Monday, January 4, 2010

Considering a Basement Remodel?

It is much more likely for a homeowner to expand the living area in their current home than to build an addition or obtain financing for a new home. And, obviously the most common area that can be expanded is an unfinished basement. Remodeling /Finishing a basement is less hassle and less expensive than an building an addition, not to mention the litany of permits that would be needed for an addition.

Just like any other home renovation or construction project there are many things to consider before diving in to the remodel. First and foremost the homeowner has to determine if there is adequate waterproofing. You have to take a look at any possible issues that could surface regarding piping and heat/cooling ducts. You should also think about the location of possible noisy or eye sore appliances like washers, dryers, furnaces, sump pumps, etc.

Basement Remodel

Basement Remodel

Do not be deterred by the list of things you may considerations. Realizing that each basement is designed and built differently from one and another, contacting a professional may be your best option to achieve a desirable end result. Most basement waterproofing and remodeling professionals like Select Basement Waterproofing offer free estimates and tips on how to pursue your project. If you are located in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware areas and would like a free estimate please visit select Basement Waterproofing online at www.selectwaterproofingnj.com or contact them toll free at 877-548-3889.

Even before contacting a professional you should determine an end result in your mind. Is it going to be for children or adults? Do you want a game room, bar area, or second living room? Could the living space be better utilized as an additional bedroom or a home office? Or maybe a combination of two or three of the above would best suit your needs.

After you determine an end result in your mind you can than start to plan the layout. If it is an office you want you will need to run a cable for access to the Internet and a phone line. If it is a bar you want you will need to run the appropriate plumbing. If it is a second living room you will need to run wired to hook up cable.

Then you can determine if your basement will need additional insulation in the walls, floors and ceilings. If you are looking for a free estimate or have basic questions for a professional please call Select Basement Waterproofing toll free at 877-548-3889. Select Basement Waterproofing offers transferable lifetime guarantees along with free estimates. They specialize in basement waterproofing, 100% mold prevention, sump pump installations, and battery backup installations. To set up an appointment or view client testimonials visit them online. at http://www.selectwaterproofingnj.com/

Choosing a Mold Remediation Company

Recent studies suggest that up to 50% of homes are at risk to develop mold. While not all molds are dangerous, the majority of indoor molds should be removed as soon as possible. Most indoor molds are gray, white, green or black in color. Some have a scent while others are odor free. Indoor molds can pose health risks to children, adults and even pets. Call Select Basement Waterproofing for free inspection 1-609-548-3889.

mold in house

If you think your health or home may be in danger from mold please contact a mold remediation professional at Select Basement Waterproofing toll free at 877-548-3889 for a free mold remediation estimate. Or visit Select Basement Waterproofing online at http://www.selectwaterproofingnj.com/

Most inspections or estimates are free. Once your home has been assessed you will receive a proposal from the company with a detail as to the procedures that are involved in removing them.

A homeowner should contact two or more mold remediation professionals before making a final decision. After all you are choosing a company to protect your home, your health and the health of your family.

If you are looking for a mold remediation professional please call Select Basement Waterproofing toll free at 877-548-3889. Select Basement Waterproofing offers transferable lifetime guarantees along with free estimates.

They specialize in basement waterproofing, mold remediation, sump pump installations, and battery backup installations. To set up an appointment or view client testimonials visit them online at http://www.selectwaterproofingnj.com/

The Waterproofing Method for You

Because of the countless basement waterproofing systems and methods on the market, hiring a contractor is often a difficult and daunting task. However, living with a dry basement is a viable option and an achievable task.

The most common mistake when a "homeowner decides to install a basement waterproofing system yourself" is the belief that you will never have to worry about additional repairs in the future. On the contrary, you will have to conduct routine maintenance on both the interior and exterior foundation of your home; if you haven't hire a professional. Call Select Basement Waterproofing if you have any questions. 1-609-548-3889.


You should keep a close eye on the waterproofing system on the interior of your home as well as the foundation around the exterior of your home. Butting against your exterior foundation is hydrostatic pressure, which is water saturated soil that can cause cracks and leaks in your basement walls.


If you are located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Delaware areas and would like to speak with a professional please call Select Basement Waterproofing toll free at 877-548-3889 or visit them on the web at www.SelectWaterproofingNJ.com.


Interior Waterproofing Methods
One simple solution that may solve the easiest problems is install an interior French drain, connect to a sump system.


Exterior Waterproofing Methods
There are dozens of waterproofing methods that could be performed on your home’s exterior. To divert water away from your home. If you home is currently under construction you should think about using HydoTex membrane. For more details contact Select Basement Waterproofing at 1-609-548-3889.


If you are looking for possible waterproofing methods that fits in your budget or have basic questions for a professional please call Select Basement Waterproofing toll free at 877-548-3889.

Select Basement Waterproofing offers transferable lifetime guarantees along with free estimates. We specialize in basement waterproofing, sump pump installations, and battery backup installations, basement finishing, egress windows. To set up an appointment or view client testimonials visit them online at http://www.selectwaterproofingnj.com/

Top 10 Things to know Before you Finish your Basement

1. Finishing a basement is a major project. It will add value to your home and will in most cases increase living space by 50%. Finishing a basement can be a good investment. According to cost versus value surveys conducted annually by Remodeling magazine, the average return on investment for a basement project nationally is currently around 75 cents on the dollar.

And a basement project is also likely to add new functionality to your home: more bedrooms, more efficient storage, and more space to entertain.Most basement remodeling professionals like Select Waterproofing offer free estimates and tips on how to pursue your project.

If you are located in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware areas and would like a free estimate please visit Select Waterproofing USA online http://www.selectwaterproofingnj.com/ or contact Select toll free at 877-548-3889.

Lawrenceville, NJ

Serving all of NJ, Southern PA

2. Prepare the basement properly to avoid future water and moisture problems. Finished basements can end up with mold and other moisture related problems behind the finished walls. Be sure you understand the details of waterproofing and proper ventilation.

3. Ventilation and Dehumidification – Merely installing a dehumidifier can actually create problems by drawing water through foundation walls. Air systems vary, you need to know effectiveness and efficiency of an air system. Using a Thermal Vapor Barrier is recommended to isolated thermal by-pass, and will reduce the cost of using a dehumidification system by 50%.

4. Protect your investment by installing primary sump pump to keep ground water out of your basement. A secondary emergency battery backup pump should be installed as a backup in the event that your primary pump fails or, for power outages.

5. Wall and Flooring products- Floor products designed for below-grade applications should be used for basement finishing. — even small fluctuations in moisture levels can cause buckling and splitting of non-safe basement flooring. Basement interior walls should be mold and mildew resistant. Protection and proper installation methods should be applied between the foundation wall and the interior wall.

6. Basement safe ceilings- Use drop-ceiling and other ceiling products that resist mold and moisture.- If you need to have access to electrical and plumbing systems in your ceiling, a suspended ceiling may be a good choice.

7. Test your basement for Radon- Radon is an odorless cancer causing radioactive gas that seeps into basements from surrounding soils. Uncontrolled, it can expose you and your family to the equivalent of 200 chest x-rays annually. Test for it with a radon contractor. Mitigating radon may involve sealing cracks and surfaces, or installing ventilators.

8. Plan an emergency escape- Local building codes may demand egress windows in order for a basement room to be considered a bedroom. Egress windows must be large enough for a firefighter in full gear to get into a burning house — and for occupants to safely escape if stairways are blocked by fire. Where possible, plan for windows and doors.

9. Proper insulation is vital to a successful basement project. Building Code requires R11 insulation below grade. Fiberglass insulation keeps room temperatures comfortable, However, the fiber glass filaments becomes air bourne, and deposit into your lungs permanently.

10. The company you choose to finish your basement will make a difference in how successful your finished basement will be. A basement finishing company should be knowledgeable specifically in working in basements and know your town’s building code. Don’t only consider price as a factor in deciding which company to use. There is no greater disappointment than spending money for a substandard job. Create a healthy and safe living area without compromising the quality, design, and the overall appearance of a new finished space.

If you are looking for a free estimate or have basic questions for a professional please call Select Basement Waterproofing toll free at 877-548-3889.

They specialize in virtually every home remodel or renovation, both interior and exterior. To Schedule a FREE Estimate or view client testimonials visit them online http://www.selectwaterproofingnj.com/

Can all Basements be Finished or Remodeled?





There are a number of situations in which your basement should not be remodeled or refinished, one being if your radon levels are above recommended EPA levels. Radon levels must be reduced even if you are not finishing your basement. Radon is a colorless gas and known carcinogen that can seep into a home from the soil and rock below. Because it comes from the ground, radon levels are usually highest in basements. Health authorities like the Centers for Disease Control, the Surgeon General, the American Lung Association and the American Medical Association all agree that you should act as soon as possible to reduce the radon level if it is 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or more.


Most basement remodeling professionals like Select Basement Waterproofing offer free estimates and tips on how to pursue your project. If you are located in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware areas and would like a free estimate please visit Select Waterproofing USA online http://www.selectwaterproofingnj.com/ or contact them toll free at 877-548-3889.


Mold in the basement: If you have a significant amount of mold or a musty smell in your basement, you will need mold remediation before the health impact on the homeowners gets any worse. The key to mold control is moisture control. Before basement finishing you must properly prepare the basement.


Basement Finishing state and town building codes: Your new finished basement plans must be in compliant with state and town building codes.


Egress: This is basically another word for exit or proper escapes in case of emergency. Under the new building codes, you will have to abide by certain requirements such as size and location of exit in reference to the finished space. We install egress opening to comply with codes and for you safety.


Ventilation: Basement Ventilation must have proper air exchange per state and town code if the basement is going to be finished for living space. Ask us about our air systems prior to finishing. Ceiling Height: A minimum ceiling height of 7.6′ is needed for basement finishing. This height may vary from city to town. We can provide you with this information.