From Basement to Beautiful - Steps to Waterproofing and Finishing your Basement

The Monster in the Basement

Picture this: Your upstairs floor leaks whenever it rains. Water is dripping in and pooling on the floor. Even when it's not raining, it always seems to be damp, humid, and musty up there. Everything you store there grows mold, and if you've laid wood floor and carpet, it's growing moldy, rotting, and the wood is buckling. The windows are rusting and jammed, with spider webs growing in them, and the floor is cold and clammy underfoot. The ceiling is sagging and moldy. Simply put: your upstairs is ugly, uncomfortable and unhealthy. You avoid it whenever you can. Under any circumstances, is this acceptable? Of course not!

Then why would you let these conditions develop DOWNstairs?

You shouldn't. It's unacceptable. A basement represents an entire floor's worth of space- a gigantic percentage of the potential living space in your home. To allow it to go unused is to deny the full potential of your home. And given the current housing market, this is a fantastic time to think about taking full advantage of every bit of space available in your home.

Make the Most of What You've Got!

Finishing your basement runs at about 50% of the cost of adding a new addition to your home. Remodeling Online reports that nationwide, finishi5B4ng a basement can increase the resale value of a home by about 61%-97% of the cost of the installation! If you'd like to see the full report by Remodeling online. stop by http://costvalue.remodelingmagazine.com/index.html .

All numbers aside, if your basement is leaking, you have an opportunity to take a problem in your home and change it into an asset. Here are some disadvantages to a damp basement:

1. If you have cement or block basement walls or floors, water collecting around your foundation in the looser backfilled earth is seeping through your porous cement basement structure. Even if your basement walls do not look damp, you can be sure that the moisture is seeping through and being pulled up by the air, much like the dirt in a potted plant does when the soil is wet but the surface is dry.

2. Humid basement air creates a reliable environment for mold growth. If you allow that moisture to remain, there's nothing stopping mold from collecting on any and all organic surfaces in your basement, including drywall, carpet, and hardwood floors.

3. If your basement has a musty smell, that would be from the airborne fecal material from dust mites and mold spores in your basement air. Because this air travels upwards in your house (like in a chimney), these airborne materials will rise through your house and enter your lungs when you breathe. This has been known to create and intensify a variety of breathin5B4g related ailments.

4. A leaking basement is not a reliable storage space. Any valuables you have there will be vulnerable to the flooding conditions.

A Beautiful Living Space

If you want to use your basement as a clean, dry area instead not using it and keeping it as a moldy, wet and health-compromising space, then you have no reason to invest in it. However, this is what your basement could become:

• A beautiful family room with couches, game tables and a TV
• A naturally quiet and secluded-feeling home office
• A home theater with a flat screen mounted on a hardboard wall
• A personal gym with mats, weights and treadmills
• A safe, secluded play room for the children
• A beautiful and sophisticated wine cellar

To accomplish this, you're going to want basement finishing and remodeling products that can create a vapor barrier between your living space and the cold, wet basement surfaces. On the walls, I'd recommend a solid, free-standing cement board and hard foam insulation so you can attach shelves, photographs, a plasma TV or anything else to their surface without concern. Your windows should be double paned vinyl windows for optimal insulation and soundproofing. On the ceiling, you're going to want a drop ceiling that will absorb noise from the basement and above floors alike. The floors should be laid down in a way that b5B4locks water vapor from the basement floor and creates a thermal break on your basement floors so they don't feel as cold as the concrete below. Finally, ALL surfaces installed in the basement will need to be resilient to water damage.

Even if a basement is completely waterproofed and a vapor barrier is placed on all surfaces, your basement is still susceptible to leaks from water heaters, bursting pipes, overflowing sinks, bathtubs, toilets, dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, and the countless other things that hold water and can run downhill, creating a flood in your basement.

The Best Basement Waterproofing Contractor and Basement Remodeling Experts for You

It's important to find a basement remodeling contractor that is still going to be in business if you need to service your installation or have warranty work done. The small business administration reports that 50% of contractors have their business fail within the first year and over 96% within five years. It's best to pick a company that you're confident will still be there when you need them.

DryGuys Basement Systems of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland have been in business for more than 20 years and would like to help you with your basement waterproofing and finishing- as well as your foundation repair, dehumidif5B4ication, and crawlspace encapsulation needs. Our basement waterproofing system will keep your basement from leaking while our finishing products create vapor barriers on all concrete basement surfaces. Our Total Basement Finishing basement finishing ideas insulate the room and make the whole house more energy efficient.

Our finished basement wall panels can each hold a weight of up to 300 pounds, making them perfect for mounting heavy shelving, plasma TVs, large photographs or whatever your heart desires. Our windows are made of vinyl framing and beautiful crystal clear double thermopane glass, making them more than twice as long-lasting and almost three times better as an insulator than single paned steel basement windows. None of our products support mold growth, and they're all either water resistant or completely waterproof. We offer a written warranty, a long history of business, and the international support of Basement Systems, the largest network of basement waterproofing contractors in the world. There's no doubt that we'll be here if you need us. Call or visit us for a free no obligation estimate, and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

DryGuys Basement Systems
20 N. Main Street
Woodstown, NJ 08098
(800) 462-3191
http://www.dryguys.com

An Introduction To Home Remodeling Software

Thanks to the personal computer and inexpensive home remodeling software what used to be an expensive time consuming task that often involved a professional to create blueprints or technical drawings can now be done easily by anyone in the comfort of their own home. Did I mention that its a lot of fun too?

Home remodeling software can be found wherever computer software is sold and is very reasonably priced. You can sometimes get a basic package free at Comp USA when they have an in-store 100% rebate promotion so check any flyers you might get in your paper or the mail and you could save yourself some money.

Using a remodeling software package is the ultimate in power and flexibility as any changes can be made instantly with a click of the mouse and with a wide range of products to choose from there will be a version that will be just what you need to get your remodeling project started.

Common features of remodeling software include the ability to do a virtual walkthrough, 2D and 3D views of your project and cost/budget estimators. The ability to drag and drop items is also standard and allows you to easily rearrange furniture in a room or move a door or window.

You can also count on having professionally designed examples you can use as is or modify to suit your needs. Some will even print out a list of materials required to complete the project and most have video tutorials to help you not only learn how to use the software but also teach you basic design skills.

There are several categories of home remodeling software available today with some packages bundling everything together into a total home design package:

Home Architect/Floor Plan

These packages will allow you to create a simple remodeling plan or even an entire new house from scratch. Using 2D and 3D views you are able to look at your plan from any angle and even zoom in and out. The software is so detailed that you can choose from thousands of design elements like windows, doors, cabinets and countertops. If it can be found in a house chances are a package like this will have it as an option. This package is ideal for entire home building or remodeling projects.

Interior Design

With an interior design package you can see how different wallpaper or paint will look in a room or how different countertops can change the look of your kitchen. You can move furniture around easily and view your rooms from any angle or height. Some remodeling software will also let you simulate sunlight coming through windows so you can see the effect it will have on a room.

These packages are typically filled with brand name furniture and appliances so you can see exactly how a particular model will look in your home. They often include carpet samples, fabric swatches and window treatments that can be changed by simply dragging and dropping. You can literally repaint a room in seconds to any color you want and quickly change it back again if you desire.

Often video tutorials will give you super ideas on how to coordinate colors and pick complimentary furnishings for a room for a professionally designed look.

Landscaping & Garden

Starting from professionally designed landscapes and gardens templates you can add things like fences, bird feeders, benches and statues. You can choose from thousands of trees, shrubs and plants and place them wherever you want and even include sprinkler systems.

Many styles like Japanese or water gardens are included to stimulate your creative juices and some landscaping software will even simulate seasonal changes and plant growth so you can see how your yard or garden would look 5 years from now in the fall.

Specialty packages like Deck or Kitchen and Bath design

With deck design software you can plan your dream deck using popular designs or create your own. Choose from a variety of deck materials and building styles and even place deck furniture on your virtual deck to see how it will look once its built. Some packages will print out a shopping list detailing the amount of lumber and hardware required to build the deck.

Like other home design or remodeling packages but geared for a specific room like a kitchen or bath these packages usually have many more options available than the general home based packages. You will have access to every possible kitchen appliance, cabinet, countertop, sink, shower, bathtub, etc. along with wall and floor coverings and lighting fixtures.

Any one of these types of home remodel53Aing software packages will do a good job for you and can be used over and over again as you dream up new projects for your home. If you are planning on a specific room project you might want to consider a package designed for that room type (like a kitchen) but if you think you will have future remodeling projects spending a little extra for a home remodeling package might be worth it. At the very least you can have fun planning your dream house with the home version.

For more tips on house remodeling visit us at House Remodeling Tips

How To Accessorize One Of The Most Important Rooms In The House - The Bathroom

One of the most important rooms in a home is the bathroom. Ask any real estate agent, and they will let you know that a clean, well-decorated bathroom, with a peaceful atmosphere and bright cheerful colors will add thousands of dollars to the value of the home. The bathroom is, according to the real estate pros, of particular interest to the lady of the house. The bathroom is second in importance only to the kitchen when it comes to the homes value in the real-estate market. One of the easiest and most efficient ways to create a bathroom with the appropriate atmosphere and style is the appropriate use of bathroom accessories.

Your first and most important task in changing the look of your bathroom and increasing your homes value is choosing the right color scheme. The color of your walls sets the mood and can create the appearance of more space when you choose light colors. You will also want your bathroom accessories to compliment the wall color, so choose with care. These days a bathroom design can be done in almost any color theme and should compliment the other styles and colors in the home. With the advent of modern technology and the internet, you can shop from the comfort of your own home saving time and gas while viewing the offerings of a variety of retailers at the same time.

By far the most important of the bathroom accessories you will need to buy is the bathroom suite itself (this would encompass the sink, toilet, bathtub and possibly a bidet). You will want to choose a color that compliments the dcor of the room, especially the walls and the bathroom tiles. There are many colors to choose from including the traditional white or ivory as well as many pastel shades of pinks, yellows, blues and greens. If you like to change the look of the bathroom frequently, you may want to stick with the traditional colors. You will find many various types of integrated bathroom suites available in either traditiAB8onal or contemporary designs. The traditional choices range from designs of previous centuries, such as the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Modern designs might include different shower options such as waterfall, multiple heads and ionic technology.

Other important aspects of the bathroom are the faucets or taps. These basic and often overlooked, but completely essential bathroom accessories are available in numerous styles and colors. There are probably more than you can even imagine. Ranging from basic simple classic designs, to the elaborate or even more sleek modern designs, the choices available to the modern consumer is extensive. One important thing to determine is the finish you want. Most standard faucets come in a chrome or gold finish, and some of the more ornate ones have ceramic handles or even plastic characters or other themes.

Once you have decided on the overall dcor and color scheme and found the bathroom suite, faucets and handles you can begin to think about other things such as lighting fixtures, mirrors and bathroom accessories. You might consider adding a bidet for increased hygiene. Bidets are very common in Europe and Latin American countries. Some bidet designs are now even integrated into the toilet, and they are increasing in popularity in the United States. Towel bars or racks and bathroom cabinets are the other indispensable elements of the finished bathroom design. You can create a bathroom that provides a haven of peace, tranquility and relaxation with a well chosen color scheme and some thoughtfully selected bathroom accessories.

Gregg Hall is an author living with his beautiful wife and family in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about bathroom products as well as bathroom accessories online at http://www.exclusivebathroomaccessories.com

How To Build Great Bathroom Renovations In Sydney, Australia

A well designed and built bathroom can transform your home with a fresh new look and you can have the use of many years of one of the best enjoyed areas of a home

Just think about it - great decisions have been made in bathrooms! In Sydney Australia, the most important thing to realize is that a bathroom renovation is not a cheap project; it can cost many thousands of dollars. A little planning in the sort term can make a mile of difference in the long term.

The way I approach a bathroom design and renovation is to ask for a budget for the project, and I then tailor a budget for individual needs. A typical plan goes like this;

1. Figure out the space you have to work with by measuring floors, walls and ceiling.

2. Check the conditions of the substructure and walls behind the existing bathroom.

There is a good chance that one the interior is stripped out & their may be issues with rotten flooring. For example, some builders used to use yellow tongue boards and when water came into the equation they would rot

3.Water-pRoofing -when the membrane is to be applied you need to make sure that it is compatible with the tile adhesive. Your builder needs to plan your project & follow correct building code practices. After a thorough inspection, he can then give your new bathroom the best waterpRoofing membrane for adequate protection against moisture and rot.

Case Study

One bathroom I recently inspected for one of my clients in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney had no waterpRoofing system at all! All the timber studs in the wall were rotten and termites had infested the house due to the moisture levels.

The termite control program alone cost over $5,000 the rotten timbers had to be removed and replaced, and THEN correct waterpRoofing had to be installed. Total cost? Over $25,000!

So dont risk it. Make sure with your bathroom renovation that a proper inspection is carried out prior to bathroom renovations, plan ahead, and ensure that correct building practices and standards are adhered to.

Joe is a veteran of numerous home remodeling and building projects. Joe has been in the building and termite prevention game for over 20 years and has been involved in the entire spectrum of home improvement. He shares his home renovation tips, home building ideas, and other various topics at http://www.home-builder.com.au

Home Renovation Tip - Remove Bulkheads for More Cupboard Space

One of the many things we liked about our kitchen designer Jim is that he came up with lots and lots of ideas. You know the saying 'Been there, done that", well it's also try in home improvements / renovations. Jim has been in kitchen design for many years.

When he toured our newly purchased home as part of the design process for measurement taking, etc., he noticed that directly above each of the cabinets were bulkheads. What are bulkheads? They are simply additional drywall installed in the shape of a rectangle between the top or head of the cabinet and the ceiling.

Their purpose? Well, in some cases they contain pipes or wires and are meant to hide them for visual aesthetics. In our case, they were simply to either have lower kitchen cabinets or for aesthetics which looked nice 20 years ago but now do not.

So, Jim suggested since we were about t68Eo start the demolition mode, why not simply remove them, and re-drywall the area of the ceiling and wall that they were covering.

Excellent suggesting. It really opened up the kitchen and made it not look so enclosed. And, in fact this only added more cabinet space on one of the three sides of the kitchen. On the other two sides we decided not to have the upper cabinets to all the way to the ceiling and again it looks very nice. In the future we can put accent lighting on top of these upper cabinets if we want to.

So, if you are doing a full, or even a partial, kitchen renovation, and if you have bulkheads between the top of your upper cabinets and the ceiling, consider removing them. It opens up the kitchen, give you more upper cabinet space and allow for accent lighting.

To access more postings and view many photographs from our home renovation experiences, please use the link below to access our blog, Daily Home Renovation Tips.

http://dailyhomerenotips.com/