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 Difference Between Quartz and Corian Kitchen Countertops
Quartz and Corian are popular materials for kitchen countertops, and both materials are similar in cost, nonporous, and highly resistant to stains and germs as well as durable, attractive, and easy to clean. However, there are distinct differences between the two materials in terms of heat and scratch resistance and maintenance. Learn about advantages and disadvantages of quartz versus Corian kitchen countertops.
Basement Sump Pump Maintenance Tips
To ensure the sump pump is in proper working condition, it is recommended to perform annual, and in some cases quarterly, inspections and maintenance. Sump pump maintenance steps include checking and clearing the sump pump basin of debris, checking the sump pump for corrosion and other damage, cleaning the sump pump inlet screen, lubricating sump pump bearings if recommended by the manufacturer, and clearing the sump pump discharge line of debris. Learn about basement sump pump maintenance to ensure performance.
The Differences Between Quartz and Marble Countertops
Quartz and marble are among the most popular materials for kitchen and bathroom countertops. However, there are distinct differences between the two materials, such as marble being a natural stone while quartz is a manufactured stone, and quartz is more durable and less porous than marble, making it less susceptible to damage and wear. Learn about advantages and disadvantages of marble versus quartz countertops.
What to Do When Water is in a Basement Crawl Space
Causes for water leaking into a basement crawl space include leaking pipes or plumbing fixtures, water from gutters and downspouts, and groundwater seeping through seams or cracks in the foundation. Learn about causes of water in a basement crawl space and remediation tactics.
15 Alternatives to White to Paint Your Bathroom
Bathroom paint colors can set a tone and mood for a space in a home that gets heavy use. Regardless of the paint color, it’s best to use a semi-gloss finish paint, as this type of paint works best in high-moisture environments, is easy to clean, and isn’t impacted by the occasional splash of water. Learn about bathroom paint ideas for updating your basement bathroom.
Improving Security for Basement Windows
Ways to add security to a basement with windows include installing window treatments; adding lights by recessed windows; investing in reinforced glass windows; adding window locks, window bars, or egress covers; and installing a home security system and security cameras. Learn about ways to security your basement and basement windows.
Does a Home Warranty Cover HVAC Repair?
The HVAC systems covered under the warranty depends on the type of warranty purchased. Appliance coverage typically includes appliances only (including kitchen and laundry appliances), systems only (including whole home systems like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC), or combination policies that cover both appliances and whole home systems. Learn more about home warranty coverage for HVAC systems.
How Long Do HVAC Systems Last?
HVAC systems are manufactured to withstand high use and last an average of 15-25 years. HVAC maintenance, including annual cleanings and tune-ups, can extend system life. Learn about HVAC system longevity and maintenance.
Granite Types to Consider for Bathroom, Kitchen, and Bar Countertops
Granite is one of the toughest natural stones available, is highly resistant to scratches and chips, and is more affordable than marble - which makes it ideal for bathroom, kitchen, and basement bar countertops. Learn about granite options for bathrooms, kitchens, and basement bars and the benefits of each.
Ways to Warm Up a Cold Finished Basement
When planning a finished basement project, be sure to consider that basements can be chilly in winter. There are several options for keeping a finished basement comfortable without major renovations. Learn about options for keeping your finished basement warm during colder periods.
Finished Basement Trends That Make Your Home Look Dated
A finished basement can increase living space and the value of a home, and when planning a finished basement project, it is important to consider design elements that will be in style over the long term. Learn about design elements to consider and avoid when finishing a basement.
Basement Wine Cellar Ideas to Inspire Oenophiles
Storing wine correctly will increase its longevity, but there should be more design considerations when planning a wine cellar than practicality. Get design ideas that will improve functionality and aesthetics for your basement wine cellar, including materials, lighting, shelving, and layout.
The Cost For Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly wood flooring option that offers a unique look, durability, accepts stain like hardwood, and presents a modern look. Installation costs for bamboo flooring range between $1,500-$15,000 with a national average of $6,000, which calculates to $5-$15 per square foot, including labor and materials. The benefits of using bamboo flooring are many, including ease of installation, durability, it's low maintenance, and it's moisture, mold, and mildew resistant. Learn about the benefits of bamboo flooring and factors that could impact the project cost.
Bathroom Design Ideas – Adding a Water Closet
The water closet - a small, closed room containing a toilet that is part of the bathroom - has been reintroduced in modern-day bathroom design. The benefits of a water closet are additional privacy when multiple people are using the bathroom and improved hygiene as having a toilet in an enclosed space prevents particles from spreading when the toilet is flushed. Learn more about the water closet and why it is popular in modern bathroom designs.
Things to Know About Solid Surface Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops
There are 3 types of solid surface countertops - acrylic-based, polyester-based, and acrylic/polyester-based, each having unique attributes. There are many benefits to using solid surface countertops - they are nonporous, easy to clean, easy to repair, can appear seamless, and can look like granite or marble but cost less and require less maintenance. Learn about options for solid surface countertops and the benefits of each.
Small Finished Basement Ideas For Maximizing Space
A small basement needn’t be relegated to a storage-only space - a basement with a limited floor area can function as extra living space, a home office, a playroom, or fulfill other needs. And, even if the resulting space isn’t particularly large, a good design can make it a pleasurable place in which to spend time. Learn more ideas for converting a small, unfinished basement into a usable living area.
DIY Concrete Repairs for Basement Walls and More
Most concrete structures, whether they’re stairs, a patio, or a wall, give the impression that a professional is required for repairs. However, there are many repairs can be addressed by the average DIYer. Knowing proper techniques and having the right products will keep these repairs simple. Learn about common problems and repair techniques.
How to Clean Up a Flooded Basement
Flooded basement cleanup typically costs between $3,000-$10,000, with an average cost of $4,000. The estimated cost includes flood remediation and cleanup for approximately 500 square feet and contains 2 feet of water. If the basement is holding only a couple of inches of clean water, the average cost will be approximately $2,000 since there is less water damage service required. Learn about common causes of basement flooding and important steps to remediate the situation.