Your Home Doctor

Finding the Right Finish Basement Designs For You

There are many things you need to consider when deciding on finish basement designs. What room do you want and why? Here are some things you will need to think about when deciding on finish basement designs.

The first thing you need to do is know what you want to do with the basement, in terms of what kind of room you want to transform it into. There are many things you can change a basement into, and all of them will bring a great improvement to the value of your home.

You can use your basement for a home gym, a home office, a home theater, a home studio, a home bar, a family room or a guest room. Those are only some ideas.

A basement office is a fantastic area for starting your own business or doing your work at home – it’s usually away from everyone and no one will get in your way. This is an advantage that works with all the things mentioned above.

Something many other people are doing these days is using their basement for their library. The space can be used incredibly effectively with bookshelves and a nice table and reading chair in the middle. If you get proper lighting in and do a good job with the décor this would be an excellent room for this sort of thing. It can also then be used as a studying area for the kids in school.

The room could also be transformed into a play area for the younger kids, as they will then be able to make as much noise as they want without interfering with everyone else.

Once you’ve decided on the kind of room you want you obviously have to look at your budget. All of the above ideas can be done for very little cost, or they can be done at an enormous cost. The state your basement is in now will also have an effect on how much money you need to put in.

Once you know your budget you need to consider the décor of the room. Will you go for tiles or carpets? Tiles are usually better because basements can be very damp. Tiles with rugs works well, though. You might also want to consider vinyl flooring as well.

The kind of walling you need would depend on what look you want and what you want to do as well. Some walls absorb sound very well, and these would be very effective for a home studio, for instance. Others can make the basement look very much like an office and this may be what you would want for a home office.

It’s important to keep furniture in mind. Many people don’t consider the overall look and practicality of the room with regards to the furniture. For example, a home studio requires furniture that is comfortable and that would do a good job of concealing all the cabling that needs to be in the room. A lot of people don’t think about that.

Then it’s the real practicalities, such as finding a solution to getting rid of the moisture in the room and how to keep it dry. Also, you need to consider how to keep it warm. There are many solutions to this, such as heated mats or underfloor heating; plus the sub-floor and flooring you use will make a big difference with the moisture. You will need to research your options here.

You will have to do a lot of researching but it is hoped that this article serves a great way to get you started in deciding the rightfinish basement designs for you.

-article by Lee Andersons, 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.

How to Install a Bathroom in your Basement with little or no plumbing.

Many homeowners are choosing to remodel their basement to add or increase living space. But when it comes down to the actual build you may find out that the basement was never roughed in for a bathroom or powder room. In the past a basement remodeling specialist or plumber would have to dig into the concrete flooring and place new sewer lines into the existing system. This is not only costly but very messy.

The best alternatives are actually above ground solutions such as the upflushing toilet, freestanding sewage-ejector systems and composting toilets. Above ground solutions, which require lower installation costs, generally include a hidden pumping mechanism and permit additional waste producing fixtures like sinks and showers to drain into them.

For basement bathrooms that are subject to high traffic, some above ground toilets come with a macerating or grinding feature that reduces waste into smaller pieces prior to pumping, which lessens the possibility of a clog.

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 Bathroom Remodel

How to Remodel your Basement Inexpensivly

No one can say that they do not know at least one person that is facing hardships during these rough economic times, especially if that someone is looking to make any home renovations. If your budget is leaky and your basement is not there are decorating alternatives and tricks that can allow you to remodel and redesign without breaking the bank.

One logical basement remodeling technique is to reuse and recycle materials and furniture including fabric and material from clothing. Any piece of furniture can be gilded to match the current theme or color pattern of your room. Wood furniture can be sanded and stained or repainted. Sofas and chairs can be reupholstered in a matter of minutes.

If you are unhappy with the look of your room you can alter the furniture to make it feel new to you. If this does not do the trick you can add paint, plants and lighting to change the room. All three are relatively cheap on your wallet and free time.

Once you’ve finished your home decorating, don’t let all that time and money go to waste due to a poor environment in your home. Air rises through your house, so the condition of your basement can affect your whole home. Moldy, musty air and dampness can wreck havoc on furniture and other parts of your home.

Most basement remodeling and waterproofing professionals like Select Basement USA offer free estimates and tips on remodeling your basement. 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.

Affordable Basement Remodling

We hired Select Waterproofing USA to solve our water seepage problem in the basement and found that Select Waterproofing USA was absolutely incredible! Not to mention that Select came highly recommend from our two neighbors.

The owner looked at our problem and within minutes realized the problem and the solution. I was pleased with the fact that no high-pressure tactics were used like the other companies that we had in before to get a quote.

Our decision to hire Select Basement Waterproofing was one of the best investments we ever made for our ranch home. From start to finish they were unbelievable! They were the best contractors we ever had working for us.

The job was done exactly as we were told and no corners were cut, and they did extras and did not charge us!!! My father was so amazed that he even did his house, that not only needed waterproofing, but it had many structural problems. Select Basement Waterproofing excavated the basement one foot deeper to make the basement like you would never believe.

My father’s and my basement do not smell anymore at all, are now dry to the bone, clean, and look great. My basement and my dad’s basement is on Jerome’s video computer.

Now my basement is half finished, with a bedroom, full bathroom, and gym, and office. Thank you SELECT BASEMENT WATERPROOFING COMPANY. Now our home is two levels, and is so nice to go down stairs. Keep up the great work.

Fred & Holly Ramsey
Aberdeen, New Jersey

By the way, we’ve had some good heavy rains since you installed the waterproofing system and the basement is as dry as a bone.  I don’t even use a dehumidifier anymore as it feels plenty dry without it.  Much thanks to you and all of your staff who did an outstanding job.  They’re a good bunch of guys and it was a pleasure having them work at our home.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season.

Tom Schmieder
Long Valley NJ

Long Valley, NJ

There are a number of situations in which your basement should not be remodeled or refinished, one being if your radon levels are above recommended EPA levels. Radon levels must be reduced even if you are not finishing your basement. Radon is a colorless gas and known carcinogen that can seep into a home from the soil and rock below. Because it comes from the ground, radon levels are usually highest in basements. Health authorities like the Centers for Disease Control, the Surgeon General, the American Lung Association and the American Medical Association all agree that you should act as soon as possible to reduce the radon level if it is 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or more.

Radon Gas

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

Mold in the basement: If you have a significant amount of mold in your basement, you will need mold remediation before the health impact on the homeowners gets any worse. The key to mold control is moisture control. Before basement finishing you must properly prepare the basement.

Basement Finishing state and town building codes: Your new finished basement plans must be in compliant with state and town building codes.

Egress: This is basically another word for exit or proper escapes in case of emergency. Under the new building codes, you will have to abide by certain requirements such as size and location of exit in reference to the finished space. We install egress opening to comply with codes and for you safety.

Ventilation: Basement Ventilation must have proper air exchange per state and town code if the basement is going to be finished for living space. Ask us about our air systems prior to finishing. Ceiling Height: A minimum ceiling height of 7.6′ is needed for basement finishing. This height may vary from city to town. We can provide you with this information.

Hamilton, NJ Basement Remodel

Most basement issues can be resolved so that your basement can be finished. Consult a professional to determine what can be done for your particular basement. You should know that there are certain basement finishing materials that you should not use, especially organic materials. Organic basement finishing materials, which are a food source for mold to grow, include wood studs, non-appropriate insulation, wood flooring and trim, and carpet without a shielded sub-floor.

These materials should be avoided at all cost.  Mold spores can impact the health in your basement and home. If you are looking for a free estimate or have basic questions for a professional please call Hamilton Basement Waterproofing and Remodeling toll free at 877-548-3889. They specialize in virtually every home remodel or renovation, both interior and exterior. To set up an appointment or view client testimonials visit them online.

1. Finishing a basement is a major project. It will add value to your home and will in most cases increase living space by 100%. Finishing a basement can be a good investment. According to cost versus value surveys conducted annually by Remodeling magazine, the average return on investment for a basement project nationally is currently around 75 cents on the dollar. And a basement project is also likely to add new functionality to your home: more bedrooms, more efficient storage, and more space to entertain.Most basement remodeling professionals like Lawrenceville Basement Waterproofing offer free estimates and tips on how to pursue your project. If you are located in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware areas and would like a free estimate please visit Lawrenceville Basement Waterproofing online or contact them toll free at 877-548-3889.

Lawrenceville, NJ

2. Prepare the basement properly to avoid future water and moisture problems. Finished basements can end up with mold and other moisture related problems behind the finished walls. Be sure you understand the details of waterproofing and proper ventilation.

3. Ventilation and Dehumidification – Merely installing a dehumidifier can actually create problems by drawing water through foundation walls. Air systems vary, you need to know effectiveness and efficiency of an air system.

4. Protect your investment by installing primary sump pump to keep ground water out of your basement. A secondary emergency battery backup pump should be installed as a backup in the event that your primary pump fails or, for power outages.

5. Wall and Flooring products- Floor products designed for below-grade applications should be used for basement finishing. — even small fluctuations in moisture levels can cause buckling and splitting of non-safe basement flooring. Basement interior walls should be mold and mildew resistant. Protection and proper installation methods should be applied between the foundation wall and the interior wall.

6. Basement safe ceilings- Use drop-ceiling and other ceiling products that resist mold and moisture.- If you need to have access to electrical and plumbing systems in your ceiling, a suspended ceiling may be a good choice.

7. Test your basement for Radon- Radon is an odorless cancer causing radioactive gas that seeps into basements from surrounding soils. Uncontrolled, it can expose you and your family to the equivalent of 200 chest x-rays annually. Test for it with a radon contractor. Mitigating radon may involve sealing cracks and surfaces, or installing ventilators.

8. Plan an emergency escape- Local building codes may demand egress windows in order for a basement room to be considered a bedroom. Egress windows must be large enough for a firefighter in full gear to get into a burning house — and for occupants to safely escape if stairways are blocked by fire. Where possible, plan for windows and doors.

9. Proper insulation is vital to a successful basement project. Building Code requires R11 insulation below grade. Fiberglass insulation keeps room temperatures comfortable, but more importantly buffers the cool underground walls from condensation when they meet warm air within a basement room.

10. The company you choose to finish your basement will make a difference in how successful your finished basement will be. A basement finishing company should be knowledgeable specifically in working in basements and know your town’s building code. Don’t only consider price as a factor in deciding which company to use. There is no greater disappointment than spending money for a substandard job. Create a healthy and safe living area without compromising the quality, design, and the overall appearance of a new finished space.

If you are looking for a free estimate or have basic questions for a professional please call Lawrenceville Basement Waterproofing toll free at 877-548-3889. They specialize in virtually every home remodel or renovation, both interior and exterior. To set up an appointment or view client testimonials visit them online.

It is much more likely for a homeowner to expand the living area in their current home than to build an addition or obtain financing for a new home. And, obviously the most common area that can be expanded is an unfinished basement. Remodeling a basement is less hassle and less expensive than an building an addition, not to mention the litany of permits that would be needed for an addition.

Just like any other home renovation or construction project there are many things to consider before diving in to the remodel. First and foremost the homeowner has to determine if there is adequate waterproofing. You have to take a look at any possible issues that could surface regarding piping and heat/cooling ducts. You should also think about the location of possible noisy or eye sore appliances like washers, dryers, furnaces, sump pumps, etc.

Basement Remodel

Do not be deterred by the list of things you may considerations. Realizing that each basement is designed and built differently from one and another, contacting a professional may be your best option to achieve a desirable end result. Most basement waterproofing and remodeling professionals like Hopewell Basement Waterproofing offer free estimates and tips on how to pursue your project. If you are located in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware areas and would like a free estimate please visit Hopewell Basement Waterproofing online or contact them toll free at 877-548-3889.

Even before contacting a professional you should determine an end result in your mind. Is it going to be for children or adults? Do you want a game room, bar area, or second living room? Could the living space be better utilized as an additional bedroom or a home office? Or maybe a combination of two or three of the above would best suit your needs.

After you determine an end result in your mind you can than start to plan the layout. If it is an office you want you will need to run a cable for access to the Internet and a phone line. If it is a bar you want you will need to run the appropriate plumbing. If it is a second living room you will need to run wired to hook up cable.

Then you can determine if your basement will need additional insulation in the walls, floors and ceilings. If you are looking for a free estimate or have basic questions for a professional please call Hopewell Basement Waterproofing toll free at 877-548-3889. Hopewell Basement Waterproofing offers transferable lifetime guarantees along with free estimates. They specialize in basement waterproofing, mold remediation, sump pump installations, and battery backup installations. To set up an appointment or view client testimonials visit them online.