Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement 1 Sep 25, 2017 6:46 pm Hello, I have a basement/underground garage that I want to turn into a livable space and I have a moisture concerns that I'm trying to overcome. Construction of ext wall is double brick/cavity filled with cement, total thickness = 300mm. I have tested the wall with moisture reader and walls are showing a reading 10/16% moisture in brickwork, there is no sign of mould but air has that cold damp feel. I'm thinking to install a studwall and floor with a small void space to allow for air flow, line between studs/joists with closed cell foam sheets then install gyprock sheets (walls)/ MR chipboard over the top to finish. Do I need to apply a vapour retarder/barrier to existing wall/floors before stud goes up? Best product? Best foam panel supplier? Any other suggestions or advice most appreciated. Re: Turning basement into liveable space 2Oct 28, 2017 8:27 am If you do have moisture anything you do inside to stop it from showing up in the basement, will only drive it up the wall plus ceiling and it will show up in the upper floor depending how it is constructed. Seeing you have moisture the builder didn't start well. If you don't fix the moisture from where it's coming, you'll be repairing the inside forever or be in a state of repair forever. Re: Turning basement into liveable space 3Oct 29, 2017 8:17 am I would start by looking at the construction drawings and specification to determine if there is any waterproofing and drainage. What if your slab does not have waterproofing membrane? Then secondly, has it been built the way it was designed? I have seen many failed habitable areas in basement with dampness and mould and it can be very unhealthy for the occupants. Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog DIY, Home Maintenance & Repair to do it properly you need to dig out the garden and waterproof the outside of the wall. There are some products you can put on the face of the bricks but the water is… 2 4629 You can really use anything you want the main consideration would be how it looks once painted/finished - or the look you want. Cabinetmakers use MDF because its cheap… 2 9971 Cupcake.girl This really depends on your local council. Each one has different definitions and ways to calculate contributions. This is called a contribution… 1 3588 |