With the Grain » basement

Should You Refinish Your Basement?

Jenn Greenleaf — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:07:04 +0000

Are you trying to figure out if you should refinish your basement or not? There are a number of benefits and advantages to refinishing your basement:

The space is already enclosed
Refinishing is less expensive than new construction
It’s easy to hook into existing utilities
Most homeowners’ posses the basic skills to refinish

Before beginning, check for important things like structural and water issues. If these problems aren’t addressed from the beginning, they will cause very costly problems. You also need to determine if the space is large enough to refinish or not.

If you are unsure if you are able to complete these projects on your own, be sure to call in the help from a professional or an experienced friend or family member.

Basement Flooring Options

Jenn Greenleaf — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:40:51 +0000

For those interested in remodeling their basements, choosing what type of flooring can be tricky. You want to ensure moisture does not damage the floor should a flood occur, but you also want something that is esthetically appealing. Here are some options to consider:

Linoleum or vinyl: there are a slew of options available now in comparison to past years. Not only can you find linoleum and vinyl that looks like wood flooring, but it is also available in a range of faux stone options as well.
Ceramic or porcelain tiles: this option is extremely popular because tiles clean up very well, and are easy to maintain. Also, there is little worry when if a basement flood occurs.
Carpeting: while this option provides a warm and plush option, it is not recommended unless measures are taken to prevent basement flooding. If all of these measures are properly addressed, then carpeting works great.

If you are unsure what type of flooring is best for your basement-remodeling project, consider working with a contractor or a friend (or family member) who is experienced with these types of DIY installations. Good luck!

How to Choose a Sump Pump

Jenn Greenleaf — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:01:40 +0000

I know the importance of a good pump from first-hand experience, unfortunately. Choosing one is completely dependant on a few factors:

Do you want to use a pedestal pump? (last 25 to 30 years)
Do you want to use a submersible pump? (last 5 to 15 years)
How much do you have in your budget for this project?

The last thing you want to do is skimp when it comes to choosing the perfect pump for your basement. Here is a link to help you further with this decision making process: Installing a Sump Pump: Popular Mechanics. Good luck!

Battle Basement Blues

Jenn Greenleaf — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:57:00 +0000

Basements are quickly becoming additional living space opportunities, rather than the storage dumps of yester-year. For those interested in tackling home improvement projects in their basements, the first question tends to be:

Where do I begin?

Yes, it can be overwhelming to space plan such a large project. Don’t worry, it isn’t impossible! Start by painting the floor, and take it from there. Here are some links to help you learn how to paint your basement floor:

Painting the concrete floor in your basement will also create a stain resistant surface that will also help battle dampness. This option is great for those who want to create temporary family rooms or other living spaces in their basement, but they do not have the budget to add walls yet.