Unsurprisingly, we tend to become a little weary when we notice cracks in basement walls because foundation issues are arguably the most significant structural concern for any homeowner or prospective buyer. Cracks, however, appear for various reasons and need different fixes ranging from extensive reconstruction to easy do-it-yourself fixes. Which cracks warrant concern is the …
Ants are a tremendous asset to the ecosystem, even though we generally consider them unwelcome pests. Having them in your garden or yard is beneficial as they aerate the soil and help eradicate countless parasites. If they invade your house, though, they rapidly become a problem. They can harm structures and even cause health risks. …
How to Get Rid of Ants in the Basement (+Prevention) Read More »
Water poses a major threat to a building’s foundation since it can lead to mold growth, slab leaks, and erosion. The result is a weak foundation which also looks bad. If not protected by foundation drains like footing and French drains, it can lead to costly repairs in the long term. The remedy to this …
Cracks in your basement floor can be alarming. You may wonder if they’re serious enough to warrant calling in an expert. Experts agree that every crack should be looked at by an experienced contractor; and any crack more than ⅛ inches wide should be sealed. Depending on the cause and extent of the crack, the …
Painting your basement stairs results in a beautiful, dependable surface that requires minimal maintenance. When I moved into my current house, I had to paint the whole staircase to the basement before using the lower levels. It was a great experience, and I learned a lot from it. Sand the steps, prepare and apply the …
When barndominiums were first developed, they often lacked basements and had massive barn-style architecture with frames constructed on cement slabs. So, is a basement possible in a barndominium? Yes, barndominiums can be constructed over a basement foundation, despite not being a common design. It’s a complex task that requires an expert. Most of the barndominiums …
One of the best water management techniques is installing French drains. These robust improvements are made to function with water’s natural downward flow, reducing the numerous risks that come with not preventing water damage. A French drain is also called a curtain drain, foundation drain, footing drain, perimeter drain, or weeping drain. A French drain …
A basement flood is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. It ruins your property and can compromise the whole building if left to wreak havoc. A sump pump shields your property from torrential downpours and rising waters that cause significant structural damage and expensive repair bills. A sump pump automatically pumps water out of a flooded area …
Do I Need a Sump Pump for My Basement? Uses, Types & Installation Read More »
As part of your house, you may assume the basement is part of the home’s square footage. However, this is not always true, as basements must meet specific criteria to add their area to a home’s total square footage. The “are basements included in square footage” question can cause a lot of confusion for a …
Are Finished Basements Included in Square Footage? Read More »
Do basements require dehumidifiers to prevent moisture buildup in your home? A dehumidifier can be the solution if you suspect that the air in your home contains too much moisture. High humidity levels increase the risk of property damage and offer serious health problems. High moisture levels result in mold, which can quickly develop once …