4 Tips for Finishing a Basement

17 June 2019

Some homeowners are completely content to keep their basement relatively out of sight and mind. They don’t really mind that there’s an unfinished or partially finished space right underneath them, because, frankly, they don’t have much use for it.

That doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. With the scarcity of great real estate in modern urban centers and the skyrocketing price of homes, you would think that a homeowner would want to squeeze some life out of every little, liveable corner of their home.

That’s why many experts recommend you consider finishing your basement, making it either liveable (in which case you could rent it to help pay the mortgage, or offer it to a family member), or recreational (in which case it functions as a rec room). To help you on your way toward a finished basement, this article will discuss four key tips to bear in mind.

Plan the Layout for Usability:

Planning the layout of a basement is often the most consequential part of the process – it creates a blueprint for everything to come. Have utility and functionality in mind when planning the layout: if it is meant to be liveable, how can you make it more liveable? If it is meant to be recreational, what would you like the basement’s centerpieces to be? In either case, plan the main areas around natural light and open space. Give thought to the flow of rooms, starting with when you walk downstairs.

Protect Your Basement from Water:

The single greatest threat to a finished basement is water. Being the lowest space in a house, a basement is also the most susceptible. Hire a professional to consult on waterproofing, and get yourself two sump pumps, including a battery backup for your existing sump pump – you’ll need a plumber to aid in installation, but it’s worth it for sheer risk management.

Budget for the Use of Professionals:

Working off that last point, here’s an important, broad tip that homeowners should keep in mind: budget for bringing in pros. So many homeowners convince themselves that DIY construction, electrical, plumbing, etc. is going to be easy, only to find that it is incredibly complicated and that incorrect execution can have big consequences for the final product. There’s no shame in calling in pros, and, in fact, it might save you money in the long run.

Don’t Discount Looks:

As discussed, functionality is a crucial part of putting together a finished basement… but so is aesthetics. Consider trim for the walls, wainscoting, good flooring, and pleasing light fixtures. Put thought into the color and brightness of the room, as well as the arrangement of its furniture and components. Install and maintain good windows and, as a final touch, add some art to the walls. Don’t be afraid to head to the internet for inspiration. This collection of 50 basements remodels in a great place to start!

Don’t leave a whole floor of your home unfinished –start thinking about your dream basement today!

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Roof Repair: Should You Hire Roofers Or DIY?

There is a lot that we need to prepare for while living in this world. Growing up, most of the things we did were focused on preparing us for the future. Our education is a prime example of such a plan, and it has given us a lot of opportunities as we grow older. Now that we are adults, we learn to face problems before it even starts. It can be anything from our daily lives, like planning ahead of our week. Calculating each moment of our lives in order to manage it better has been one of our continuous goals. However, there are so many moments in our lives that we cannot prepare for at all. For example, the weather these days is truly unpredictable. How Does Unpredictable Weather Affect The Roof? It can rain in the morning, and then the sun will scorch you in the afternoon. It might be summer on normal days, but the air feels like it is winter. There are a lot of weather anomalies that are happening every day in our world right now. It affects all o ur lives, even in the littlest way possible. Your schedule, for example, can be affected by unexpected bad weather. Canceling your plans seems like the best option, even though you don’t want to. Some of your plants in the garden can also be affected. Not every vegetation is hard enough to stand the unpredictability of the elements. The weather can also affect our house. See how it works here: abc.net.au. There is nothing more important in managing a household than cleaning the house itself. It is one of the most tiring things you can do during your rest days. Yet, it is a very important task since it keeps our home livable. Cleaning our own homes should be an integral part of every household. It acts as a productive activity for children before they go out and play. The parents can also plan out how the house will look like from the inside out. It can also be considered as bonding time for the whole family if you want it to be more enjoyable. You can even use this time to check for any kind of repair needed around the house. One of the most vulnerable parts of the house is the roof. It is very obvious since it protects the entire structure from any harm above. It also helps ventilate your whole house along with the ceiling. However, most roofs are always under siege by the elements. The unpredictability of the weather does not help maintain our roofs either. Click here to see why cleaning every season is important. Should you clean your roof? Probably not. This leads to more damage and can affect the interior of your household. This leads to more problems, which can be really bothersome at any point in our lives. However, you can always look for solutions. You can always hire a professional roofer to solve these problems. They are usually well-trained and can spot a problem on your roof with ease. Roofers can repair and help maintain the quality of your roof. Some companies even offer a free roof inspection for their clients. If needed, they can help you install a new roof as well, especially if the damage is extensive. Hiring them may cost you money, but it will save you all your time and effort. You don’t even need to worry about the repair anymore, as they will do it for you. Check out the dome of the roofing experts around your area and see which ones you like best. Why Should You Pay Special Attention To The Condition Of Your Roof? Before you do anything rash, remember that doing the roof repair on your own can be a bit challenging and dangerous. On one hand, it saves you a lot of money since you do not need to pay for the labor anymore. You can also customize your roof to your heart’s content. However, you need to have the talent and skill to repair your own roof. Accidents may happen and can lead to more expenses for your family. Always choose the best equipment and materials for your roof repair. Most websites these days offer reviews on different products for your roofing needs, so try checking that out as well. As usual, it will depend on your choice whether you will hire or do it all yourself. The only aspects that should always matter are your safety and security. Related: How Often Do You Need A Roof Inspection? Disadvantages Of DIY Roof (...or any) Repair Doing roof repairs on your own can seem like a good idea at first. After all, it saves you money, right? But before you grab that ladder and start working, consider some of the drawbacks of going the DIY route. Safety Always Comes First First off, safety should always be a top priority. Roof repairs can be dangerous. If you're not experienced and do not have the right (professional) safety gear, you’re putting yourself at risk of falling, especially when dealing with high or steep roofs. Then, there are unpredictable slippery surfaces, uneven footing, and handling tools at heights, which make the task even riskier. One misstep, and you could end up with injuries that lead to hospital bills, which would definitely be more expensive than hiring a professional in the first place. They are not DIY Quick Fixes (...IT IS A ROOF!) Another important factor is time. Roof repairs aren't quick fixes. Especially for someone who isn't trained. What might take a professional a few hours could take you all weekend, or worse, a week. The time that could be spent on more productive activities might be wasted on a project that becomes more complicated than expected. You Require A Certain Skill Additionally, you require a certain advanced level skill level. Roof work isn't as simple as patching a hole or replacing a tile. There’s a science to understanding the structure, how water flows, and ensuring everything is sealed properly. Without the right knowledge, you may unknowingly create bigger issues, leading to leaks or even structural damage over time. What About the Tools? Let’s not forget about materials and tools. If you’re doing the repair yourself, you'll need to purchase all the materials and specialized tools needed for the job. However, professionals usually get discounts on these supplies, and they already have all the tools, which could save you a lot of money in the long run. In the end, while the DIY route may seem appealing, the risks often outweigh the benefits. Your safety, time, and the quality of the repair are all factors that deserve careful consideration. So, before you commit to fixing your roof alone, weigh your options carefully. Read Also: 5 Signs The Roof In Your Edmonton House Needs A Repair Roofing Painting Contractor Leads: Four Questions To Ask Before Hiring One What Are The Services Offered By Roofing Companies?

The Impact Of Vanity Size On Bathroom Design And Functionality

Today, clothing sizes often lead people to believe they are smaller than their actual size. This is called “vanity sizing”. For instance, "a size 8 dress today is nearly the equivalent of a size 16 dress in 1958," according to a report. Because clothing can create the illusion of a slimmer appearance, many people now desire larger bathrooms as well. The trend of vanity sizing is influencing the design and functionality of bathrooms. From wider toilet stalls to more spacious showers, bathrooms are being changed to match people's distorted self-image. What is Vanity Sizing For Bathrooms? Vanity sizing is when something is made bigger than normal to make people feel better about themselves. Just like size 6 jeans that actually fit someone who usually wears size 8 jeans. In bathrooms, vanity sizing means making the room and fixtures bigger than what works for real bodies. Such as extra-wide shower stalls, two-person bathtubs, or oversized sinks. They make us feel skinnier, but take up a lot of space! Factors To Consider When Choosing Vanity Size The main thing you should consider when choosing your vanity is the size of your bathroom which is a major factor in changing the look and feel of your bathroom. So, carefully review common bathroom vanity sizes and measurements before selecting. Look at the data below that shows the common vanity width that fits the bathroom sizes: Data Source: Forbes 1. Consider Floor Space Will counters, cabinets, and toilets still squeeze in if you supersize your bathroom? Make sure giant fixtures don't crowd out other necessary stuff! 2. Watch Door Openings Too That cool two-person tub won't do you any good if it gets stuck trying to fit through the bathroom doorway! Double-check entrances. 3. Check Plumbing Locations Expanding your bathroom means dealing with pipes inside walls too. Make sure water lines still reach sinks or toilets when they move. 4. Price For Extreme Upgrades Going big in bathrooms means spending big bucks too! Make sure your wallet can handle all that bonus tile, lighting, high-tech toilets, and other swanky stuff before pulling the trigger. 5. Future Homeowners Too What seems huge and perfect for your family now may scare off buyers down the road. Keep future practicality for the next folks in mind. 6. Consider Resale Value Even if you adore your 47 jet massaging tub, will someone else want to pay big money for your over-the-top bathroom later when you sell? 7. Extra Cleaning Responsibilities The bigger the bathroom, the longer the cleaning day takes! Make sure you want to put in elbow grease for giant showers and his ‘and her everything. 8. Watch Wet Floor Safety Oversized sinks and tubs mean leaks or splashes cover larger areas. Pay attention to slip-proof surfaces so no one goes crashing down. 9. Visiting Guest Comfort Even if space permits, older relatives may feel uneasy navigating a huge bathroom with their walkers or canes. Consider all who will use it. 10. Separate Private Toilet Room Rather than one giant open space, smaller vanity bathrooms with a separate water closet for the toilet allow privacy. Choosing The Right Vanity Size For Your Bathroom’s Look The dimensions of your bathroom vanity change how open, crowded, or balanced your space appears. An overgrown vanity makes small rooms feel stuffed. But one too tiny turns your bathroom into a messy pile-up of products without enough organizer drawers or counter area. Here’s how to get vanity sizing just right for your ideal bathroom design style: In Itsy Bitsy Bathrooms When dealing with snug powder rooms or half baths, keep your vanity narrow in the 24 to 30-inch range so it doesn’t hog up the entire floor. Any wider starts making moving around impossible! Select wall-mounted styles instead of boxy cabinets to save precious inches. Or opt for floating vanities that have air rather than chunky boxes below to give the illusion you have more breathing room. Another decorating trick for a petite bathroom is going big with mirrors or using reflective tiles and chrome finishes. When tiny rooms sparkle and shine, they seem to double in size instantly! Just avoid dark paint shades, clutter, and heavy fabrics that make small salons feel even more closed in. For Middle-of-the-Road Bathroom Sizes If your washroom dimensions fall somewhere in that just-right not-too-big, not-too-small middle zone, standard vanity widths from 30 to 48 inches tend to fit nicely without limiting movement. This gives your average family plenty of surface space to spread out self-care must-haves each morning and store all those lotions and potions in handy drawers below. When organizing your cabinet and counter goods, be sure to keep at least 9 to 12 inches of space around the vanity perimeter. You’ll still need elbow room to get in there for clean-ups without bonking walls, doorway frames, or light switches! Beyond functional inches, defining your vanity area with cool lighting designs or eye-catching tile shapes helps contain the space in a neat square for a balanced, soothing aesthetic. When You’ve Got Room to Spare Lucky enough to be working with a big old bathroom complete with soaring ceilings and a giant footprint? Then you’ve got options to install his and her double-wide vanities ranging from 60 to a whopping 72 inches. This creates the dramatic appearance of dual stations without the need for significant construction to physically divide your spacious room into two separate spaces. FAQs:- Q1. What is the standard width of a bathroom vanity? Ans: The standard width for a single-sink bathroom vanity is 24 to 48 inches. For a double sink vanity, it’s 60 to 72 inches. Q2. How do I choose the right vanity size for my bathroom? Ans: Consider your existing bathroom size, number of users, and required storage space when selecting the ideal vanity. Allow proper clearance between the vanity and walls. 3. What are some common mistakes to avoid when choosing a bathroom vanity size? Ans: Avoid sizing too small and creating limited functionality or choosing an oversized vanity that makes the bathroom feel confined. Failing to measure properly and allowing adequate wall clearance are also common mistakes. Conclusion Vanity dimensions significantly influence the visual enhancement and practical use of any bathroom. By factoring in room size, user needs, and required storage, you can achieve an optimally designed and functional space that suits your lifestyle beautifully. By paying attention to critical measurements and clearances, you can avoid common mistakes. With some planning and foresight, you’ll love your new bathroom for years to come. Additional Reading: 3 Best Indoor Plants For The Dining Room Stunning Bathroom Vanities For An Instant Makeover Storage Units Your Ultimate Guide To Organized Living

What to Know About Your Furnace Filters

When you breathe in the fresh air coming from your ventilation system, you have air filters to thank for the clean smell. The air goes through the air filters in the systems that continuously keep the flow clean in a tight mesh weaving. The airflow is kept clean while any allergens or pollutants are trapped or absorbed over time. This process continues throughout the air system in your home, including the furnace system. The furnace system needs air filters in order to prevent irritants from dirtying it up and affecting your home. The Use of Furnace Filters : The way that it works is that air is brought in by your systems first, pumped into the furnace system to be heated. After the air is properly warmed to the appropriate temperature, it then travels through the filters where it is cleaned up. The fresh, warm air then travels through the system and into your home where it raises the temperatures inside. This process involves the use of the air filters tight mesh weaving. Furnace air filters consist of a tight mesh weaving that is ergonomically designed to allow heated airflow to pass through without difficulty. Without the air filters, then any number of particles will be able to make their way into your home. Your air systems may become dirtier over time too, which is a prime way to attract pests and diseases. You need air filters to keep the air inside clean and prevent any problems with the air outside from coming in. However, the filter is only able to capture and absorb so many. Eventually, the air filters will need to be replaced or the problems they cause will affect your home as a whole. Dirty Furnace Filters : The filters in your home affect the indoor air quality of your home over time when they become dirtier and less able to process fresh airflow. The trouble has to do with the fact that dirty air filters are unable to properly process airflow due to all the captured particles. Over time, the furnace filters become worse for the system and you need to swap them out for new ones. If you don’t, then the lack of fresh air and strain on the system become a serious problem. The airflow coming through your filters needs to come through without issue or there will be a series of problems throughout your home. First of all, the air will not be able to come in, which leads to temperature problems when your home is not being heated. This heated air is also trapped in the furnace, which causes temperatures to rise over time and eventually damaging the system itself with the heat. Your systems will also use more energy in an effort to push past the blockage. The efforts will cause an increase in energy billing over time and you will see costs go up the longer the dirty air filter is left in place. Avoid this issue by installing new furnace filters regularly. Read Also : Choosing The Right Roof For Your Home – Types To Select From Additional Ways To Keep Your Home Warm 5 Ways A Home Maintenance Plan Can Prevent Disaster

4 Tips for Finishing a Basement

Plan the Layout for Usability:

Protect Your Basement from Water:

Budget for the Use of Professionals:

Don’t Discount Looks:

Best Carpet Maintenance Practices

Ideas to Give Luxury Feel to Your Condo

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

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Related

Roof Repair: Should You Hire Roofers Or DIY?

The Impact Of Vanity Size On Bathroom Design And Functionality

What to Know About Your Furnace Filters

4 Tips for Finishing a Basement

Plan the Layout for Usability:

Protect Your Basement from Water:

Budget for the Use of Professionals:

Don’t Discount Looks:

Share this Article

Best Carpet Maintenance Practices

Ideas to Give Luxury Feel to Your Condo

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

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