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.
The Cost for Sagging Floor Repair
Sagging floor repairs are often necessary, and they tend to be simple and more affordable than most other home improvement projects and repairs. Prior to repairing the floor, it is necessary to determine the cause. Common causes are wood rot, undersized beams, or problems with the home’s foundation. Repairs that are often necessary to address a sagging floor include repairs to the foundation, floor joists, sill plate, band board and rim joist, center beam, support columns, and subfloor. Learn about causes of sagging floors and factors that impact the cost of repairs.
Bathroom Mirror Ideas for Upgrading Your Vanity
A decorative bathroom mirror can enhance the style of a bathroom and give the illusion of a brighter or larger space. A bathroom mirror can also be functional, offering storage space for bathroom items, plants, and more. Plus, mirrors can offer technical functionality, including Bluetooth capabilities that provide access to calendars, traffic, weather, and streaming services. And, when placed strategically, mirrors reflect light into dark areas of the room to create the appearance of a larger space. Learn about different types of mirrors to include in a bathroom build or renovation that can add style and functionality to the space.
The Cost for Basement Slab Leak Repair
According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the average cost of slab leak repair ranges from $630 to $4,400, with the national average at $2,290. Factors impacting the repair cost include detecting the location of the leak, how difficult it is to access the leak location, work and materials required to repair the leak, labor costs, if excavation is required, and if the foundation and slab will require repairs. Learn about under-slab plumbing repairs and the potential impact of water leaks on a basement slab and foundation.
How Much Does Furnace Repair Cost?
According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, furnace repair cost ranges between $131-$486, with an average cost of $308. A service call for a simple furnace repair on an electric furnace can cost as little as $65, however, a substantial repair for a gas-powered furnace can run in excess of $1,250. Factors that impact the cost of furnace repair are the price of parts, labor costs, the cause of failure, the complexity of the repair, and type of fuel the furnace requires. Learn about costs for furnace repair, as well as steps to take to reduce the likelihood of furnace failure and how to detect an issue with a furnace.
Home Repairs and Renovations to Make an Old Home More Energy Efficient
Older homes are known to be less energy efficient than newer models, however, there are several home repairs and renovations that can be made to older homes to make them more energy efficient. Learn about these repairs that can reduce energy consumption and monthly utility bills.
The Cost to Repair or Replace a Subfloor
A subfloor can become loose or warp and degrade from water damage, resulting in the need to repair or replace the subfloor material. Noticeable issues that may be caused by a damaged subfloor include squeaking floors, springy or uneven floors, cupping floorboards, loose or cracking floor tiles, and a loose toilet. Learn how to identify if a subfloor needs to be repaired or replaced, possible materials that are used for subfloors, and associated costs.
Why Is My Electric Water Heater Not Working, and Who Can Fix It?
Common causes of an electric water heater not working or running out of water too quickly include a blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker, a faulty thermostat or heating element, or the water heater is undersized and cannot produce adequate hot water for the home.
Bathroom Window Privacy Ideas That Won’t Sacrifice Style
Letting natural light into a bathroom can enhance its appearance and can even help reduce mold growth. however, it can also pose privacy concerns. There are a number of ways to address bathroom window privacy concerns, from simple DIY solutions to permanent home improvements. Choosing materials that are designed for moisture should make a bathroom window privacy solution long-lasting and prevent unwanted mold or mildew, while options that aren’t waterproof or moisture-resistant should be avoided. Learn about bathroom window treatment options and the benefits of each.
What is The Cost of Bathroom and Kitchen Countertops?
Replacing bathroom and kitchen countertops can boost the functionality of a bathroom and kitchen as well as the value of a home. Bathroom and kitchen counters are available in a variety of materials, finishes, and edge treatments to match any budget. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the cost of countertops ranges between $825-$4,177, with an average cost of $2,200. The cost of bathroom and kitchen countertops can be impacted by many factors, including countertop material, countertop size, edges and corner treatments, installation location, and labor. Learn about different bathroom and kitchen countertop options and other factors that impact cost.
Who Installs Bathroom Exhaust Fans?
Depending on the complexity, a bathroom fan installation may require an electrician, HVAC technician, and roofer, although a highly-skilled handyman or general contractor may be able to complete the project. Learn about the complexities of installing a bathroom exhaust ran and which licensed professionals may be required.
Most Common Home Renovation Projects for Empty Nesters
A home renovation to an empty nest becomes a practical option for those ready for an upgrade, with approximately 3 out of 4 empty nesters planning renovation projects. Learn about common home renovations to consider after the kids are out of the house.
What Should I Do If My Sump Pump Runs Without Rain?
Common causes of a sump pump running without rain include a rise in the water table or an increase in groundwater, melting snow, a broken float switch on the sump pump, and a clogged sump pump drain line. Learn more about sump pump failure and actions to address causes.
What to do About Cracks in Basement Walls
Horizontal cracks or cracks in the shape of stair steps in basement walls are typically the result of issues that are creating lateral pressure on a basement wall. It’s important to get horizontal and stair-step cracks, as well as vertical and diagonal cracks, inspected and addressed as soon as possible by a professional. These cracks can impact the structural integrity of a home's foundation and can leak if waterproofing isn't installed. Learn more about cracks in basement walls and what can be done to remediate the causes.
How To Fix a Cracked Floor Tile Without Replacing It Entirely
Tile floors are a beautiful and durable flooring option in any home, including in a finished basement. However, floor tile isn’t impervious to cracking and may break due to improper installation, extreme temperature changes, too much weight, or dropping a heavy object in the wrong spot. Learn how to repair a cracked floor tile in 5 simple steps.
How to Measure for Kitchen Dishwasher Dimensions
The dimensions for a kitchen dishwasher depend on the type of dishwasher being considered. It is important to be familiar with the type of kitchen dishwasher you need and verify measurements for the available space prior to making a purchase, including the dishwasher width, depth, and height. Learn how to correctly measure the space for a dishwasher and factors to consider prior to making a kitchen dishwasher purchase.
Types of Spackle and Drying Times
On average, spackle takes 1 to 2 hours to dry and 24 hours to fully cure. When applying spackle, especially to interior basement walls, consider the type of spackle you’re using, the size of the repair, and environmental factors that can slow drying time. Learn about different types of spackle, the drying time associated with each, and how to reduce drying time.
Home Improvements You Can Tackle with Your Tax Refund
Home improvements that typically cost less than the average tax refund and can be completed quickly include adding a kitchen island; painting a house; adding a tile backsplash; replacing bathroom amenities such as cabinets, sinks, and fixtures; installing wainscoting, and upgrading a sump pump. Learn about home improvement projects that can be completed with a tax refund.
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Kitchen Cabinets
Roaches are unsightly in kitchen cabinets as well as other areas of a home, and can carry diseases and be a risk to pets. To get rid of cockroaches in kitchen cabinets, there are some remedies that can be used before contacting a pest control specialist. Learn more about remediating roach infestations in kitchen cabinets.