Building of basement with prefab

I got a flyer recently about these redone wall unit systems to buildout/finish a basement. Has anyone ever used these?

 

Are you referring to the OwensCorning basement walls?

We got a quote from them for our basement. They wanted around 35 to 40K, which is slightly more expensive than having a traditional wood frame-n-drywall basement done. Considering that it looks cheap, I don't think it is a good deal.

--- John B.

 

Then what would the benefit be to use the prefab over the framed if it costs more?

 

They stress the insulative quality of the wall panels. And you can attach pictures and other lightweight items to the walls using pins, so there are no visible lasting holes (like you have with drywall). But, fabric can rip and I bet the replacement panels are pricey.

They also touted the fast assembly time, but that one is doubtful to me. They had quoted a start-to-finish time of three weeks. A neighbor had their basement done by a local builder (Dogwood Builders?) and they did a fantastic frame-n-drywall basement (including moving the hot water heater and a few other major tasks) in two weeks.

Of course, one major benefit of not using drywall is that you don't have any drywall dust which can get everywhere in the house!

But to me, the overwall appearance of the prefab is cheap. (I mean cheap as in quality.) I work in a cube all day, I don't really want my basement looking like a big cube. Plus, they use a drop ceiling instead of a drywall ceiling and that again reminds me of being in the office.

Enjoy!
--- John B.

 

Actually, I'd rather have a drop ceiling ... this way there is full access to piping, wiring and ductwork. May be retro 60's & 70's to do it with fiberglass ceiling tiles, but if you get a wood panel drop ceiling, who'll notice.


Neil Z.
Resident since 1999