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Keep in mind that most rigid foam insulation is very flammable as well as any sheet plastics. Always encapsulate them with fire-rated drywall. Constant humidity and temperature levels will make it far more comfortable for you and guests, as well as keep your layout from growing mold, rusting and expanding and contracting and slowly pulling itself apart. Consider tapping into your forced air HVAC system with but one duct; consult with an HVAC pro for you may have to re-balance air flow upstairs with a simple damper. A good dehumidifier will help-make sure it has provision for hooking up a drain hose and plan where you'll drain water off to. . .Don't spray lacquer if you have pilot lights on H2O htr or gas furnace. Airborne construction dust is cause for concern too- breathing and fire hazard. Door(s) are a must-keeps out critters, unsupervised kids, and dust. If concrete floors are new they'll 'shed' off concrete dust for about a year-seal with appropriate sealers; some are more suited to new construction. Seal any cracks in walls and floor including expansion joint at o/s wall and floor juncture-suggest construction adhesive that works on masonary-it remains flexible and absorbs concrete dust quickly duplicating color of surrounding concrete. Consult with your local building dept. as to recommended or mandated codes for moisture proofing walls and floor. Consider a wood or vinyl floor in at least aisle ways. Concrete is hard on feet and legs after standing on it for considerable periods. There are several ways to finish o/s walls whether they are block, poured concrete or stone. You can attach shimmed furring strips or if wall is very uneven construct a free standing wall afixed to floor and ceiling joists-air between wall and foundation will add R value besides. If RADON is an issue in your area get a test kit or have an inspector test for it. There are right and wrong ways to do this test so read up on it first. I recommend a dropped ceiling with recessed ceiling lights for dust control, finished appearance and overall better lighting and noise insulation. I'd also install a separate elec. breaker at your electrical panel-have pro do it-so you can shut down entire electrical feed to layout incl. recessed lighting (since fluorescent lighting has a less friendly history of catching fire, especially if there is a problem with dust buildup) A true legend in our hobby-the late John Allen- had THE layout in the early 70s and it was left unattended for a couple of weeks after he passed away and one night it caught fire-in his basement- and burned the house essentially to the ground. There are several good books on refinishing basements and suggest you look into them, before you start. Lastly, install a john if your plumbing allows-at least a urinal if it's a guy only thing-you'll be spending a lot of time down there and both the bladder and the stairs are less forgiving as you age! Do this room correctly now and you'll add considerable value and marketability to it when you decide to sell it. It could always be reused as a rec room, etc by next owner.
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