If you have a basement, whether it is unfinished or finished, you may want to consider waterproofing your basement. This can help protect your basement from unwanted mold that is usually caused from excessive amounts of water. In addition, the presence of too much moisture can reduce the quality of your air. It doesn’t take much water to cause long-term damage. Here are the two main types of basement waterproofing.

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If you’ve fallen in love with your current location but not quite living in your dream home, home additions can be excellent ways to expand your home, personalize your space and enjoy increased value. From a minor addition to an expansive new portion of your home, here are some benefits to choosing an addition as your next home improvement project.

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While not all homes have a basement, for those that do, waterproofing is essential. However, professionals often argue about the best ways to do basement waterproofing. There are two main options for the majority of homeowners.

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When it comes to home renovations, the sky is sometimes the limit. If you are looking to add value, curb appeal and comfort to your home, there are many projects to choose out there.One such project is the four season porch. Find out more about what makes four season porches worth it.

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If you’re considering a basement remodel for your next project, you should be prepared before you get started. Aside from having a budget and purpose in mind, you should also make sure it’s done right from the beginning by hiring the right contractors.

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In spite of your enthusiasm to hire a contractor for your remodeling project, ignorance and haste can influence a poor hiring decision. If you are getting ready to consider some home additions, there are seven very important questions that you should ask each representative who comes to give you a quote.

1. Do you carry all appropriate state, local and trade licenses? They should be able to provide you with a copy or have a location where they are published on their website.
2. Are you carrying general liability insurance? If something is damaged during their work on your property, the insurance plan will cover the costs associated with damages.
3. Will you guarantee the work performed and completed? Many contractors will offer extended warranties on certain appliances or features but check on their policy for the actual work done on any home additions.
4. Do you have any references I can call? They are interviewing for a job but at your expense. It is completely fair to look into the quality of their work, their timeliness, their safety record and other aspects of reliability.
5. Who will be the primary contact for the job? If you are meeting with an owner or salesman, you will want to know who is going to be on your property during the work.
6. What are your clean-up policies? Before work begins, find out who is responsible for the trash and debris associated with the home additions. Find out if the company will rent a dumpster or if you will be charged extra for cleanup costs. 
7. Are there any financing options for the cost of the work? Some contractors or businesses may be able to offer a financing arrangement, but you won’t know until you ask.

Always check with local contractors for answers to these questions and reasonable quote on the work. Be prepared for your meeting and confidently select the team that will give you peace of mind.

Giving your bathroom a makeover can be a freeing experience. Out with the old, in with the new, and you will enjoy spending time in the bathroom again! How do you know where to start? How do you know what to consider? Speaking with a contractor is a great first step to take so you can come up with the perfect design and figure out a budget. The following are a few aspects of bathroom remodeling that you can get started with.

Cabinetry

Upgrading your cabinetry is a sure way to improve the overall look of the bathroom. Dark cabinets might make the space feel smaller, while a lighter color could really brighten up the room. Bathrooms aren’t typically the most spacious room in the house, but a well thought out cabinetry layout could make it feel a lot bigger.

Flooring

Flooring is an important topic to discuss with your bathroom remodeling builder. Because it’s most likely going to be exposed to a great amount of water and moisture, you’ll want it to be made from a waterproof or water-resistant material. Tile is an obvious option and there are a lot of different styles and colors to choose from. Vinyl flooring is another choice that many homeowners consider, and with the advances of production, it can be made to look like hardwood and perform like tile.

Shower/Tub

You need a nice, relaxing place to soak after a long day, but sometimes you just need a quick shower. Of course there are combinations for a bathroom with little space to work with, but if you have the space, you might consider a separate shower and bathtub. With many styles and sizes to choose from, there’s sure to be something that suits your fancy.

While cabinetry, flooring and a shower/tub are important considerations, realize a bathroom remodeling project will have to include a whole lot more. Speak with a local contractor today to find out what more you’ll need and how to get started.

It happens to most homeowners at some point, especially if you purchased an older home with dreams of fixing it up over time. You may have remodeled the kitchen by now, and maybe even added on a room or two. But, there it is, often neglected, but, if given the proper attention, one of the most useful and enjoyable areas of the home: the outdoor patio. Masonry contractors and supply houses provide a wide array of materials that will help you transform your existing patio into an extension of your home that you will use and appreciate for years to come.

 

Choosing from the lineup of available materials can be intimidating at first, but don’t dismay; there are a few simple guidelines to help you make the right choice. If it is a few years old, your current patio is most probably traditional brick or concrete. These materials have been used for years because they are both attractive and durable. You may decide to just stick with the same type of masonry materials that you already have on your patio, and just have it resurfaced to freshen up the appearance of your outdoor living area.

 

However, with so many options available these days—stamped or colored concrete, stone, stone veneer, and a plethora of tiles—you may decide its time to take a different direction with your outside living area and redo the surface with a totally different material. As with any major home improvement project, budget is usually a prime consideration. Saving money up front by using cheaper materials is not always the great deal it seems to be at first. Choosing the right low-maintenance substance that will hold up for many years in your climate and soil conditions is the right way to go.

 

Local masonry professionals are a great resource for helping you select the best materials for your patio project. Experienced pros will have direct experience in what types of surfaces last and maintains beauty, and more importantly, what materials to avoid.

 

If you’ve recently realized that your living space is a bit cramped, it might be time to consider an expansion. Home additions are a great way to maximize the land on your property. You’re able to take space you’re not currently using and transform it into a comfortable, cozy living area.

 

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That burn mark on your counter has been bothering you for a while now. It serves as a reminder that you are in desperate need of help when it comes to the way your kitchen looks and functions. You’ve watched enough home improvement shows to know that it has the potential to be a long and expensive process. When thinking about kitchen remodeling, there are a few common elements every homeowner should know.

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