Basement

Chris asks, “What should I use to waterproof the walls and floor of my basement?”

Sealers are available for the inside of basements, but the first line of defense is outside. Read on to find out more.

Finishing a basement can be a great way to increase the usable space in your home, but there are several important factors to keep in mind before you do. Watch this video to find out more.

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

Tony asks, “I’m planning on finishing my basement myself at little at a time. How should I go about it?”

When finishing a basement, it's important that the work is completed in order. Read on to find out more.

Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environment and can seep up from the ground into your home. Exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Watch this video to see how to find out if your home is at risk for radon gas and what to do about it.

Basement renovations are very popular since many of the necessary elements—including the floor, ceiling, and walls—are already in place. Watch this video for tips on what to consider before converting a basement into living space.

Since basements are partially or completely underground, they often have inadequate windows. Adding more or larger windows to a basement can make it feel less claustrophobic and provide a welcome source of natural light. Watch this video 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.

Finishing a basement can pose unique design challenges, but if done right, a remodeled basement will enhance the value of a home and provide much needed additional space. Watch this video for some ideas on to find out how to go about finishing a basement in your home.