Finishing a basement with floor drains and no sump pump?
I have a 80 yr old home with a big and dry basement that I would like to convert into living space. Since it’s older it only has floor drains and no sump pump. Does this present a problem when it comes to rehab time? Most of the homes in my area are exactly the same and many have very nice finshed basements.
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rehab time? Not sure what your talking about? Basement is not living space or says your home insurance. So what ever you do just keep in mind that if in fact something happens- your walls, your rugs, TVS or whatever you put down there- is not covered. But finished basements are nice and improve the value of your home.
You can finish the basement but I would NOT cover or seal over the drains. You may be able to find a decorative grate to put over them but closing them off would just be asking for trouble if you have a water leak or flood.
Bert
You may find a sump pump a good investment. Even if you’ve never had to use it having one put in just in case may be a good idea, some friends of ours had never had a problem and recently with some freak rain storms had a huge problem in their basement with no pump. As far as finishing the basement there are lots of flooring options that work in basements like this and would allow you to create maybe a laundry room, game room or even a family room down there.
It’s been my experience that keeping your basement dry is not a problem.Possibley problematic if you live on a dead end street and your at the end of the sewer line. But, of course, there is always a chance of a clog in the sewer line, irregardless. Plugs are made for open drains in basements. You fit it in the drain and tighten it down. It’s also removable. And sump pumps are, relatively, inexpensive.