Have a pro check fuel-burning equipment and your house's ventilation system to ensure that you won't have carbon monoxide buildup below grade. With a wide variety of hardwood types—some of the most popular are red and white oak, maple, cherry, white ash and hickory — hardwood floors can be tailored to your individual taste. Even the most stable of basements will sooner than later need to be repaired, especially when it comes to basement crack repair. Unless you're positive you'll use it a lot, consider skipping a single-activity table. Because it can duplicate the look of hardwood, natural stone and many other types of flooring, laminate is a great option for those on a budget who still desire an upscale look. Your Basement: Why Add on When You Can Add Under? Put the main socializing area in a spot that gets the best natural light, to draw people in. A home warranty may help. Here’s our bottom-line advice for turning this underutilized space into a place you’ll be eager to spend time in. It's so cheery and welcoming, you hardly know you're on the bottom floor. Epoxies are also an excellent solution for a high-traffic basement, such as one that is used as a recreation area or workshop. To soundproof your basement ceiling, add fiberglass batts without a vapor barrier between the joists. Composed of materials like linseed oil, cork, limestone, wood flour and tree resins, linoleum is extremely durable, low-maintenance and comes in many patterns and colors. But when the dust (and fiberglass) settles, you'll enjoy a fatter bank account and more comfortable indoor temps year-round. Top them with grates or plastic covers so that people can't fall in, but make sure the toppers can be removed easily by a young child to ensure emergency egress. Game tables eat up a lot of square footage. Vapor Barrier – Most basement waterproofing paint products serve as an excellent vapor barrier. It's best to have both a battery backup for your main pump, in case of a power outage, and a second pump, in case the first one gives out. Wall-to-wall carpet is a good choice to deaden sound in a play area. All rights reserved. If you're dealing with a full basement, start by patching cracks in the foundation and sealing basement walls. Test for moisture by taping 2-foot squares of plastic sheeting to the floor and walls. "Often a few simple fixes will solve a moisture problem," says This Old House general contractor Tom Silva. And the 20-year warranty will give you peace of mind. A high-tech printing process gives scratch-resistant floating vinyl planks a wood-like appearance that's so realistic you might do a double take. Ask your contractor if moving ducts and pipes might solve the problem. Learn how to safely install hardwood floors while maintaining the look of a basement space. A chilly basement will chase people away faster than you can say “brrrr.”. Copyright © 2021 This Old House Ventures, LLC. It will help prevent the diffusion of water into your basement. Company ... but it also often doesn’t last as long. Whether you’re moving equipment or boxing it in, heed the advice of TOH plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey: “Make sure a real human being can fit around mechanicals for upkeep.” Plan on 2 to 3 feet of clearance. Use an awl to probe for rot and insect damage in floor joists, rim and header joists, the sill plate, and wood-framed windows. If droplets form on top, your basement needs dehumidifying. Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds. Three to seven layers of the materials are then glued and compressed under high pressure and heat to create flooring that's not only sturdy but completely resistant to humidity as well. Use a long-handled roller to apply the epoxy in a thin coat. Join the party! Watch a video of Tom Silva using this method to finish foundation walls. It's also hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and mildew. Wait until the epoxy has fully dried before installing a new floor. If you need supplemental heat, try electric baseboards or radiant mats. Yes, it's a messy job. The TV-viewing zone can be in a darker spot, to reduce glare and create a home-theater feel. An all-purpose worktable can seat several people for crafts, puzzles, board games, and much more—and designers say it's often a better draw for crowds than a game table. Sometimes a finished basement floor makes the bottom stair a little too shallow, throwing off the whole run. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. Recessed cans broadcast light in a cone shape that's wider at the base; if you're using them, space them closer together to avoid dark spots. Some daylight basements are located on slopes, such that one portion of the floor … Image courtesy of Globus Cork Flooring. Today's video games involve actual physical activity, not just fiddling with a joystick. They come in a range of colors, including green, ivory, brown and red. Glazes come in high-gloss, semigloss and matte formats and make the floor water-resistant and easy to clean. Basement Waterproofing Paint Benefits. Seal small cracks or gaps around pipes with concrete-patching compound. Use a long-handled roller to apply the epoxy in a thin coat. The ideal basement flooring system is designed to prevent moisture buildup. Solve common problems and turn unused square footage into new, functional areas for gathering. Add simple basement floor paint and achieve a fresh look with an extra layer of durability. Whether you plan on finishing your basement space or keeping it in its original state, it is important to apply a waterproof sealant to the concrete floor in order to lock out moisture. Make a narrow room (like this one, only 7½ feet wide) feel snug, not suffocating.
Carlsbad Nm Police Blotter 2021, Candlewick Press Internship, Acetone Sprayer Lowe's, Remington 700 Ml Weather Shroud, Love Spell Caster,