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Products and Materials

Make More of Basement Remodels

These resources offer inspiration and practical tips for finishing basements the right way.

Sponsored by Pole-Wrap

Finishing a basement can create extra living space with far less cost and complexity than an addition that expands the home’s footprint. Perhaps for that reason alone, finishing a basement is a popular project for many homeowners. But a well-designed basement remodel is much more than an assembly of studs and drywall thrown up over a foundation wall, then trimmed and painted. Understanding and managing the risks of moisture and bulk water is imperative to developing a successful basement design, as is getting the insulation and air-sealing details correct.

In the articles that follow, the editors of Fine Homebuilding walk through the process of getting that basement remodel done right.

Basement Finishing and Remodeling is a free 20-page, full-color PDF download written by Fine Homebuilding authors Steve Baczek, Emanuel Silva, and Andy Engel. The three-article collection highlights the construction know-how needed to build beautiful, comfortable living spaces below grade, covering:

  • Build a Risk-Free Finished Basement
  • Replace a Rotten Lally Column
  • The Stay-Dry, No-Mold Finished Basement

Click here to download this 20-page basement remodeling PDF.

For ideas and examples, check out 12 Remarkable and Inspiring Basement Remodels, a slide show of projects from the Fine Homebuilding archives.

And learn how to prepare basements to remodel with this Fine Homebuilding Insulate Your Basement video series:

  • Insulate Your Basement—Part 1 … The process starts by addressing water.
  • Insulate Your Basement—Part 2 … Control airflow and you control heat loss and condensation.
  • Insulate Your Basement—Part 3 … Insulate the walls and rim joists.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Loctite Foamboard Adhesive

When foam board installations require an adhesive, it’s important to use compatible products like this adhesive from Loctite.
Buy at Amazon

Staple Gun

Although powered staplers are very popular, you still need a manual stapler on the job site. This staple gun from DEWALT® is reliable and easy to fire, reducing fatigue over prolonged use.
Buy at Amazon

Respirator Mask

A full-face respirator prevents fog up and is more comfortable than constantly replacing particle makes that get fouled or sweaty and is ideal for the pro installer.
Buy at Amazon

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  1. simonbell90 | Feb 01, 2017 08:28am | #1

    I really love it

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  • FHB Podcast Segment: A Homemade Radiant Heat Floor Assembly
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Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
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    • A More Resilient Roof
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    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
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