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Larry Janesky of Basement Systems reviews the work being done to cut a drainage trench in the concrete around the perimeter of the basement floor. Water will be channelled through the trench to a sump, where it can be pumped out of the home. The sump hole was dug at the lowest spot in the basement as determined by laser level. CleanSpace is being installed over the walls as a vapor barrier to drain water from the walls to the drainage system. It is possible to install CleanSpace in crawlspaces as well as in basements to prevent water buildup in underground walls and eliminate rot and mildew. Janesky recommends taking these two steps in securing the drainage of a home and to secure against all outside air leaks. The final step is to dehumidify the crawlspace. Janesky points out a corner of the basement where the Thermal Dry Wall System has been installed. This product goes behind finished walls and drains water like CleanSpace but also reflects heat generated in the basement back into the basement. Janesky then shows a portion of the floor where the Water Guard Drainage System has been installed in the drainage trench and secured with cement.

An Owens Corning "Basement Finishing System" is being installed at the sister project house. Bob takes us through the framing process, which begins with steel studs. Metal studs are used in the basement in part due to their resistance to moisture and fire. The wall and ceiling support system are measured and installed first. A high-tech laser transit level is used to guide the installation of the upper wall panel and trim support pieces. A companion low-tech 45-degree plywood angle is then attached as a guide for joining corner pieces. Around windows, the crew assembles and secures custom framing. A suspended ceiling hides the plumbing and electrical systems typically found in basements while still allowing access to the home's mechanical systems. Finally, the wall panels are installed. The panels are constructed from R-11 insulation covered with a permeable finish that allows the foundation to "breathe." The wall panels, which do not contain any cellulose products, will not support mold or mildew growth.

Bob joins Connor McKenna of Thorough Construction as he works on installing the new steel-stud framing. McKenna is again using the laser level, this time in vertical position, set five inches off the new wall line. McKenna then checks each stud with a tape measure on which the level line is projected to ensure that each stud is exactly in line. He then attaches a stud fastener to hold the stud in place so that it will not shift or move, which would create valleys in the new drywall.

Concrete contractor Shawn Doyle is on hand to review the techniques used in pouring the concrete floor of the garage. A laser levels is used to ensure an accurate level and several power and hand tools are used to smooth the floor. Lastly, a control joint is installed to allow for expansion and contraction of the floor.

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