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.

2023-12-29T20:55:36-05:00

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.

2024-01-22T19:27:18-05:00

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.

2024-01-21T21:17:01-05:00

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.

2023-10-04T21:21:42-04:00

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.

2023-08-28T22:46:36-04:00

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.

2023-08-28T22:27:37-04:00

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.

2023-06-06T23:10:50-04:00

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.

2023-05-15T15:45:09-04:00

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.

2023-05-15T22:59:58-04:00
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