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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Wood siding is a common feature on U.S. homes, especially historic homes that have been around since the colonial days. Of course, wood siding is especially beautiful so it is a great aesthetic choice for nearly every home. Yet wood siding must also be maintained carefully because exposure to the elements can result in damage over time.

The first step in wood siding repair is making sure that you do whatever you can to prevent extensive damage in the first place. You need to paint or stain the wood and apply a sealant to keep insect and water damage to a minimum. Nevertheless, it is impossible to keep such things from harming your wood altogether, and there are several common problems with wood siding that most homeowners need to address at some point.

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When it comes to home improvement-type work, there are many contractors who try to be one-stop shops. And for general contractors, this is fine. But when it comes to mold removal, you want a specialist, not a generalist.

Following are some questions to ask any mold removal specialist you’re thinking about using.

Credentials: Mold removal specialists, like many other professionals, undergo rigorous training in order to be qualified to do their job. And, the industry is highly regulated. Hence, you want to ask any mold removal company you’re thinking about using about their credentials, eg, what exactly are they certified in and where they received their certification.

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When the rainy season comes, water damage is inevitable for some homes. And where water is present, mold is not far behind – if it’s not treated property.

Many times, a homeowner may not even be aware that they have a leak until they go to do a home renovation project, or they notice a funny smell emanating from a closet, for example. When mold is discovered, it must be removed. It’s at this point that many homeowners wonder, “How much does mold removal cost?”

Actually, as with most home repair project, it depends – on . . .

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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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Hurricane season is in full force in many parts of the country. This has many turning their attention to the stability of their roofs. If you need repairs to your existing roof, you may be tempted to save a few dollars by roofing over existing shingles.

Following are some pros and cons of doing so.

Pro: When you roof over existing shingles, it adds extra weight to the existing roof. If your current roof is very well supported (and this cant’ be stressed enough), then it may be okay to take this route.

But, keep the following in mind . . .

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Following are three types of repairs common to concrete flooring. Some of them you can make yourself; others you should consult a professional about.

The Easiest Kind of Repairs

Surface cracks are the easiest type of concrete floor repairs to make. This is because they are usually little more than coarse patches that need to be smoothed out. If the crack is less than a quarter-inch deep, all you need to do is apply some latex paint.

Before applying, clean the area well. Apply one or two layers of paint – and voila – your concrete floor is like new again!

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One often overlooked part of the yard is the driveway – until something happens that makes it hard to ignore (eg, a child’s injury while riding a bike or a punctured tire on the family vehicle). This brings us to the question, is it time to repair your driveway? Do a visual check. Following is what to look for.

Are there cracks, missing pavers, uneven swelling in places? These can grow into bigger problems if not addressed. As you conduct your visual inspection, make a list of the problems and divide them into two categories: repairs you can make yourself and repairs that require a professional.

One of the most common problems with driveways is cracks in the asphalt. This can be relatively easy to fix.

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