Learn how good basement design can add both pleasure and value to your home. Tips and articles about basements and basement ideas, of interest to homeowners.
Many basements are dark areas used to store seasonal decorations, old toys, sporting equipment and anything else not used on a regular basis. We rarely go down to the basement, and much of the stuff gets thrown out or given away when we move. Perhaps it is time you reconsidered how you use your basement? Here are some tips on how to reclaim it as "living" space you can actually use.
The foundation is a vulnerable place for water intrusion. Improper drainage around the foundation is a major cause of leaking foundations. When a drainage system is used in residential construction, it is usually a combination of a gravel drainage layer with a foundation drain, either drain tile or perforated PVC pipe.
Here are some methods for basement waterproofing:
This consumer guide outlines the various causes and the variety of available remedies for wet basements. The guide is designed to ensure that you know the issues, are able to evaluate advice you receive from contractors, and feel confident about undertaking a solution before the water damage becomes too severe.
Q: I had a new gas heating system installed over three years ago. I have found a wet area in the foundation and it goes to the floor where there is a white powder-like substance. The cement on the floor is breaking down, it seems. Do I need a liner installed due to the evaporation of the gas heat, or is it due to the small crack I have outside at the base of the chimney?
Q: I recently bought a lower level condo and now have had to tear up the floor because there is water seeping up from the ground. I have recently learned this happened three times within the year before I bought the condo.
Any idea as to the source of this water and if it is possible to fix it permanently?
Ask most people if they have a wet basement, and they'll say "no." Ask them if their basement occasionally develops damp spots during very wet weather and the answer is often "yes." Nobody likes to admit to a wet basement problem, but playing games with words won't make the problem go away. In fact, the problem just keeps getting worse.
Q: I would like to remodel the basement of my century-old house. I want to put a floor down but I am not sure what I should place on the concrete slab first, so the floor will not be so cold. Additionally, I want the walls to remain as is - that is, I want the bricks to show.
There are pipes everywhere, but I am not sure what they all go to. I would like to paint them but I am unsure what type of paint to cover them with. I am also unsure what type of paint I should use on the ceiling since I will not be putting a new ceiling in. Can you help?
Q: My basement is half dirt and half concrete, there was no ventilation down there and it had a strong, moldy dirt odor that could be smelled upstairs. I installed vents and the smell was reduced somewhat, but you can still smell the moldy dirt odor. What can I do to make it go away? Can I treat the dirt with something and cover it with plastic? What advice do you have?
Q: I have found several methods on how to frame a basement for drywall. What are your thoughts on using concrete screws to anchor 1 x 3 furring strips right into the block? While this seems to be cost effective and easy, I'm concerned about moisture and how the drywall will look when finished. Any suggestions before I get started?
Q: I have an eight year old home, which has a half basement and half crawl space. Is it possible to convert the crawl space into a basement? And if so, what would be the approximate cost and would this even be wise?
Q: My wife and I are having a home built, but the builder only offers a half basement with a 600 square foot crawl space, which can be used as nothing more than a storage area. Rather than miss out on that potential living space, I'm wondering if it is possible - without incurring a huge expense - to have the crawl space excavated.
Q: I am considering waterproofing the basement of my house which is about 30 years old and has a history of flooding. Although it sometimes endures heavy floods without leaking (I had a sump pump installed several years ago), I don't feel comfortable decorating for fear of another flood. I have talked to three waterproofing contractors and find their prices vary considerably for performing the same job.
Q: I'm planning to install carpet in my basement. We have finished it off with insulation, sheetrock, etc. The basement does not have a water problem, but it is humid. What is the best type of carpet and padding to install?
When we think of a basement, a dark, unwelcoming room usually comes to mind. We think of an undecorated, boring space that most people use for storage. Basements don't have to be stuck with this unpleasant reputation. You can change the look and feel of basements with a simple remodel. However, if your basement has never been worked on, you will need to start with a basic, overall finishing. Exposed pipes and concrete walls aren't ready for design ideas!