Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Old home basement to reckroom?

I live in an old home with an uninsulated basement with a 6f ceiling in cold cold canada. I think that the foundation is something called masonite? I would like to insulate and turn it into something cosmetically pleasing and cost effective. Should I bother or will the cost put me under..

Hi, Sorry I can't help but I hope someone can. I'm in the same boat. I just bought a house and had hopes of refinishing the basement but did not do my homework to find out the ceilings were too low for code (I would have bought it anyway). I'm also wondering what you can do with a basement with low ceilings to get some extra living space (I need office/playroom). My ceiling ranges from 5'11-6'4. I've considered digging out the basement but we've been quoted by a reputable contractor, $45,000-$75,000!! That's even if it's possible. We are exploring an addition to the house but we think our space on the lot is already full due to zoning requirements. I don't really want to go up b/c of the gigantic expense. So I'm trying to make do. Hopefully someone has some ideas.

is it not legal to just throw in some sticky tile and drymal a light and some paint and just have toys donw there? I mean you don't have to totally finish it. I think our ceilings are about 6 feet 6.5 at most. That's what I was thinking of doing but I don't know if that's leagal. I mean it does not have to be fancy just safe for the kids to play in

For up there the best thing to do .Is ask code and see what you can do to the walls down there.

tabithap Id go up for sure. Like you said the cost to dig out the basement is high and also you wont get all the room you want there. As the new dig has to be sofar in from the old footings.



ED ;)