If you would like to learn more about what a knowledgeable remodeling contractor can do for you, keep reading. This article discusses three remodeling techniques designed to yield the best possible results for your newly finished basement.

Water damage is by far the greatest threat to a basement. This is true enough even when dealing with unfinished basements. When you finish the basement and fill it with furniture, electronics, and other precious belongings, the threat grows even worse. Any basement remodeling project should begin with some basic water prevention strategies.

Attending to landscaping flaws is one of the best ways to keep water away from your foundation walls and out of your basement. The chief consideration here has to do with the slope of the soil around your home. If there is no slope and the ground is more or less flat, this will allow the soil to retain water — water that will sooner or later find its way into your basement.

The problem gets even worse if the ground slopes toward your home. As you can imagine, this will encourage water to build up directly against your foundation walls. The best way to eliminate such problems is to have your soil regraded so that it slopes away from your house. A 2% grade is generally sufficient in promoting proper drainage.

Rim Joist Insulation

The ceiling of an unfinished basement is usually made up of exposed parallel joists. These are the support beams on top of which the subflooring and the flooring of your ground level are installed. At the two edges of the basement, the joists intersect perpendicularly with a pair of special joists known as the rim joists.

Rim joists present a problem where energy efficiency is concerned since they are often uninsulated. This becomes much more of a problem with finished basements because you will now be expending more energy to keep the temperature within a comfortable range. For this reason, an experienced remodeling contractor knows that insulating the rim joists is a vital step.

Such insulation is best accomplished using either rigid foam boards or polyurethane spray foam. While rigid foam carries a lower material cost, it is also more difficult to install because it requires careful measuring and cutting. It can also be difficult to install rigid foam in tight spaces, which is often the case where rim joists are concerned.

For these reasons, many contractors prefer to utilize polyurethane spray. This expanding foam can easily be sprayed into place. In addition to insulating the joints, it also carries the additional advantage of sealing off any air leaks.

Floor Joist Insulation

The ceilings of an unfinished basement represent another potential problem when it comes to sound. That's because there is very little separating your basement from the floor above. This means that you'll easily be able to hear every single footstep and cleared throat happening upstairs.

To keep such sounds from driving you crazy while in the basement, it’s important that your floor joists be insulated against sound. The least expensive way to accomplish this is by installing fiberglass batts between the joists. This is worth the expense since it will also help to keep your basement nice and warm during the cold months.

An inexperienced remodeling contractor will often overlook some of these key considerations. For that reason, it is vital to hire a true professional to conduct your basement remodeling project. If you’re ready to finish or remodel your basement, contact the experienced contractors at Nick’s Home Repairs, LLC.

How to Handle the Problem of Busted Pipes

The best thing you can do about a busted pipe is simply to prevent it. Knowing the seriousness of the situation is half the battle.

How do Pipes Burst?

Pipes can burst easily when exposed to the right conditions. Moisture in very cold weather can pose a problem. This is because at the right temperatures water freezes and then expands in the new state of matter. When a pipe is full of moisture and then a certain temperature hits, those particles of moisture expand, and the pipe is in danger of complete rupture.

Preventative Tips

Keep areas as heated as possible. This may be more difficult with pipes outside of the home, in cabinets, or against outside walls that are exposed to low temperatures. If you cannot heat an area, keep trickles of water running during potentially hazardous weather events to avoid pipes freezing.

Associated Costs

These preventive measures are important to keep costs down because of a frozen pipe that bursts can cost you quite a bit of money in repairs.

Luckily professionals are well aware of the risks posed by the climate they work in. If you need help with your pipes you can find out more online. Call Nick’s Home Repairs for more information and to find the right home contractor for you.