Entries Tagged 'Basements' ↓

If you have an unfinished basement, that is family space that is not being utilized. If you are considering finishing your basement, there are several things you need to keep in mind.

First, before you start the refinishing project, have a contractor check your basement for moisture. Your basement needs to be completely dry in order to refinish it. Otherwise, you will install new features and decorate, only to have those features warped by water damage.

If you are planning to install or refinish your basement bathroom, you should also have a contractor check the plumbing in the basement before you begin. If you can use the existing plumbing, your basement bathroom will be relatively inexpensive to install. If you need to install new pipes, the project will be more expensive. The only way to know for sure is to have a contractor check.

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Though they are enclosed rooms that lie under the ground, basements are still susceptible to water intrusion, which can result in mold, mildew, and even structural damage to any home. It is important, therefore, for homeowners with basements to take special precautions to ensure their basements stay dry so their houses do not suffer any of the damaging effects that water can bring. Furthermore, it is best to let the professionals handle this kind of work since even a simple mistake can cost thousands of dollars.

Most experts say that the most important step in waterproofing a basement occurs in the construction phase when builders bond substances to the outside walls of the basement that stand in the way of water intrusion. Yet this method, which is called tanking, is not necessarily foolproof, and even those homeowners who have not had it done are not necessarily without hope when it comes to keeping their basements dry. It can also be a more difficult way to waterproof an existing home than many of the other waterproofing options that are possible.

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When it comes time to remodel that basement into more usable living space, there are several possible remodeling options. Three of the most popular are to turn the basement into either a rental unit, media room, or playroom. Here are some of the benefits of each.

RENTAL UNIT
Remodeling a basement into a rental unit complete with a small kitchen and full bathroom is an excellent way to earn extra income. Once completed, you will have a basement apartment that can be rented out. It can also double as an in-law suite in case your parents or your spouse’s parents ever need to live with you. A good basement remodeling contractor can maximize the space in your basement to create a rental unit or apartment.

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Northern homeowners benefit greatly from the extra room that basements provide. Many people choose to leave their basements unfinished and use them only for extra storage space, but others who want more living space in their homes will finish or remodel their existing basements in order to achieve that extra room. Several basement remodeling ideas can help you get the most out of your basement and make it a room in which people will want to hang out.

Basements often have low ceilings, which can make them feel cramped and closed in. Instead of overhead lights that hang down from the ceiling, consider installing low-voltage recessed lighting. This will make the ceilings appear higher and make the basement more roomy.

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Water, water everywhere.

If this is what your basement looks like, your first instinct may be to panic – understandably so. But knowledge is power, so following are some tips for dealing with a flooded basement to keep the panic at bay. You can have a bottle of wine later to deal with the stress…

Shut Off Water Supply: This helps to prevent further damage if the cause of the flood was from inside the home (eg, a busted pipe).

Call in the Experts: Once you shut off the water, call a water damage company. A quick search of the internet should give you a few options from which to choose. What they find can help you with any insurance claims you may decide to file later because they can provide a full, professional assessment of the damage.

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Having a bathroom in the basement is like adding another level to your home. For, it ensures that the space offers all the creature comforts of the rest of the house. If you’re remodeling your basement and are considering adding a bathroom, following are some things to keep in mind.

The Plumbing: If your basement is currently not studded for a bathroom, it will have to be done. This requires removing part of the concrete floor.

This is definitely not a job for do it yourselfers because when you remove part of your basement floor, you are dealing with the very foundation of your home. You can cause cracks to other parts of the floor, which can cause a whole host of problems.  So, call in professional contractor(s) with experience in plumbing and concrete to handle this part.

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With families growing and homes being harder to sell these days, one of the quickest ways to add long-term value – and get the additional family space you need – is to have your basement remodeled.

Before you start, however, it’s important to know the trends in basement remodeling. This will keep you from wasting a lot of money. This is particularly true if you plan to move soon (say within three to five years).

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If you have a growing family and shrinking space, remodeling the basement can give you the extra space you need. “But,” you may be thinking, “my basement is small. Is it worth it to remodel it?” And, the answer is an unequivocal yes. A basement remodeling expert can help you turn even the smallest basement into a functional, usable space you and your family can enjoy.

Following are some small basement remodeling ideas to give you some extra space, and some peace of mind.

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When most homeowners consider remodeling their home, they usually focus on the kitchen or the bathroom. That’s understandable as those are two of the rooms you spend a lot of time in. But when you’re gearing up for your next home remodel, it might be a good idea to look at an often forgotten area of your house—the basement.

Basement remodeling lets homeowners take their basement from a stagnant storage space into a livable, highly useful room. Here are just a couple of benefits you’ll receive if you hire a contractor to handle your basement remodeling project…

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