Posted: under Real Estate.
Tags: basement remodeling, basement waterproofing, home construction, home improvement, living space, mold and mildew, Real Estate, remodel, remodeling
The number one concern in any new basement remodel is water mitigation. Before any remodeling is started you need to know that you have completely eliminated the possibility of water entrance. If you have even a slight water pooling problem you will need to install a interior water drain and pump.
A professional technician will first assess the area for damage and quote a estimated cost for a system install. They will then generally begin by cutting a small drain around the basement directed towards your future sump pump. They will then drill holes in the base of your wall to allow the water to evacuate into the drain into the sump pit. This sump pit is excavated with a hammer drill or sledge hammer depending on the vitality of your installer! The sump will then be installed on its own dedicated circuit with a GFCI to minimize potential shorting issues. As you can see it is a highly involved process and it should always be completed by skilled professional.
Now that you have removed the possibility of any future water pooling you may move on. To start with you need to ventilate the area very well. Install fans and open all windows and doors that lead to outside air. You then need to find some protective clothing. This should include ,but is not limited to, safety glasses, long sleeved clothing, and a respirator. Now you can start prepping for a water proofing product. Scrape and wire brush any existing paint from the walls and floor. Then clean the area very well with soap and water several times. The more time you spend on this part of your remodel the better. Any old paints or dirt can cause your new paints to lift after application, so again take your time.
Allright, now that you have thoroughly prepped the area you are ready for your mold,mildew, and moisture preventing paint. One second though, if there are any cracks or flaking in your wall now is the time to fix them. Of course if you see any bulging make sure to quickly call a professional. The cracks we are concerned with though will be one eighth of a inch or smaller. You can fill any of these in with a epoxy filler available at your local hardware supply store.
Ok, now you can apply that paint. Begin by reading the products directions for mixing and follow them precisely. Then apply a minimum of two coats of the product to your basement walls and floor. Use a brush to get into any small areas and tiny cracks and a roller for the large expanses. As stated before keep the basement well ventilated. You may need to leave your home for a few hours afterwards so be prepared to do so. Once you have let the paint dry you can begin to plan your remodel in your newly waterproof basement!
Looking to find the best ideas on Remodeling Your Space, then visit www.newbasementremodeling.com to find the best advice on Starting Your Basement Remodel.
Jan 29 2010
Posted: under Real Estate.
Tags: business, finance, home, House, Property, Real Estate, remodel
When a home goes on the market, buyers compare the home to other homes in the desired neighborhood. Does your home stand out? Many buyers are looking for not only a good buy, but a home with modern updates meet their demands. They are often willing to pay more, if they are able to get what they are looking for in a home. Bathroom renovations go a log way in meeting these demands.
Buyers love modern bathrooms that offer both space and a degree of elegance. Items like rain shower heads and massaging jets are items that today’s shoppers are looking for. These important selling features add value to the home and help your home make a good first impression.
Make sure you stay on par with other homes in your neighborhood. You don’t want to over improve as it will be difficult to get the added value back out the home when it sells. The improvements should remain within the style, space constraints, and price range of your home and the other homes within the neighborhood. If the bathrooms within your home are small, adding items like pedestal sinks help small spaces appear roomier. Also, refinishing old tubs, updating the fixtures, and adding new sliding doors help bring new life to old bathrooms.
One method you can use to determine what renovations you should make is to look at other homes for sale in the neighborhood. See what other homeowners are doing to sell their home. Then visit local hardware stores that sell bathroom fixtures to view see what options are available and view some design books for ideas. Many of these stores tailor to do it yourself projects and will offer free design advice.
If you have a tight budget and looking to get the most bang for your buck, stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s provide very competitive prices. They employ a knowledgeable sales staff and offer design clinics on the weekends. Their buying power helps you get low prices on in stock items that other stores charge a premium for.
Buyers want to see that the work as been done right. If you are going to tackle the project on your own, be sure to take your time and do the job correctly. If a buyer sees the bathroom has been renovated, but the job was not done properly it will likely turn them off more than if the bathroom had never been renovated.
When renovating the bathroom, you don’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes less is more. A simple design doesn’t have to be boring. Modern features, a splash of color on the walls, and clean tubs and showers go along way toward making a renovation stand out.
Closing Remarks
It is vitally important that you create a plan and budget and stick to it. It is real easy to let emotion get in the way and you need to stay on top of the project to make sure things go smoothly.
Hubert Miles is a South Carolina Home Inspector and the owner of Patriot Home Inspections. If you are searching for a Georgetown Home Inspector see what Patriot Home Inspections can offer you.
Dec 30 2009
Posted: under Real Estate.
Tags: equipment, fix, home, home repair, House, Money, Real Estate, remodel, renovations, repair, tools, yard sale
Whether you like repairing or not, you probably will buy some tools at one point or another. Here are some ways to save money on tools that you can actually use today.
Like every other household item, you can really save lots of money by going to the yard sales, flea markets and from someone who’s moving their home. Just talk to them whenever you see the opportunity.
Salvaged tools aren’t as bad as they sound. Since tools are, at the core of it, just a piece of metal, even very old merchandise can work great as long as they are build with quality.
Many people get great deals at household auctions because bidders are usually more interested in other types of goods like computers or artwork. Bring some cash and have some fun.
Every store will have sale events, and tools are no different. Be patient and just wait for them in order to get some savings on the right product at the right price.
Shopping channels are always a no-no because the quality is usually not great and the price is high. They may do a good job with advertising, but they usually don’t put in the same effort with the product itself.
Always test any electrical equipment before making a purchase. Look for any nicks in the blade or teeth on saws. Make sure the bits to mechanical screwdrivers fit correctly and are not damaged.
Always be on the lookout for places that have great sales because when you need tools, you know where to check. Otherwise, you will be wasting much of your time when you need to buy.
When it comes to tools, look for solid construction from name brand manufacturers. Wrenches and hammers should have some weight to them. Don’t buy used screwdrivers that are pitted or anyway damaged.
Even if you are buying used, you are buying for the long haul so make sure the tools that you buy are well maintained and not rusted. As soon as you see a hint of oxidation, stay away.
The free trial that comes with the magic jack coupons gives you the confidence that they are in it for the long term.
Nov 09 2009