6 common mistakes to avoid while renovating the foundation and basement

6 common mistakes to avoid while renovating the foundation and basement

Basement renovation is an important part of home maintenance. Homeowners must regularly check the home’s underground space to keep it in good shape. Basements are also prone to moisture and humidity, emphasizing the need to renovate and inspect them. If homeowners fail to do so, the basement may develop mold. Nevertheless, it is important to avoid certain mistakes that can worsen the damage when renovating the basement and its foundation.

Using wooden flooring
When renovating the basement, one of the most crucial mistakes that homeowners must avoid is installing wooden flooring. They may look aesthetically pleasing, but there are better flooring options for a basement. This is because basements have a lot of moisture and humidity. And when wood comes in contact with moisture, it begins to rot and grow mold. It is important to avoid installing wood anywhere in the basement to avoid such issues. On the contrary, choosing flooring materials that can withstand moisture without any issues is also important. Some good choices would be vinyl flooring and ceramic tile flooring.

Not checking for cracks and leaks
A basement renovation project should not only be done to improve the aesthetics of the place. It also needs to address any issues that can severely damage the basement. So, when starting the renovation, homeowners must check the basement’s foundation walls thoroughly for any cracks and leaks. Plus, if one finds a crack in the foundation wall, one must get it inspected to find out how deep the damage is. If there is any such damage in the basement, homeowners must prioritize their repairs before proceeding with the rest of the renovation.

Not choosing a qualified contractor
When it comes to renovating any part of the house, it is best to avoid any form of compromise. So, when homeowners are planning for a basement and foundation renovation, they must consider hiring a qualified contractor. One can begin their search by getting recommendations from neighbors, friends, or family members who live nearby. They always have the internet to turn to if they do not get good references. When browsing through the list of contractors, one must check for a few important factors, such as their experience and customer reviews. A qualified and experienced contractor brings expertise to the field, ensuring smooth and respectful communication with clients.

Forgetting about the permits
Homeowners must remember that any significant repair or renovation work on their property requires a permit from the local government. These permits ensure that all work is carried out safely and complies with the necessary guidelines and regulations. To obtain these permits, homeowners must contact their municipality and provide details about their renovation plans. Once the details are received, inspectors from the municipality board will visit the property to conduct a thorough examination. It is crucial to remember that failing to obtain the required permits is illegal and can lead to safety issues. Therefore, homeowners must not overlook this essential step in their renovation process.

Not waterproofing
Skimping on waterproofing is another mistake that all homeowners must avoid when renovating basements as there can be risks of leaks and water damage. Plus, once moisture sets into a basement, it can be difficult to get rid of it. Also, with moisture, it won’t be long before mold starts to grow. So, when renovating the basement and the foundation walls, it is important to build a concrete water barrier. This  will prevent moisture from seeping into the basement walls. Homeowners must also invest in a sump pump to help drain water out of the basement if required.

Not inspecting the foundation
It is crucial for homeowners to perform regular inspections of their house’s foundation to ensure its stability. This includes checking the slab foundation, pier and beam foundation, crawl space foundation, and basement foundation. Over time, natural factors and other stresses can cause damage to the foundation. If these damages are not addressed in a timely manner, they can lead to more severe issues and costly repairs. It is also important to inspect the foundation prior to beginning any basement renovations to identify and address any pre-existing damages. If the soil and home structure do not have strength to manage renovation weight, it can be detrimental to the property.

Popular Articles

01

6 foods to avoid for people with hearing difficulties

The auditory sense is a crucial aspect of perceiving the world around us. However, approximately 15% of adults in the country report some hearing problems. With advanced technology, several solutions, including hearing aids and assistive devices, have been devised to help individuals with hearing impairment. In addition, following a healthy, curated meal plan can help them control symptoms of hearing impairment. Here are some foods to avoid and general tips for those experiencing hearing difficulties. Foods to avoid for people with hearing difficulties Monosodium glutamate An integral part of several packaged and ready-to-eat foods, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an excitatory neurotransmitter that can cause severe neurological impairment, worsening the symptoms of hearing conditions like tinnitus. Thus, checking the ingredients in ready-to-eat foods and avoiding those with MSG is advisable. Caffeinated beverages It has been found that excessive intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea can elevate one’s blood pressure and aggravate the symptoms of hearing conditions. However, since caffeine also comprises several antioxidants, it may benefit the body in limited quantities. The key here is to limit one’s intake of tea and coffee. Processed foods Processed foods are high in saturated and trans fats, which can lead to plaque generation in the arteries and problems with blood circulation.
Read More
02

7 easy teeth whitening remedies to try

A smile is one of the first things most people notice when they see someone for the first time. Once people put on a smile, they feel completely dressed; this is why people try to keep their teeth from staining and look for whitening techniques. However, not everyone has the time to frequently visit the dentist and get their teeth whitened. So, one can use these remedies to make their teeth look whiter: Brush with baking soda While this is an important ingredient in cakes and cookies, baking soda is also a vital ingredient in toothpaste because of its natural teeth whitening properties. This basic chemical’s mild abrasive effects help scrub teeth stains and whiten the enamel. This teeth whitening remedy is backed by simple chemistry—baking soda creates an alkaline environment in the mouth, preventing the growth of bacteria and removing stains left by acidic food. This easy teeth whitening remedy can be adopted by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water and using this paste to brush one’s teeth. This should be used three times a week and not every day because it may have a corrosive effect on the enamel.   Use coconut oil Coconut oil is one of the easiest teeth whitening remedies.
Read More
03

6 Safest SUVs to Consider Buying in 2023

Are you looking for a safe, reliable SUV for your family? Look no further. Some of the best SUVs for 2023 come with advanced technology, superior driver assistance features, and safety equipment. They can protect the driver and occupants in a collision and lower the impact of the crash. From luxury to budget-friendly options, there is something for everyone. So here are the safest SUVs you can find this year: Dodge Hornet The 2023 Dodge Hornet is a compact crossover SUV that prioritizes safety and reliability. The Hornet has advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The interior of the Hornet has premium materials and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. You also get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Hornet is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 268-hp engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The SUV strikes a balance between power and efficiency and delivers good performance. You can look up “Local Dodge dealers near me” and find dealerships that sell the Hornet. You will be able to find great deals on new and used models at a local dealership.
Read More