Blog

Basement Materials, Made for the Basement Environment

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:25:00 GMT

I get a lot of questions about using basement finishing systems to build basements. And it's a great question.

In years past contractors were forced to use traditional construction materials when remodeling a basement because that is all that was available. Through the years, I learned a few tricks to adapt to basement construction; like building the walls out from the concrete walls so they can breathe better, installing sub floor systems to keep the carpeting off the concrete floor, and using moisture resistant insulation and drywall. All this was to encourage longer life of the finished basement.

Now there are many new basement finishing products on the market designed for building in a moist, damp, humid environment. I have recently discovered a new product that I am particularly fond of. Matrix Basement Systems. Matrix uses a thermal panel wall system that nearly doubles the insulating properties of drywall and fiberglass insulation. There are no wood studs, fiberglass insulation, or harmful organic products used in their wall system. This system is made from non-organic, non-toxic, green materials. Because non-organic materials are used in this wall, it is mold proof and water proof. Not only will this material last forever, but they guarantee it with and exclusive lifetime warranty!

20 THINGS TO ASK YOUR BASEMENT CONTRACTOR

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:18:00 GMT

It's frustrating as a "good guy" contractor to hear stories from family and customers about their terrible contractor experiences. Just this past week I have heard from my mother-in-law and a customer about the contractor that asked for all the money before they were done with the job. So now the contractor won't finish the job and they didn't build the job right. This is why contractors have a bad reputation. There are a lot of good contractors out there, so here are some questions to ask the contractors you are interviewing. And then you can make an informed, educated decision.

20 Things To Ask Your Basement Contractor

1. How long have you been in business?

2. Is your company a full service or specialty firm?

3. Are you licensed?

4. Are you insured? For how much?

5. Do you have a showroom?

6. How many employees do you have?

7. Do you offer a warranty?

8. Can I call references?

9. Can I go visit some of your past or current jobs?

10. When will you start?

11. When will you finish?

12. Do you offer financing?

13 .Do you do all the work yourself or hire subcontractors? ?

14. Will you be pulling the permits?

15. Do you have any products specially designed for my basement?

16. What makes you an expert at what you do?

17. I don't want any surprises. Will I be getting a detailed drawing, scope of work and guaranteed price?

18. Where will I be making my selections?

19. Do you have a designer to help me with my selections?

20. Why is your price so different from the other quotes I got? What did you include or leave out?

The answers to these questions will help build comfort in choosing a good contractor. The contractor should be licensed and insured. He should be pulling the permit and be able to give you references for past and current jobs. Do your homework. Be smart and ask the proper questions. Shopping price isn't always the best decision.

Case Study: MOLD in Ann Arbor

Mon, 14 May 2012 17:32:00 GMT

I have arrived at the home to talk with the homeowners about their needs and measure the basement so I could give them a quote on finishing their new space. Immediately upon entering the basement, I could tell that there was a mold issue. My eyes were itchy, watery and burning, my throat was scratchy and sore. To top it all off I instantly got a headache. All of these symptoms lingered for about and hour after I left the home.

Aside from the symptoms and presence of mold, the immediate thought in my mind was, "where there is mold, there is water", now I just had to do some investigating to find out where it was coming from.

I could see on the stairway wall that there was water damage on the drywall. When I poked around the wall to feel the damage, my finger went right through the drywall. Now, I had the unfortunate job of delivering the bad news to the homeowner about the water issue and that further investigation would be needed.

Issue No 1. The drywall was ripped of the wall and we found mold on the backside of the drywall, on the studs, and exterior sheeting. So that took me to the outside to look for the water trail, which was easy to find. there was a trail of rotten wood from the gutter to the bottom of the wood siding. It was like a blinking arrow pointing to the problem. It appears that the clogged gutters where overflowing and the water was backing up and traveling behind the wood siding.

Issue No 2. The porch was back pitched towards the house. This means that every time it rained, the water would drain towards the house, when it should be running into the yard away from the house.

Issue No 3. No insulation in the exterior wall. The problem with no insulation in the exterior wall may not seem obvious. Condensation is created between the walls when the cold outside wall meets the warm inside air. This is the perfect environment to grow mold.

So to rectify the problem, the exterior sheeting and siding were removed, gutters cleaned, porch pitch was corrected. Mold Experts of MI were called into remove and dispose of the moldy drywall and the affected area was neutralized. New insulation and drywall were then reinstalled.

Water issues can cause a lot of financial cost and unwanted home repairs. Take the time to look around your home and look for rotten wood or drywall. Be proactive and give your home a thorough inspection every spring to see what maintenance should be done. This annual time and expense will be money well spent in preventative repairs, rather than remodeling expenses due to major damage done over the years.

by: Steve Iverson

Finished Basement for Less Than $15,000.

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:30:00 GMT

BASEMENT SPECIAL!

Inventory reduction Sale. Limited supply.

Need more space for entertaining, home office or a playroom? Here is an affordable solution to your space problem. A 16' x 20' finished basement for $14,900.

THIS ROOM INCLUDES:

1. 16' x 20' recreation room

2. Everlast basement wall panels.

3. 2 x 2 ceiling tiles

4. Soledad berber carpet with pad.

5. (1) six-panel door with hardware

6. 2" crown molding, base molding & door casing.

7. (7) recessed can lights.

8. (6) plugs, (3) switches, (1) smoke detector.

9. (1) pole wrap

BENEFITS TO BASEMENT WALL SYSTEM PACKAGE:

1.Everlast Basement Wall System.

2. 50 Year Warranty on walls.

3. No drywall mess.

4. Job complete in 2 weeks.

5. More durable than drywall, won't dent or chip.

6. R-14 insulation value.

WE OFFER FINANCING, CALL TODAY!

Tips For Hiding Basement Poles

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:26:00 GMT

Hiding poles and ductwork can be a real design challenge in finishing off your basement. Ideally you want to try and design the rooms to hide the posts in the walls, but that doesn't always workout. Here are a couple ideas to make the poles feel like they have a purpose in the design.

1) Hide your basement pole in an arch.

One way we have found, that works well, is to connect one or more poles with arches. The arch also adds and element of design and WOW factor to a typically boring space. There are two different ways to finish the arches.

In this design, the basement poles have been caputured into the walls of these drywalled arches.

Here the arches are designed to meet at the poles and then finished off with pole wraps.

Another benefit to arches is they can be used to create rooms in a big open space and at the same time hide the poles. You can see how the arches have defined a media room in this basement.

2) Create a custom column wrap to hide your basement pole.

There are multiple ways to create a great looking column cover for your basement columns. One easy, do-it-yourself solution, is a pre-fabricated column wrap. You can find a column wrap at many lumber yards. This idea is used by many basement contractors. Another great way to hide your basement post is to use wood and moldings to create a custom elegant look.

In this photo you can see how the custom pole wraps have become apart of the living space and specified a space for the tv area.

Photos By: Finished Basements Plus

Job Location: Shelby Township, Novi, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield

Designing Around Your Old Kitchen Fridge... Consider This

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:23:00 GMT

As a wise budgeter, you have planned to reuse that old refrigerator from the kitchen to save some money on the bar in your basement. While this seems to be extremely practical, and fiscally responsible, reusing the old refrigerator could be a stain on your beautiful new bar. If you didn't like that old fridge in your kitchen you most likely will not like looking at it downstairs.

A common theme in basement bars is to incorporate an undercounter refrigerator. Undercounter refrigerators come in two styles; free standing and built-in. Free standing models are the more affordable of the two, pricing around $100-$400. These are typically what a student would buy for their dorm room. A more desirable look would be select a built-in refrigerator. This option doesn't require an air gap around the unit for air flow so you can snug the fridge up to the cabinets for a custom look (photo right). Built-ins are a pricer option starting at $1,000 and quickly go up from there.

Design Reminder - When designing your kitchen or bar, it is ideal to have your appliances picked out before hand. This will insure that your new appliances have the required space in the new design and all electrical and plumbing requirements are known before construction starts.

Photo: Finished Basement Plus. Project Location: White Lake, Michigan

Before and After Photos: From a Finished Basement to a Lower Level.

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:33:00 GMT

BEFORE: Finished Basement AFTER: Lower Level

This basement was already finished. It had rubber flooring, paneling on the walls, a sagging drop ceiling and a full bath. Prior to reconstruction the homeowners were mostly using the space to exercise and store unused items. It wasn't a warm and inviting space that they wanted to spend too much time in. The new basement plan took into consideration some elements of the existing space that could be reused.

BEFORE: Finished Basement AFTER: Lower Level

Before the remodel, the exercise equipment was out in the open. The new design enclosed the exercise equipment with a french door, which let in the natural light from the doorwall, but also kept the exercise equipment separated from the entertainment area. The 2x2 florescent lights were replaced with recessed cans to add warmth and coziness to the room. One of the structural columns was captured in the wall during construction to eliminate as many exposed columns as possible. The remaining structural columns were finished off with custom trim so they feel more like a piece of furniture instead of a pole holding up the house.

The homeowners were very pleased with the finished product and now are enjoying more than just exercising in their new Lower Level.

Photos Taken by: Finished Basements Plus. Job Location: West Bloomfield MI

Simple Solution to Know if Your Lights Are On.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:27:00 GMT

Ugh...your upstairs ready for bed and are wondering if you turned the lights off downstairs You think you turned everything off, but not sure. Here's a cool little feature that makes your life easier.

Add an illuminated three way switch that lights up when in the off position. So if the light switch is illuminated you know the light is off. This feature also acts as a night light so you can see the switch when looking for it in the dark. With the three way switch feature you can turn the lights on and off from upstairs or downstairs. This isn't ground breaking technology, just a value added feature to your home.

Image: Image: scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

No Room For a Pool House? Look Down Below.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:57:00 GMT

When I mention pool house you probably envision a detached building that looks like the main house. It's lavish with large windows and an entertainment area that includes a kitchen.

The pool house doesn't have to be detached from the house. Your basement can give you the same options. Large full bath to shower and change in. Kitchen area to serve food and drinks to your guests. Open entertainment area to play and relax in. A place for your guests to sleep over and have their own space. And this room can be used all year long.

Really looking for that pool house feel. Consider adding additional french doors or glass doors to make the area feel more open and connected to the pool area. You may even consider using a glass wall system like the NanaWall System, as seen in this picture. With this wall system you would truly get that vacation feel in your own backyard.

Guest posting also at Ask the Pool Guy.

Photo provided by: NanaWall Systems

Your Carpet IS Dirty

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:10:00 GMT

Carpets need to be cleaned every 6-12 months to maintain their health and beauty. Even if your carpets don't look dirty it needs a professional cleaning. Your carpet is a giant filter that holds onto dust mites, allergins, dirt, and pollutants. I have used Susan Klein from Crystal Chem-Dry for years for my carpet cleaning.

Give Susan a call, she has a January special. Let her know I sent ya.

Crystal Chem Dry: 888-613-3078

Slate Look Tile

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:27:00 GMT

From the Designers Desk: Katie Gilbert

This porcelain tile has been a very popular selection lately. And for good reason. It looks like slate without the cost and maintenance of real slate.

Natural slate needs to be sealed to prevent staining, this porcelain tile is non-porous and will not require sealing. Natural slate also has a tendency to flake a little at first, as the loose bits and uneven edges wear down. This porcelain tile has a smoother texture so your bar stools won't rock or get jammed up on the rough edges, like they would on a natural slate stone.

With 3 color pallets to choose from, you are sure to find one that will look great in your bath, kitchen or bar.

Green details: Made in the USA- with materials from the USA. With more than half of the content pre-consumer recycled materials , and little post-consumer recycled material thrown in as well, this is a very eco conscious product and is GreenGuard Certified.

Photo taken by: Finished Basements Plus. Job Location: Superior Twp. Michigan

Add a Fireplace Anywhere in Your Home

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:50:00 GMT

As Chuck Gaidica declares, "Cuddle Alert!" It's frigid out, so it's time to snuggle up with someone. Make it picture perfect by snuggling up in front of your fireplace.

No fireplace you say. Then consider adding a gas or electric fireplace. One can be installed anywhere in your home or basement by using a vent-free-gas or electric fireplace. A vented-gas fireplace is very versatile, but requires a bit more work, than an electric, if it isn't installed on an outside wall.

There are several options to finishing the surround of a fireplace. Go modern by installing it high with no mantel or hearth. Add a tile surround with a simple mantel to keep it classic. Raising the fireplace for a hearth and adding stone to the surround with a large, wooden mantle will give you cabin-like charm. Whether the style of your home is classic or modern, just be sure to keep a snuggle buddy near.

Photo taken by: Finished Basements Plus. Project Located in Highland Twp.

YES, We Recommend a Backup Sump Pump

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:33:00 GMT

We have been installing backup sump pumps in basements for years. They are an added level of protection against flooding. Typically there are two types, water powered and battery backup. Both are good and have pros and cons to each. For example: we installed a water powered sump pump in a basement but, a few years back when we had the brown out for several days the water pressure dropped. In this case, since there was no water pressure to drive the pump his basement flooded.

The ultimate protection has been found - the "TripleSafe Sump Pump." This pump has a main pump, a backup pump and battery back up. This is a great product and when you add a Water Watch Alarm it offers the best protection on the market for failing sump pumps, rising water table or power outage.

Welcoming Guests into Your Home: Providing a Guest Bathroom

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:09:00 GMT

Guest Post

If you are like many homeowners, you will find yourself hosting friends and family that visit your home. By taking the time to provide a relaxing, welcoming space for your guests, you will help ensure that their visit is pleasant. Giving guests their own bathroom is key to making them feel comfortable in your home.

Purposeful Placement

Choosing the location of your guest bathroom is important. Making sure that the bathroom is located close to their bedroom helps them feel comfortable using it as their own, and is also helpful for them if they need to use it during the night. Whether adding a bathroom in suite or next to the bedroom, consider putting in a full bathroom. Providing a full bathroom gives them additional privacy for bathing as well as a place to store their toiletries.

Style and Design

Aim for a relaxing, spa-like environment. Soft, muted colors will provide a relaxing vibe for your traveling guests. Keep decorations simple - candles and fresh flowers provide a luxurious atmosphere. Make sure that the vanity area is free of clutter. Leave a couple open shelves or a designated place for guests to keep their toiletries. Hang fresh, fluffy towels for their use and provide an extra hook or shelf for them to place their clothes while showering.

Welcoming Extras

Make your guests stay even more comfortable by providing everything they might need during their stay. Make sure that basic supplies like extra toilet paper and towels are easily accessible. It's nice to keep a decorative basket stocked with shampoos, soaps, razors and toothpaste just in case they forget anything. By keeping these little "extras" within view, guests know that they are free to use them and don't have to worry about bothering you - and they feel like a special guest!

Last, before your guests arrive, make sure your bathroom is clean and fresh. Wipe down the sink, tub and toilet, to remove any dust that may have collected since the room was last used. Let guests know that they can use the guest bathroom as their own and make sure they know where everything is located. A warm, inviting bathroom is key to making sure that your guests feel welcomed and valued while staying in your home!

Written by Adam Coholan, an active blogger remodeling, renovation, and interior design based on his experience working with luxury Queens condos around the New York area. You can follow him on Twitter @Coho22.

Photo: Taken by Finished Basements Plus. Project located in Brighton, Michigan.

Your Contractor Is Not A Designer

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:43:00 GMT

A contractor wants to do your job the cheapest and fastest way possible. He is not going to want to go to the trouble of moving mechanicals and incur the extra expense and time into a project. He wants to get in and get out.

A designer, on the other hand, is looking to make the best use of space and do it right. He/She will move the underground plumbing, even if it is only a few feet, to make the floor plan work. He/She will make sure cabinets are ordered correctly so drawers and doors are sure to open properly.

I was just listening to Steve and Katie talk about moving duct work to make a basement bath plan work. She didn't want to settle on a poor design if a little extra effort would make a better, more fuctional space.

A designer is looking out for your best interest. A designer is looking for ways to fulfill your needs and criteria.