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Concrete Cutting: The Unknown Niche
What is Concrete Cutting?
Concrete cutting is a process of controlled sawing, drilling and removal of concrete performed by skilled operators using special saws that use diamond impregnated blades. Unlike the old-fashioned dusty "jack...
Photovoltaic Panels - Harvest the Sun
There is a lot of energy in sunlight and that energy can be converted to electricity with photovoltaic panels. These panels are made up of several photovoltaic cells which are constructed of treated silicon which creates an electrical charge...
Pump Up The Value Of Your Rehab Real Estate Investment
There are two legal ways to increase your wealth.
1. Keep more of what you have (e.g., tax strategies, rehab efficiencies, cost savings)
2. Add value to something (e.g., a real estate investment, stocks, bonds)
Let's focus on adding value to...
Refrigerator electricity usage lowered in 15 minutes
November 2004 I recently had a customer ask for my advise about cleaning her refrigerator. I started to describe the pros and cons of different cleaners that can be used to clean the interior when she stopped me abruptly. “I know all about that...
Tips for Working on Plaster Walls
If you live in an older house, say 50 or 60 years or older, there is a good likelihood that you have plaster on your walls. Plaster walls were very common, especially in the late 18th century and 19th century. Plaster was fairly readily available,...
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Finishing your Basement Can be Very Rewarding
Transforming your home's basement into a finished space can prove to be very rewarding. Frequently the additional living space is used for a variety of entertainment functions including: Recreation Rooms, Bars, Gyms, Billiard Rooms, Home Theatres and Family Rooms. In addition, Bedrooms and Bathrooms are also incorporated into the floor space. Typically the square foot cost of finishing a basement is significantly lower than other floors within the home.
Planning is critical before starting a Finished Basement project. From a financial standpoint, first determine how big your budget is and how you will finance the project. Will a mortgage be required or can you refinance or obtain a home equity loan?
From the project standpoint, carefully consider what you want to use the space for. As part of this consideration, consider ceiling heights, existing pipes, Oil Tanks, and Heating and Water systems. Also consider lighting. To make a Finished Basement cozy, warm and comfortable, the number and kinds of lights to install is key. In addition, consider natural lighting. Can additional windows be installed and will they be appropriate for the finished space?
Installing a Bathroom in a basement can be a challenge, particularly if
a pump-up system is required. It is important you meet with a plumber before you start any work, as they will have many questions and requirements for your bathroom. Potentially the most onerous aspect of installing a Bathroom may be the removal of some of the cement flooring. This is a very dusty and messy job!
Also consider heating. Does your existing furnace have the capacity to support the additional space? If not, you will need to consider putting in a bigger system or creating a secondary heating system.
Finally, and probably the most important aspect to consider, is dealing with moisture. A finished basement will quickly loose its charm if water problems create mold and mildew. Basement floors and walls should be sealed and insulated to reduce moisture content in the basement. Even with these precautions, a dehumidifier may be required.
About the Author
Me_Donovan@comcast.net
www.homeadditionplus.com
Over the past 20+ years Mr. Donovan has been involved with building homes and home additions. Mr. Donovan's formal education & profession have been as an Electrical Engineer & Marketing Manager.
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