Your Home Doctor

Six Tips on How to Build a Basement Bar in Your Home

Many of you may have a little basement in your home. Some use it as their laundry area. Some use it as their mini gym. Others use it as an extension room for house guests. But what if none of these ideas draw your attention? Yet you cannot get over the fact that your basement is not being used to its maximum potential. Then you realized that whenever you have huge celebrations at home, your living room is just not enough. Then you start thinking why not convert your vacuous basement into a bar? Bingo! So here are a few tips for you on how to build a basement bar in your home.

1. Visualize – Visualize your idea of a basement bar in your mind. This should be a good starting point on how to build a basement bar. Before anything else, you got to imagine how it is going to look like. Draw it on a sheet of paper. Go down to your basement and figure out which corner you want to put the bar.

2. The Plan – Make a basement bar checklist. After you got a basement drawing in your sketch pad, you should be able to imagine the materials and tools to use in setting it up. Other than wood, you should be able to see things like electrical wiring, lighting fixtures, framing, plumbing, and all other things you can see through in your sketch.

3. Inspiration – Check out your friends’ basement bars. Supposing you still do not have a clear view of what needs to consider in this project. You may want to visit your friends who have basement bars. And do not ever forget to ask them pointers in how to build a basement bar. That is probably one of the most reliable help you could get. For sure, your friends would be more than willing to share their experience.

4. Basement Bar Photos – Check out home design magazines. This medium is another source of ideas in how to build a basement bar. The thing is that your plans of realizing this project only happens when you have your concept clear. These types of magazines help you imagine what you hope to achieve with your basement bar because they show pictures. This is a big advantage especially if your grades in art class were very low.

5. The Right Materials – Materials to use. Yes of course you got to know this. In the planning stage, materials and labor cost are usually what determines a project’s cost. At this point, it is not enough to just know the basics how to build a basement bar. Extra knowledge is a very important factor as well.

6. Supplies and equipment. Common sense and experience will tell you that when you see a bar, there is always liquor and most often music. Although this can be thought of in details when your bar is almost finished, it may help to include this in your preparations. Maybe know a little bit about what brand of wine, brandy, or whatever liquor you know that can suit your taste. Perhaps your preference has a lot to do with the mood you set in your bar. Then of course knowing a little bit about music equipment can lead you to understand what type of speakers you need to install. Acoustic insulation is also a consideration if you want music piped in to your basement bar.

Now that you have the design plan listed out for your little project, it is time to work on it. The good thing about this is that you can do it yourself. If you have no background in carpentry or interior designing, this is a good time to learn. Then maybe, in the future, you might want to share your experience. You might want to return the favor by giving your personal tips on how to build a basement bar.

-article by Casey Torren, EzineArticles.com

If you would like to speak to a basement remodeling and home theater installation specialist please contact Select Basement Waterproofing and Better Homes and Basements toll free at 877-548-3889 at your convenience.

Ready to Finish Off That Finished Basement? Not So Fast!

Congrats! Your newly remodeled basement is finally done. You’ve painted the new walls (or paneled them), laid the carpeting (or hardwood floors), and you’ve installed the home theater (or new gaming system). It’s all done, and now it’s finally time to start enjoying it.

But wait. Don’t crack open that new DVD yet. Don’t start popping that popcorn. Before you start enjoying your newly finished basement, you’ll need to make sure it’ll be safe from the kinds of moisture-related problems endemic to basements. The last thing you want is to run downstairs with a new game for your Wii and find a soggy carpet or flooded floor.

In point of fact, many of the suggestions listed here should be taken to heard before you even begin remodeling your new basement. If you’ve already begin, it may not be too late to enlist the services of a professional basement waterproofing firm.

So before you start, you’ll need to make sure your basement is healthy enough to handle such a project. Of course, you’re not planning on throwing up some plywood walls and tossing down a carpet. But a substantial part of planning your remodeled basement is making sure it’s free of leaks, condensation and potential leaks. Failing to do this is inviting trouble in the future.

If your basement project is DIY — that is, do-it-yourself — you may still want to procure the opinion of a professional basement waterproofing contractor. That contractor will be able to spot any hidden or potential leaks, find hidden black mold, and recommend ways to draw water away from your foundation if that’s a potential problems. Remember: Leaks don’t go away if you can’t see them.

Leaks can come from an extensive variety of places. If you have poorly-installed window wells or clogged rain gutters, water can pool outside your foundation. This causes a phenomenon called hydrostatic pressure, which can create cracks or make existing ones bigger. Leaks can also prosper if your property has improper drainage — for instance, if it sits at the bottom of a hill where water can collect. And water vapor can condense on the inside of your basement’s walls, making it easy for black mold to thrive and eat away at your porous surfaces. If there’s any chance any of these problems are present, you’ll need to address them before remodeling.

When the project is finished, it’s just as important to keep any eye on the basement. Making sure there are no leaks in your basement walls is an ongoing task.

-article by D. Michael Kirby, EzineArticles.com

If you would like to speak to a basement remodeling and home theater installation specialist please contact Select Basement Waterproofing and Better Homes and Basements toll free at 877-548-3889 at your convenience.

Basement Floor Covering – Commercial Carpet Tiles Are the Answer

Basement floor covering is one of the last things you think about when finishing a basement. People tend to focus more on the structural designs first (for good reasons!) and then when the project is wrapping up, the items such as basement floor covering, paint and finishing touches are handled. That is normal and fine of course. The structural issues in a basement are a big deal obviously. However, when it comes to picking a floor covering for basements, your decision can be a wise or costly one. Moisture and mildew can ruin most floor coverings. Even worse, a flooded basement can bring a lot of headaches. If you use the right basement floor covering up front you can avoid some issues and even save money on your budget with the right deal. Commercial carpet squares and tiles have many advantages that make them a perfect choice for basement floor covering. There are 5 reasons why commercial carpet tile works great for basement flooring.

1. Most commercial carpet tiles have a hard, rubber like backing. This backing along with the yarn is not harmed by moisture, mold or mildew. In fact, most carpet tile backing systems have mold and mildew inhibitors built into the backing itself. This built in resistance to moisture, mold and mildew make commercial carpet tiles perfect for basement floor covering. Also, if your basement floods, the carpet tiles can be pulled up and put outside to dry. Once the commercial carpet squares are dry and the basement is dry, you can reinstall the tiles. One tip is to make sure you use the commercial carpet tiles with the hard, stiff backing. Some carpeting tiles come with integral cushion padding. When installing in a basement, this cushion backing can absorb moisture and is not a good option.

2. Commercial carpet tiles are very easy to install. You can use adhesive to glue them down, however the loose lay method is best in a basement. You usually can install the tiles tight enough to where an adhesive is not needed. If you don’t have to glue them down, pulling them up later if the basements floods will be much easier. This also makes tile replacement later very easy. In fact, if you don’t glue the commercial carpet squares and tiles down, you can pull them up and pressure wash them off if they ever become very soiled or stained.

3. Basement floor covering can see a lot of foot traffic if the garage is adjacent to the finished area. Commercial carpet squares are built to handle heavy traffic. These are the same commercial carpet squares that are installed in airports, hotels, restaurants, etc.

4. Commercial grade carpet tiles can be used to create unique looks on a room or area. Basement floor covering doesn’t have to be bland to be functional. A very popular option when using commercial carpet tiles is to use 2 or 3 colors to make checkerboard or contemporary designs. Not only does the use of several colors (contrasting colors do great) give the basement a designer look, but it hides the seams where the carpet tiles come together.

5. Carpeted, commercial grade tiles can be a very cheap basement floor covering if you hunt the deals down. Normally, carpet squares and tiles can be expensive, but you can find some wholesalers that sell carpet squares for $.89 per square foot or less. If you have a 10 ft by 200 ft finished area, that’s only $89 for the entire basement floor covering. By doing the installation yourself, you will save additional money over other flooring options as well.

-article by Eric M Dyer, EzineArticles.com

If you would like to speak to a basement remodeling and home theater installation specialist please contact Select Basement Waterproofing and Better Homes and Basements toll free at 877-548-3889 at your convenience.

Basement Wall Sealer – Saving You Money on Future Repairs

If you’ve noticed a white powdery substance on your basement walls, it may be time to check for water damage. The white powder is actually a discharge that if left unchecked, can easily spread and grow across weakened concrete over time. This is caused by water seepage; water reacts with the alkalinity of concrete and results in weakening, cracks, and crumbling apart from the inside. Any amount water can have this effect on your basement walls and depending on where you live, it’s a good practice to learn more about basement wall sealers.

What other effects does water have on basement walls? When water seeps through foundations and into a basement, it creates a humid and moist environment. Many homeowners try to combat this with dehumidifiers and air conditioners in an attempt to prevent the basement smells and vapors from making it into other areas of their house. A dehumidifier is only a temporary solution, although without one mold, mildew, and other substances can make their way into your home.

Most water that you encounter in your basement will likely be due to rainfall or snow melting. If your gutters become clogged with leaves or other debris, the water may fall from your roof and pool around the foundations of your home, easily seeping into your basement. Despite it’s solidity, concrete is porous to come extent, and becomes more so as it ages. Aging concrete allows more water to seep through, and the situation gradually worsens.

Basement wall sealers are particularly effective in preventing the seepage and dampness associated with water, and can serve as an effective preventative measure. This process both hardens and strengthens the concrete walls, reducing moisture and the possibility of cracking as well. Some can prevent mold growth on masonry block, pre-cast and poured interior concrete structures and crawl spaces, reducing contamination of fungi, eliminating odors, and minimizing allergies.



A basement wall sealer is effective in combating the dampness, rust, stains, musty odors, condensation, as well as slow water seepage and structural damage. Here are a few other tips to avoid a water-logged basement:

• Clean out your rain gutters regularly from leaves, debris, and snow.
• Grow grass instead of flowers and shrubs around your foundations to soak up moisture.
• Consider getting a sump pump to relieve water pressure.

• The most effective thing you can do to prevent basement moisture and problems is to invest in a basement wall sealer, as that’ll protect your home for a long time and save you money on possible basement repairs you’d encounter in the future.

-article by E. Ronchetti, EzineArticles.com

If you would like to speak to a basement remodeling and home theater installation specialist please contact Select Basement Waterproofing and Better Homes and Basements toll free at 877-548-3889 at your convenience.

Ideas for Fixing Leaking Basement
It’s common to see cracks in basement walls for any house that is older than two year due to drying shrinkage, thermal movement, and other causes. Other causes usually are minor and result in few problems. But over time, even minor cracks can grow larger and cause big headaches, such as loss of structural integrity or, more commonly, water leakage. Poured concrete foundations often crack simply because of settling. If the crack grows or the foundation wall is deflected, the advice of a structural engineer may be required.

Common areas for a shrinkage concrete crack to develop are under a basement window, in the middle of a long wall or where the foundation steps down. Once the concrete cracks it is possible for water to leak into a basement through the crack.
Several suggested methods are:

• The most effective is to perform an injection of polyurethane foam into the basement crack. Polyurethane foams are injected into the basement crack in a liquid form. This allows a gentle and slow filling process of the basement crack that will completely fill the crack. After a few minutes the polyurethane will begin to react with the water in the crack to begin foaming.

• In most cases homeowners can now have these cracks fixed permanently without the need for costly, disruptive excavation using low-pressure injection of epoxy or polyurethane foam repair materials. Even if a crack is not leaking now, eventually water will find it, said by a manufacturer of epoxies and polyurethane foams for all types of foundation crack repair. In the Midwest, crack injection has been an accepted way of tackling these repairs for many years, and more and more foundation repair contractors around the country are adopting the technique because it is cost-effective, reliable, and permanent.

• Another very good method to fix your basement leaking program is DryTrak, which is designed to remove seepage from the floor-wall joint. Epoxy seals DryTrak to the top of the basement floor. In a baseboard system, weep holes are drilled into the floor-wall joint or directly into the wall if it is a block wall. A system of hollow, durable vinyl baseboard is then epoxied to the floor. Please note that DryTrak is not recommended for basements that may have leaking floor cracks, unleveled floors, or severely cracked floors.

-article by Andrew Leung

If you would like to speak to a basement remodeling and home theater installation specialist please contact Select Basement Waterproofing and Better Homes and Basements toll free at 877-548-3889 at your convenience.

Question: I would like to repaint my kitchen, but have a question. The walls have some mold on them despite the use of a dehumidifier in the basement. Is there an additive or special paint I can use to prevent mold and fungus buildup with the new paint?



Answer: From what the experts – residential painters and remodeling contractors – say, you’ll have to first determine the cause of the moisture that provides the medium for mold to grow.

Although most paint manufacturers are producing products with mold-growth inhibitors – Zinsser, Sherwin-Williams, and Benjamin Moore, to name three – and designed for high-moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, just covering over the problem isn’t enough.

I asked my remodeling experts if they could explain to me how the presence of a dehumidifier in the basement would control moisture in the kitchen. One said it would matter only if the kitchen were in the basement or the dehumidifier were a whole-house unit.

Frankly, without adequate ventilation, what happens in the kitchen stays there. Cooking produces great quantities of moisture; on warm or hot days, moisture condenses on walls. Combined with grease from cooking, it also can easily darken the color of the walls.

There’s another point my experts bring up. More often than not, the mold you see is an outward and visible sign of a problem behind the walls. There could be a leak bringing moisture behind the walls, and only now are you seeing evidence of it.

Simply covering the problem with a mold-inhibiting paint, no matter how good that paint is, will not solve it in the long term.

I realize that getting rid of mold is very expensive – sometimes requiring the remodeling contractor to tear everything down to the studs (and sometimes even the studs are covered) – but you’ll need to find a reputable company to look behind the walls.

If the mold is indeed just on the surface of the walls, then you’ll need to look into doing something about properly ventilating the kitchen.
Make sure you do these things before you head for the paint store or home center.

Home improvement trends. Better Homes and Gardens magazine has unveiled its home improvement trends for 2010. As expected, today’s projects fall into the must-do rather than want-to-do category.
Speaking at the International Builders Show in January, Eliot Nusbaum, executive editor for home design, said “the focus is now on low-cost improvements that will pack a big punch.”

With only 16 percent of 2,300 magazine readers surveyed saying “now is the right time to spend” on home improvements, more than half are focusing their efforts on needed repairs and maintenance, Nusbaum said.

Three-quarters say the economy has had an effect on their home improvement plans, with about half of those surveyed having changed their plans during the last year.

Smaller projects prove to be the most popular, such as painting a room (54 percent); replacing or adding flooring or carpeting (38 percent), decorating or redecorating a room (35 percent), and landscaping the yard (30 percent).

Energy efficiency is also a focus of home projects, Nusbaum said. Those who responded to the survey favored installation of Energy Star windows and doors (34 percent), high-efficiency heating and cooling systems (31 percent), and Energy Star appliances (31 percent).

No soap. The Soap and Detergent Association will become the American Cleaning Institute in June, coinciding with a major redesign and launch of its Web site, www.cleaning101.com.

Decluttering. From ShopSmart’s March issue, here’s a tip about desks for those who “derive a sense of serenity from a clean, spare work surface”: Limit the color palette. Keep desk accessories within a limited color range to maintain calm. Separate your stuff. Use drawer organizers or modular drawer inserts for supplies and papers.
ShopSmart refers to these folks as “innies,” because they put things away.

By Al Heavens- Inquirer Real Estate Columnist

If you would like to speak to a basement remodeling and home theater installation specialist please contact Select Basement Waterproofing and Better Homes and Basements toll free at 877-548-3889 at your convenience.

You have always wanted a home theater ever since you dropped your jaw watching that television show showcasing the homes of the rich and famous. You have finally considered converting that extra room, also known as your basement, into your own home theater. You have already your budget straightened up and in fact gone shopping. You have invested in pieces after careful deliberations. And you are finally ready to pop some corn, prop up your feet, lay back, relax and watch some movies, home theater style. Or are you?



Ventilation Concerns
Have you tackled the ventilation issue? Having chosen the basement as your home theater, because really you had no other use for the extra space, you will have entirely different ventilation concerns. It is the basement and most probably it was constructed in such a way that the builders never thought you will be using the space for a room that you will be spending hours on and in. The furnace was installed in such a way that it heats up all upstairs room and not really the basement. Air ducts will most probably be constructed within the ceiling of the basement. You will end up watching a movie with a hot head and freezing toes.

Before starting that movie marathon, be sure that you have taken care of this problem. Have the ducts removed and placed near the floor of the basement or if that seems too costly for you, invest in a reliable space heater.

Humidity Issues
Your basement walls will be surrounded by damp underground dirt, leaving your basement very humid than you need and want. Too much humidity will damage your equipment, they may look fine on the outside but the real damage is done on the internal components. Without taking care of this issue, you might as well destroy your home theater equipment yourself. Another issue with a very high humidity percentage is that any atmosphere with a 65% humidity or higher is the breeding ground for molds. With molds, you will be slowly killing yourself while you are having that movie marathon of yours.

Make sure that your basement walls are treated with a waterproofing solution to prevent the moisture from the ground to seep into your basement. Or install drywalls to cover the concrete. Invest in a good humidifier to keep the humidity in safe levels.

Screen Size and Room Size Ratio
The bigger you go with the screen size will not always mean the better. If the screen is too big for the room dimensions, you risk eye strain and expose yourself to too much radiation. Be sure to have the proportions right. A little Internet research will give you the optimum viewing experience while still taking care of health issues.

Before you start having all nighters or hosting movie marathons in that home theater of yours, be sure that it is safe for you and your guests to stay in there for extended periods of time. This way you can truly allow yourself to lay back and relax.

Author Resource: Circle Cross Ranch Real Estate, Short Sale Houses in Ahwatukee AZ and Rancho El Dorado Homes for Sale can offer you a whole deal of information about the real estate market. Whether you want to sell your house, buy a property or rent one, getting all the information that you need will give you a great advantage.

By Faith Warner-ibtimes.com

If you would like to speak to a basement remodeling and home theater installation specialist please contact Select Basement Waterproofing and Better Homes and Basements toll free at 877-548-3889 at your convenience.

Basement Remodeling- Planning, Designing and Costs
By The Basement Remodeling Weblog

If you want basement remodeling done first you need to set a budget. Next you need plans or a design for the basement. You can design it yourself, have abasement remodeling contractor do it, or have an architect design the plans.  A basement remodeling job can be a do it yourself project if you have all of the skills but most people don’t have the required construction knowledge to handle all of the different aspects of the project.  You must be able to do rough carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, drywall and much more.  You also need to know all of the local building codes which can be difficult in some areas.

The easiest way to finish your basement if you don’t have all of the skills is to hire a basement remodeling contractor.  You can find one in the Yellow pages or join a service like Angie’s list. Just make sure whom ever you choose can show you samples of finished basements they have done and references from previous customers. It is always best to get at least two estimates before making your final decision. Ask your contractors to break down the costs items by item so you have a clear view of where the money is being spent.  I always tell my clients to call me after they have all of their quotes in and I will come back and go over the quotes with them.  This helps make sure the quotes are apples to apples and they are getting everything they want.

Before you get started with your basement remodeling project make sure you have a clear vision on what you want the space to be.  A good basement remodeling contractor will be able to help you through the process by giving you ideas and tell you what may or may not work in your space.  Decide what your requirements are for the basement.  Do you want a home theater, bathroom, bedroom, home gym or a gameroom for the kids? Do you have leaks or moisture issues and need waterproofing done?  What type of finish materials do you want for plumbing fixtures, trim, lighting, flooring, etc?  A good place to start is looking at basement remodeling magazines or finding pictures of finished basements on the internet. Google Images has hundreds of pictures from basement contractors across the globe. You can check out pictures from some of our jobs at http://www.SelectWaterproofingUSA.com

This is just a fraction of many ideas for your basement plans.  Most basement remodeling and waterproofing professionals like Select Basement USA offer free estimates and tips on remodeling your basement bathroom. If you are located in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware areas and would like a free estimate please visit Select Waterproofing USA online or contact them toll free at 877-548-3889.

Basement Designing

Using Plans and Ideas for your Basement Remodeling
By The Basement Remodeling Weblog

Why not take advantage of the usable space in your basement. Create a finished basement your family can enjoy and increasing the value of your home.

There are unlimited uses for a basement.  With the proper planning and design you can create a basement that is more fantastic than you ever dreamed.  Of course there are the costs of a basement remodel which can sometimes deter people from finishing their basement.  This is where many people decide on the do it yourself (DIY) method to save some money.  As long as you have a clear set budget of what you can afford then you have a good starting place for hiring a professional contractor.  Most basement contractors will give free estimates and will usually offer advice on what will work for your space.  This is always a good place to start gathering information and details on how the space will be put together and give you good ideas on what you may want to include in your basement.

The first question to ask yourself is who the space is for.  Is it for a kid’s playroom? An entertainment area for the parents? An in-law suite? or add a basement bathroom Figure out who the space is for and from there you can start to figure out the layout and how the rooms will flow together. Most basements are cut up and have mechanical’s and  things you will have to move or design around.  Your basement contractor can help with this or you can always hire a basement design expert if you really need help.

Below is a list of basement ideas that you check and see which of them you would like to have when you finish your basement.

• Children’s play area
• Home office
• Bathroom
• Exercise room
• Home Theater
• Family Room
• Storage
• TV and Media area
• Wine storage
• Wet Bar
• Game room
• Shower
• Closets & storage
• Egress Window

This is just a fraction of many ideas for your basement plans.  Most basement remodeling and waterproofing professionals like Select Basement USA offer free estimates and tips on remodeling your basement bathroom. If you are located in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware areas and would like a free estimate please visit Select Waterproofing USA online or contact them toll free at 877-548-3889.

Basement Ideas

How to use Tankless Water Heaters to Save Energy
By The Basement Remodeling Weblog

Today’s homeowners want energy-efficient appliances. What better way to do that than with a tankless water heater. You can get an endless supply of hot water while saving money and our precious natural resources. My basement remodeling company has been installing more and more of these systems. Why not, they take up less space, they are more efficient and they last twice as long.

Tankless water heaters are small wall mounted units that heat water only when needed by using an electric coil or natural gas to heat water passing through a network of copper pipes inside. This eliminates the risk of a tank failure and the energy lost by constantly reheating water. Two of the most popular tankless water heaters are the Bosch AquaStar 2700ES NG (natural gas) and Bosch AquaStar 2700ES LP (propane) .  Typically the gas-fired tankless water heaters will produce higher flow rates than an electric tankless which is why I use and recommend the Bosch ones you see above. Some of the smaller tankless systems you might find cheaper online or at Home Depot cannot supply enough hot water for simultaneous usage in a large household so be careful when making a selection. The Aquastar 2700ES delivers 7 gallons per minute( enough to run several fixtures at once), electronic ignition( no standing pilot light), direct vent combustion, remote thermostat, and a 12year warranty on the heat exchanger with a 2year warranty on parts.

For your installation make sure you check local building code requirements and/or have a qualified plumbing , heating, or general contractor help you with your installation. Whether you choose gas or electric they should be able to help you make sure the gas venting requirements or the electrical wiring requirements are met. Remember the proper installation/maintenance of your system can optimize the energy efficiency and help it last for decades.

Guidelines for the Tax Credit can be viewed on the ENERGY STAR website.

The average life expectancy of a tankless system can be over 20 year where a standard tank might last 10-15 years. A tankless system can have an energy savings of up to 50% and most are energy star rated. To make things even better this item qualifies for a Federal Tax Incentive equal to 30% of the purchase and installation cost up to $1500. Theses home improvement tax credits are available for energy-saving home improvements that are placed in service in your primary residense from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010.

You can also check http://www.dsireusa.org/. DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. There you find information for all state and local Incentives/Policies for Renewables & Efficiency.

Most basement remodeling and waterproofing professionals like Select Basement USA offer free estimates and tips on remodeling your basement bathroom. If you are located in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware areas and would like a free estimate please visit Select Waterproofing USA online or contact them toll free at 877-548-3889.

Tankless Water Heater