Basement

Insulating the space between the joists in a basement or crawlspace can help reduce your energy bills. Watch this video to find out how.

Mike asks, “I have a partially underground basement and am building 2x4 walls inside the concrete basement walls. What kind of insulation should I use, and do I need a vapor barrier?”

Building codes require one or more vapor barriers on basement walls. Read on to find out more.

Construction adhesive makes these home improvements — among others — much easier.

Steve asks, "I'm going to finish a portion of the basement for my 12-year-old daughter to have a place to 'hang out.' Is there something I can do to help reduce noise?"

Start by insulating the space between the basement ceiling joists with sound dampening insulation.

Watch this video for tips on how to keep rainwater from pooling around the foundation of your home and seeping into the basement.

Watch this video for tips on how to keep rainwater away from your foundation and apply masonry sealer to basement walls to reduce moisture.

Use these three products to add an extra layer of safety to your family home.

Attics, basements, and crawlspaces are the least frequented areas of a home, which is one of the reasons they often cause the most problems. A regular inspection can catch potential problems—like leaks, condensation, termite activity, or the growth of mold—before they become a major headache. Read this article to find out more.

When finishing a basement, be sure the stairs leading to it from the main floor meet building codes and do not pose a safety hazard. Possible areas of concern include the width of the stairs, the height to width ratio of the treads, and clearance at the bottom of the stairs.