls including doors? We want about 3-4 rooms, so around 4 walls.

Is it actually possible – and advisable – to install underfloor heating in the basement afterwards? And how expensive would that be? At the moment, there is no heating downstairs at all.
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Additionally, some of the roller shutters already have electric switches. We would like to replace them with modern ones. I assume that’s straightforward, right? What are the costs? Especially in places where there are only manual straps?

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How much should I roughly budget per sqm (sq ft) for wallpapering the house (including labor), for medium to better quality wallpapers?

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What should I expect to pay per sqm (sq ft) for wooden flooring including installation?

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How much would it cost if I completely demolish a wall about 4 meters (13 ft) long to open up a room?

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I know, many questions and not all about new builds… but maybe you can still help? MANY THANKS!!!

First the walls, then the floor.

Ventilation is desirable but not mandatory, unless a wet room is created.

The cost of the flooring is up to you… tiles can range from 10 euros to 250 euros or more per square meter (per 10.8 square feet).

You can only estimate the costs if you measure everything yourself and make a list of what is needed for drywall, studs, etc.… from here, it’s impossible to see what and how much is required… in this case, a professional is more helpful.

If you want to use the basement as living space, heating is essential… which type you choose again depends on your budget… you can install a water-based underfloor heating system or an electric one, but radiators or even air heating are also options… as you can see, the possibilities are practically unlimited… and the costs… well, see above…

Hmm, roller shutters and switches… my crystal ball just ran out here as well…

For wallpaper, I’ll throw in 100 euros per square meter (per 10.8 square feet) as a rough estimate… but only a painter can give you more detailed information…

Floor coverings (wood) follow the same considerations as tiles.

Tearing down a wall can cost you your house and your life… you absolutely need a structural engineer for this.

Thank you for your response. Although it wasn’t very detailed in some points or was a bit exaggerated (wallpapers). I’m not planning a golden palace ;o)
Perhaps someone else has a different answer?

And one more question about the basement. It currently has the usual zinc basement windows installed. Can I simply replace them with "regular" windows, or could that cause ventilation issues (mold)?

Regarding the gas heating system: How long does one usually last? And how expensive would a replacement be? Approximately…

Hello,

Gluecklich schrieb:

We would now like to make the basement a bit more appealing, meaning: installing walls, covering the floor (tiles? or is there another alternative), and also to conceal the pipes and such.

What is the finished ceiling height of the room?

Gluecklich schrieb:

- Should I do the floor first and then build the walls, or the other way around?

First the floor, then the walls.

Gluecklich schrieb:

- Do I have to consider anything regarding ventilation if rooms are created without windows?

Do I have to monitor a stove that is switched on?

Gluecklich schrieb:

- What will the floor covering (tiles??) roughly cost me (almost 70sqm (750 sq ft))?

Starting from about €350.00 and up; it depends on your taste and skills.

Gluecklich schrieb:

- What will the installation of walls including doors cost me? About 3–4 rooms should be created, so around 4 walls.

You pay what your supplier charges for the materials.

Gluecklich schrieb:

Is it actually possible – and sensible – to install underfloor heating in the basement afterward? And how expensive would that be? Currently, there is no heating downstairs at all.

It depends on how you intend to use the rooms, the external insulation, and the floor-to-ceiling height.

Gluecklich schrieb:

What rough costs should I plan for wallpapering the house (including possible labor), per sqm (medium to better quality wallpaper)?

There is a cheap store where a roll of textured wallpaper costs from about €2.00; but I personally wouldn’t want to hang it.

Gluecklich schrieb:

What should I roughly budget per sqm for wooden floor coverings including installation?

That depends on your taste.

Gluecklich schrieb:

What would it cost if I completely tear down a wall about 4 meters (13 feet) long to open up a room?

You need to ask a structural engineer you trust.

Gluecklich schrieb:
Thanks for the answer. Even if it wasn’t very detailed in all points... or a bit exaggerated (wallpaper). I’m not planning a gold palace ;o)

You’re asking questions most users avoid answering simply because they can’t. You seem to be overly focused on saving money. Find an architect you trust and walk through the house with them. That way, all your questions, especially important ones concerning structural changes, will get reliable answers.

Gluecklich schrieb:

And one more question about the basement. It has the usual zinc basement windows installed. Can I simply replace them with “normal” windows or will there be ventilation problems (mold)?

Light wells are external and the structural requirements are considered. If you want to install a “normal” window, you should consult a structural engineer here as well. Also, it significantly depends on the type of basement wall construction.

Gluecklich schrieb:

Regarding the gas heating: How long does such a unit last? And what would a replacement roughly cost?

A gas boiler – with regular maintenance – lasts about 15–18 years; a gas condensing boiler around 12–15 years. For the cost of a new unit, you should consult a heating installer you trust; maybe a hybrid system would also be interesting.

PS: For this kind and number of questions, it's always better if the questioner’s profile provides a bit more background information 😉

Regards, Bauexperte

Hello,

Actually, quite a few questions:

- Should I first install the floor and then build the walls, or the other way around?
Of course, you start with the floor, and then the walls are built using lightweight construction. Here is a guide on that:

Link removed by moderator

- Do I need to consider anything regarding ventilation if I create rooms without windows?
Yes – you need to install proper ventilation.

- Approximately how much will the floor covering (tiles??) cost for almost 70sqm (750 sq ft)?
Between 5 and 100 €/m².

Is it possible – and reasonable – to install underfloor heating in the basement afterwards? And how expensive would that be? Currently, there is no heating downstairs.
You would need perimeter insulation; see here:

Link removed by moderator

Retrofitting something like this is practically not possible unless your basement has plenty of height.

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How much would it cost if I completely remove a wall about 4 meters (13 feet) long to open up a room?
If it is a load-bearing wall, it could cost you the whole house. Have a structural engineer check it.