Why it matters here
Finishing the basement is one of the most popular projects in Durham, whether for a family room, a home office or a legal secondary suite. Under the floor and behind the walls you are covering drains, supply lines, the main shut-off, the sump and possibly a backwater valve. Once the drywall is up, every problem costs more to reach.
Step by step
- Check the existing drains. A camera inspection of the main sewer before you cover the floor is worth it in older homes.
- Plan the bathroom. Know whether the drains are below the floor already (a rough-in) or need a new trench or an up-flush system.
- Add a backwater valve if there is not one. It is easiest before the floor is finished.
- Keep access. Plan removable panels for the main shut-off, cleanouts, valves and the sump.
- Think about the water heater. If you are adding a bathroom or suite, check that it can keep up.
- Get permits. New plumbing in a finished basement typically needs a permit from the City of Oshawa.
- Insulate pipes near exterior walls before they are enclosed.
Take photos of the open walls before drywall goes up. Note where pipes run. Future you will be glad.
Mistakes to avoid
- Covering a sump pit or cleanout with flooring.
- Building a bathroom without proper venting.
- Running supply lines along cold exterior walls without insulation.
- Skipping a permit, which can cause problems when you sell.
When to call a plumber
Call at the planning stage, ahead of any framing. We can review the layout and check that the drains and venting work. Common jobs include sump pump installation, rough-ins and shower valve work. Once finished, learn the quiet signs of a hidden leak so problems are caught early.