Can You Live in a House During Foundation Repair? Yes, in most cases, it is possible to live in a house during foundation repair. However, there is a 10% chance that moving out may be necessary. The repair process can be loud, dirty, and require furniture to be moved and items to be packed. It…
Should You Paint the Inside of Cabinets? Yes, you should paint the inside of cabinets if you want a finished and cohesive look. However, it is not necessary to paint every surface inside the cabinet, such as the base or drawers. Use the appropriate type of paint for your cabinet material, prep the surfaces properly,…
How to Keep Basement Warm? To keep a basement warm, there are several options that do not require major renovations. Insulating the exposed sections of foundation walls above ground and the rooms and framed walls above the basement can help reduce draftiness and heat loss. Modifying existing HVAC ductwork to extend heating to the basement…
How Deep Should a Root Cellar Be? The depth of a root cellar depends on the type of cellar and the winter temperatures in the area. For basement root cellars, they can be created using the foundation walls of a house. Hole-in-the-ground cellars need to be dug deep enough if winter temperatures drop below 25°F…
How to Hide Sewer Cleanout in Basement? To hide a sewer cleanout in the basement, there are a few options you can consider. If the cleanout is in the middle of the basement floor, trimming it to be shorter and installing flooring over it is recommended. Floor joists should be installed slightly higher than the…
How to Vent Gas Water Heater in Basement? To vent a gas water heater in a basement, there are several methods that can be used. Power venting, direct venting, and venting through an existing chimney are all options. However, it is important to use listed and approved venting systems and materials to ensure safety. It…
How to Level Basement Floor? To level a basement floor, you will need a concrete grinder. Start by reading the user’s manual for instructions on how to use the grinder properly. Plug in the grinder and make sure all necessary attachments are in place. Begin grinding by pushing the grinder back and forth in rows…
What Is a Fruit Cellar? A fruit cellar, also known as a root cellar or a cold storage room, is a specialized storage space used to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for an extended period of time. It is typically an underground or partially underground room with thick walls and insulation to maintain a cool…
What Is an Unfinished Basement? An unfinished basement is a basement that is not set up for living space. It typically has bare concrete floors, concrete block or brick walls, and exposed pipes or wiring on the ceiling. Unfinished basements are often used for storage and house water heaters and electrical systems. They are not…
What Is a Window Well? A window well is a structure that is installed around basement and ground-level windows to provide clear space for easy egress and allow light to enter the basement. It protects the home’s foundation from water damage and serves as a quick exit in case of an emergency. Window wells are…
How to Seal a Crawl Space? To seal a crawl space, start by cleaning and clearing the space of any old poly, insulation, and debris. Check for standing water to avoid electrocution. Next, address the vertical surfaces of the crawl space walls by using construction tape and a vapor barrier. Secure the vapor barrier to…
How to Build Basement Shelves? To build basement shelves, you will need 8-ft. 2x4s, a 4×8 sheet of 1/2-inch plywood, and exterior grade plywood if desired. The dimensions of the shelves should be 96-in. H x 51-in. W x 16-in. D for an “L” shaped design. Start by building a frame with multiple braces using…
How to Add a Bathroom to a Basement? To add a bathroom to a basement, you will need to plan and install the necessary plumbing and electrical systems. The DWV system, which includes drain, waste, and vent, is the most challenging part of basement bathroom plumbing. You can save money by doing the plumbing yourself,…
How to Make Basement Smell Better? To make your basement smell better, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, cover any exposed dirt with plastic sheeting, mulch, or gravel to reduce the moisture that comes up from the ground and causes mold and fungus growth. Insulating water pipes can also help. Cranking up the…
How to Build a Storm Shelter? To build a storm shelter, follow these guidelines: anchor it to a proper foundation, create walls of reinforced concrete, use a certified safe room door, and consult a licensed engineer before starting the building process. For size recommendations, allocate 3 square feet per person for tornadoes and 7-10 square…