Basement Finishing – Design Articles and Ideas
If you are considering finishing the lower level of your home, adding egress windows and doors for additional entry points and natural light, or seeking home maintenance tips, be sure to search our archive of articles for design ideas and how-to’s. You’ll find suggestions for whole-house appliance maintenance as well as basement layout and design concepts which can be incorporated into your basement remodeling project plan.
Water Heating Systems – The Difference Between a Boiler vs. Water Heater
There are key differences between boilers and water heaters. Before deciding between a boiler vs. water heater for your home, carefully consider your needs. Boilers are expensive and difficult to install, but they can be a long-lasting option if the home doesn’t currently have a dedicated heating source, and can also be used to heat water for use throughout the home. Water heaters are a more affordable choice that can be installed with relative ease, though these appliances cannot function as a heating source. Learn about differences in functionality and maintenance between boilers and water heaters that could impact which type of water heating system you install.
Basement Flooring – The Cost for Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is an ideal material for specific situations, including moisture-prone areas, such as basement floors, kitchen floors, and bathroom floors. And, while thick cork flooring is more expensive, it lasts longer and stands up to daily wear and tear. Learn about cork flooring and the benefits it offers in a finished basement and bathroom or kitchen remodel.
Basement Floor – The Cost of Concrete Resurfacing
Concrete is a common option for unfinished basement floors, and decorative concrete and polished or stained concrete are often used for finished basements. Concrete resurfacing typically costs $3 to $9 per square foot, with most homeowners spending $6 per square foot or up to $20 per square foot for decorative overlays. If cracks or wear in the existing basement floor are minimal, resurfacing a basement floor can be done quickly at a cost of approximately $3 to $5 per square foot, or for about $4 to $7 if adding a decorative design. The cost to resurface concrete can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the size and type of surface area, prep work needed, labor rates, additional repairs, staining or overlays, and more. The most important cost factor when homeowners are putting together a budget is the surface area. Learn about planning for a concrete basement floor resurfacing project and costs associated with resurfacing a basement floor.
HVAC Systems – Factors That Impact Installing a Heat Pump vs. a Furnace
When considering home HVAC heating and cooling options, homeowners will find two popular choices - a heat pump system and a furnace heater - each with advantages and installation considerations. There are several factors that impact selecting a heat pump versus a furnace, including the higher up-front cost of a heat pump, higher energy costs to operate a furnace over time, lower maintenance costs for heat pumps, and heat pumps tend to have a longer lifespan than furnaces. Learn about heat pumps and furnaces and considerations that could impact which type of HVAC system you install.
How to Lower Humidity in a Home
High moisture levels in a home can lead to potentially serious health issues, including asthma, allergies, and various other respiratory illnesses that are triggered by mold, dust mites, peeling lead paint, and pests. If you’ve noticed water leaks or stains, rotting woods, musty odors, rusting or corrosion, and excessive condensation, understanding how to lower humidity in a house is crucial. Learn about ways to reduce high humidity levels.
Basement Flooring Ideas for Finishing Your Below-Grade Space
Finishing the basement floor is a good way to enhance the aesthetic appeal and comfort of a basement, making it a more desirable space to work, play, or relax. Basement flooring material options include epoxy, paint, concrete stain, sheet vinyl, vinyl plank, ceramic tile, rubber flooring, carpet tile, engineered wood, and cork - each with pros and cons. Learn about the different basement flooring material options and the positives and negatives of each.
My Basement Flooded. What I Wish We’d Have Known to Better Prepare.
When torrential rains dump nearly a foot of water in a large basement window well within a 30-minute period, you need to act fast to prevent major damage. Learn how a homeowner responded to this situation to prevent extensive damage, and actions taken to prevent future flooding, including installation of a sump pump in the light well.
Bathroom Flooring Ideas That Are as Durable as They Are Stylish
When planning a bathroom installation as part of a basement finishing project, there are many flooring types to select from. All options should be able to handle frequent moisture, temperature changes, high humidity levels, be a non-slip surface, and be easy to clean. Common bathroom flooring materials include ceramic, porcelain, vinyl, waterproof laminate flooring, linoleum, concrete, natural stone, cork, bamboo, and terrazzo - each with pros and cons. Learn about different flooring options for your finished basement bathroom installation or upcoming bathroom remodel.
How a Sustainable Kitchen Remodel Can Save You Money
According to the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, projects like a minor kitchen remodel can offer a return on investment of more than 85 percent. And choosing appliances, fixtures, and materials that are more sustainable and energy-efficient than the previous units can not only help the environment, but could also attract more buyers should you want to sell your home. For example, upgrading to a more efficient faucet and dishwasher can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of a kitchen, as well as help reduce household water use by 30 percent. Learn ideas for your upcoming basement kitchen or kitchenette installation and how to include sustainable material and fixtures that could yield energy and cost savings.
The Best Kitchen Countertop Materials
Choosing a kitchen countertop material for a kitchen remodel - or a basement finishing project with a kitchen or kitchenette - that best suits the way you use your kitchen is just as important as how the material looks. Considerations when selecting a kitchen countertop material should include the integral strength of the material; durability against heat, spills, and stains; how easy is it to clean; sealing requirements; and longevity. Possible kitchen countertop materials include quartz, granite, laminate, marble, butcher block, soapstone, terrazzo, and stainless steel. Learn about characteristics of countertop materials for your kitchen - or basement kitchen or kitchenette - installation to determine which best suits your needs.
Walk-In Shower Ideas for Your Basement Remodeling Project
Adding a walk-in shower to your bathroom as part of a basement remodeling project can make a bathroom look bigger, make it more accessible, provide more flexibility for a bathroom design, and yield a higher return on investment. Get walk-in shower design ideas for your bathroom remodeling project.
How to Replace a Toilet Fill Valve
The toilet fill valve is one of two main components inside the toilet tank. If the fill valve is worn, damaged, or not operating properly, it could cause a leak from the toilet tank base or lead to the toilet continually filling. By replacing the fill valve assembly, you can reduce wasted water and lower utility bills. Learn how to identify if a toilet fill valve is malfunctioning and steps to follow when replacing the part.
Important Things to Know When Insulating Basement Walls
Installing basement wall insulation and basement ceiling insulation as part of a basement finishing project can help walls keep heat in a basement during cold months and prevent heat from entering a basement in warmer months. Before insulating basement walls, there are important tasks that should be completed and considerations that can prevent future damage to your finished basement. Learn about basement insulation types and considerations when installing insulation materials.
Difference Between Gas and Electric Fireplaces
It is common for new homes to have gas fireplaces or electric fireplaces instead of a traditional wood fireplace since they are less expensive to install, cleaner, easier to maintain, and more efficient. Some homeowners are even converting existing wood-burning fireplaced to gas or electric, as the conversion can increase the value of a home and make it more appealing. Learn about differences between gas fireplaces and electric fireplaces and considerations when including the appliance in a home remodeling project.
How Long Does Bathroom Shower Grout Take to Dry
Bathroom shower tile grout that doesn’t dry and cure properly, or gets wet before it cures, could allow water to seep into gaps and behind tiles or cause it to flake or peel. It is important for grout to fully cure to ensure a durable, well-bonded structure, and there is no set drying and curing time for bathtub and shower tile grout. Factors that impact grout drying and curing time include type of grout used, room temperature, and humidity levels. Learn about different grout types and factors impacting drying and curing time.
Who to Call for a Mold Inspection
If a mold problem is suspected in a home, the first service provider to contact is a mold inspection and remediation company. These service providers have the experience and equipment to inspect a home for mold. A mold inspection can be particularly useful if there has been a water or flooding issue in a home, as mold could be forming in areas that are not visible. Learn how to identify mold issues and solutions for remediation.
The Cost of a Whirlpool Bath Remodeling Project
The installation of a jetted tub as part of a bath remodeling project typically requires installation of a concrete slab or joists and additional electrical components. Other factors that impact the cost of a whirlpool bath remodeling project include the type and size of the jetted tub, framing and plumbing required for installation, and labor costs for the area. Learn about factors to consider when planning for a bathroom remodel or basement finishing project that includes a jetted bathtub.
Check These 12 Areas if Your Home has a Funny Smell
A home can have all sorts of lingering and unpleasant smells, such as a stench from the bathroom. And, while some household smells are merely objectionable, others can be an indication of a hazardous condition.