Improving The Look Of Concrete

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Improving The Look Of Concrete

As an avid gardner, I pay attention to the way that my front yard looks. Unfortunately, last summer I realized my driveway and front walkway were old-looking and gray. Some sections had even developed extensive cracks, and I knew I needed to get them repaired. Instead of ignoring the issue, I decided to contact a professional concrete contractor to fix things up. He came out, repaired the cracks, and talked with me about ways to spruce up those dull, gray walkways. I ended up staining and texturing the surface, and now they blend in. This blog is all about working with concrete contractors to make your home something special.

 

Three Things To Keep In Mind When Finishing Your Basement

9 October 2017
 Categories: , Blog

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Do you have a partially finished basement that has been unfinished for a long time? If you have decided that it's finally time to complete the job, there are some things you'll want to know before you start. Here are three things to keep in mind when finishing your basement.

You May Need To Obtain a Permit

Some municipalities and cities require homeowners to obtain a permit in order to finish a basement. Since some do and some don't, you'll want to check with the organization in your area that is in charge of building permits. If you are required to obtain a permit, you'll need to be aware that it is going to cost you money. The average cost of a building permit in the United States is $1,237.

If you do need to get a building permit, it will most likely require the following types of inspections:

  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Drywall hanging
  • Framing
  • Egress

While you might think that getting a building permit is a hassle, they do ensure things are being built correctly and safely.

You Will Want Make Sure Your Basement is Waterproof

Since your basement is built underground, it is susceptible to getting water inside. This is especially true if you live on a floodplain or if your home is located in an area that gets flash floods. Sometimes even getting large amounts of rain during the spring can cause water to leak in to your basement.

While you're finishing your basement you'll want to be on the lookout for any cracks in the foundation and walls where water can leak in. You will also want to do everything you can to waterproof your basement. For basement waterproofing, you'll need to apply a sealant to the floor and wall. Besides a concrete sealer, you can use a polyethylene membrane instead.

You Don't Want to Forget About Insulation

By making sure your basement is well insulated, you will be helping to keep the cold air out and the warm air in during the colder months of the year. Besides helping to control the temperature, insulating your basement will help protect it from moisture, as well as add a sound barrier so that your basement stays nice and quiet.

Insulation will help keep things more comfortable, which is important if you are planning on putting a family room, bedrooms, or an office in your basement. Some of the best types of insulation for the basement include spray foam, concrete block, and foam boards.