Can I keep the existing framing in my basement, which was built on top of carpet, without having to redo it entirely?
Asked by Alma Lira 
2 months ago
Last Updated: September 18, 2024
So, the previous owner built a frame directly on top of the basement carpet. Do you think I have to redo all the framing, or is it okay to just leave the carpet underneath for now?
That carpet is going to trap moisture, we should get rid of it.
You’re the boss, so do whatever you like with it. If it were up to me, I’d tear it out. Many finished basements are done incorrectly and end up getting moldy. Best of luck!
Hey there mold!
One option is to raise the wall, remove the carpet, and replace it with wood flooring.
Ey – I wouldn’t chance messing with the joists by jacking it up. It might be better to cut the studs off 1.5” shorter and add a new double bottom plate.
– if he cuts at 3” and doubles the bottom plate, that should work.
Ing – sorry, I meant he should go 1.5” up from the existing plate.
– so he already accounted for the 1.5” + the thickness of the carpet? If he marked up 3” from the concrete, that should give him enough space to replace the plate and take out the carpet, right?
Ing – just to clarify, I mentioned that above in an edit.
While I was at it, I cut out enough to fit a subfloor panel under there.
Having carpet under your bottom plate is not ideal. Locate where the bottom plate is fastened, either remove the fasteners or use a reciprocating saw to cut on both sides. Take down the wall by removing the top fasteners. If you can tilt it enough with the top fasteners still in place to slide the sill gasket underneath and ensure it is plumb and level, it will save you a lot of time. Alternatively, disassemble everything and begin from the beginning.
It appears that the bottom plate is not pressure-treated, and the blocking lacks proper treatment for moisture control. Honestly, it might be best to remove everything, salvage what you can, and reinstall it correctly. Refer to YouTube for advice on stud layout, including how to shim the studs if they end up slightly short after removing the carpet.
Couldn’t just cut through the studs at 3″ above the floor and add a double bottom plate since it’s not structural? We have that in our garage walls.
I was thinking the same thing, ing.
If you’re certain there are no wires running through the floor plate, using a sawzall to remove the carpet might be a good idea.
It’s probably a good idea to replace everything and start fresh. There seems to be some moisture on a few foundation blocks, indicating that the carpet has trapped moisture. While it’s challenging to see clearly due to the lighting, there appears to be some moisture in the wood as well. Trust your senses when assessing the moisture levels. It’s crucial to address moisture prevention by starting anew.
Consider using steel brackets to connect the framing to the walls. This will make it easier to remove the carpet underneath.
Now would be a good time to address this issue. The bottom plate doesn’t seem to have been pressure-treated. rab a Sawzall and cut directly above your sill plate to remove the nails. Then, install a new pressure-treated plate. Your two by fours may be hanging, so just push them aside, adjust them, and secure them back in place.
It’s important to consider local regulations when finishing a basement. Some areas require a floating wall. The current setup, with the wall bumped out from the block wall, should prevent moisture from seeping in from the concrete, so pressure-treated wood may not be necessary. In my opinion, you can proceed as is.
If the basement has gotten wet with carpet in place, the carpet needs to be removed.
It seems like the block walls are damp, so it’s best not to cover them until the moisture issue is resolved or a proper vapor barrier is installed.
– I don’t see any signs of moisture getting in here. The framing would be discolored. It looks like there’s a shadow of the OP holding their phone in the picture.
Carpet is not a structural component, so it should be removed. Consider spraying the walls with closed cell foam and adding 1” high-density foam board under the floor. Use Tuck tape on the seams and seal any gaps. It may seem like a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth the investment.
When finishing a basement, it’s a good idea to put a waterproof membrane on the walls. Even if you think there’s no moisture, bare concrete can release a lot of moisture. To check for moisture, place a piece of paper next to the wall overnight. If it’s wet in the morning, you’ve got moisture. As for the walls, using 1×3 straps should be enough to bump them out just past the carpet line.
If the framing isn’t structural, which seems to be the case in the photo, and it’s just for drywall, then there’s no need to replace it. As long as it’s secure and stable, you should be good. However, keep in mind that if there’s ever a flood, you’ll need to make flood cuts to ensure proper drying time. It may take longer than usual to dry out completely.
Take everything apart
It’s important to fix it correctly and remember to use a treated bottom plate
Seems like it might smell bad
I believe it should be okay, but I would recommend waterproofing that wall to be safe
Just a thought, but maybe instead of going through the hassle of removing and replacing all that framing, the OP could try ripping out the carpet with pliers, then using a long screwdriver and hammer to remove the tack strip. They can then replace the damaged pieces with appropriately-sized furring strips to ensure the studs are properly supported. It’s just an idea, so let’s keep it friendly!
It’s such a shame they didn’t do it properly in the first place, now it’s going to be even more of a hassle to remove that tack strip. They were definitely lazy. Taking the extra time to do it right will pay off in the end – you’ll never be able to get rid of that carpet odor if you can’t clean it. I suggest taking out the studs, just tackle it one day at a time. You’ll thank yourself in the long term.
Make sure to do it correctly by replacing at least the bottom plate with treated wood and placing a vapor barrier between the framing and concrete.