jimf

So I've removed all the drywalling, partitions and insulation from the basement and the plan now is to rebuild making use of trades where necessary.

Any experiences, tips, pitfalls etc on this type of work?

Aviator

Get references and follow them up.
Google search contractors and BBB website for complaints.
Don't hand out too much upfront.
Get permits.

MarkG

Make sure it doesn't leak before you finish it?

My girlfriend's father partially finished their basement years ago, and now they're probably going to have to remove a bunch of stuff to get to the parts that have been leaking for the last couple of years and now going mouldy.

Novocastrian

Put it all back.

jimf

It's all in the landfill now...

The Calgary system is that the resident gets charged for the load by weight. Is this common in Canada?

Aviator

yes

jimf

Did they waterproof the outside or inside of the walls?

The walls and floor are pretty good with only one significant crack and no evidence of water coming through there. Water has been dribbling down the walls under the windows.

Hemi Dave

I have just about finished our basement reno, so I'm aware of the do-s and don'ts.

I contacted the relevant bodies about permits (Ontario), and they seemed to only require permits for structural change, bedroom plans (which need escapable windows) and if you were using the space as an extra income rental etc.

Just adding a bathroom and rec room didn't require permits.

Our house is relatively new, so already has weeping tile all round, and good drainage in the area.

First thing I fitted was a backup sump pump

PM me if you want a link to my facebook page where I have a picture diary of all the work.

Dave.

Pulaski

It's all about drainage, water proofing, and ventilation. Try to make sure that any areas at risk of leaking are visible/ accessible so that long term moisture doesn't lead to mold.

IMO much of your effort to keep water out should be focussed on getting/ keep the water away from the house in the first place - ditches, drains and grading to keep surface water from getting close to the house, and drains to carry water from the downspouts well away from the house.

Oakvillian

We've had water ingress into our basement on two occasions - both were related to rapid melting of large quantities of snow. One (as you seem to have experienced) was snow piled in a window well melting quickly and coming in over the window before the well could drain away. The other was due to meltwater getting into the wall above the waterproofing, and then pouring (at a quite alarming rate) through a small crack in the foundation wall. The basement was unfinished at that point, so we were able to make sure there were no other trouble spots.

Re-grading the outside, removing, de-gungeing, and replacing the gravel fill from the window wells, and judiciously chasing out the crack and filling with hydraulic cement, seems to have done the trick. Thankfully, no serious digging was required.

MarkG

It would only have been on the outside. The big problem there is that the garage is higher than the house, so the water runs down toward the house when snow melts or there's a big rainstorm, instead of running away.

HGerchikov

Are you sure about the Permit requirements?

Residential Building Permits
Examples of projects that require residential building permits
A structure of any size that contains plumbing
Addition of a carport, garage or room(s) to an existing home
Addition of a deck if over 60 centimetres (2 feet) above the adjacent grade (e.g. decks around above-ground pools) or if it is to be attached to the house
Any structural work including alterations to interior partitions or the installation of skylights, windows or doors
Addition of dormer(s)
Constructing or installing accessory buildings such as a garage or shed larger than 10 square-metres (107 square-feet)
Construction of a new home
Construction or finishing of rooms in the basement or attic
Converting a garage space into living space
Designated structures such as retaining walls and solar panels
Enclosing a porch or deck
Geothermal systems
Grow-op and fire damage restoration
New water service, new sewers, alteration or extension of existing plumbing system
Plumbing work including solar heating and lawn sprinklers
Raising a house or excavating a crawl space to provide a full basement
Wood burning fireplaces and other heating appliances including the alteration, replacement or extension of ductwork

Twitcher1958

We also live in Ontario and did require a permit for finishing the basement which includes one room ( not classed as a bedroom), bathroom, storage and open areas. This included a couple of checks from the inspector along the way. Lots of people don't bother going the 'legal' route but it was only a small additional cost ( around $400 I think) and we found the planning people at the council offices very helpful.

MarylandNed

Remember to keep the gutters and downspouts clean and in good condition. That will also help in keeping water away from the basement.

Hemi Dave

Interesting, I didn't see that list when I was researching.

With regards to plumbing, we already had a rough-in in the basement, which I explained to the person at the permit office, which they regarded as part of the original plans.

But you know, these guys make up the rules depending on what they had for breakfast.

However, I did follow all the code requirements for fire safety, electrical work, and things like not putting sound-proofing in the ceiling where I had un-shielded pot-lights etc.

Also added venting for both in and out flows. Bathroom has an electric fan blowing outside. Had to drill a large hole for that one, lol.

When I was re-wiring for some of the lighting, I found a light box with about 5 feeds coming out of it heading in all directions. God knows how that got passed inspection