Tag: foundation

Upgrading to a Finished Basement? Here’s How to Get the Basics in Place

April 21, 2020

A finished basement could be just the upgrade you need to create more living space and add value your home. Whether it’s a man cave or a lounge area, that cold and dark lower level of your home can be transformed into functional space. If you have been thinking about revamping your current basement, here are some things to keep in mind while remodeling. 1. Clear OutThe first thing that you will want to do is clean out whatever you may have stored in your basement. Even if you know the layout like the back of your hand and want to start planning right away, hidden foundational items could force you to change that. Having a clear field of view will expose anything like molds or cracks in the foundation that need to be immediately taken care of. If you do happen to run across an issue that looks serious, having a professional examine it will give you the best course of action to repair it. Clearing out your clutter will even allow you to sort through and get rid of unnecessary junk you have. 2. Sketch a DesignOnce you have your basement cleaned and cleared out, it’s time to

After the Home Inspection: When to Request a Repair

June 24, 2019

When housing markets are hot, buyers have to be flexible when it comes to minor defects in a house they want. Because a home might have multiple competitive offers, it’s important to know how to get yours accepted so you can move into your dream home ASAP. While it would be ideal if the seller offered to fix every issue your home inspector finds, that’s not often realistic. Instead, you need to know which items are potential deal-breakers and which repairs can safely be put off until after closing. We’ll show you when you should request repairs to a home you’re looking at buying, and when asking for a repair could needlessly sink the deal. Don’t Sweat Little IssuesBuying a house is a big investment, so it makes sense that you’d want everything perfect. However, that’s not a reasonable expectation. Unless you’re building your home, every house is a used house, and they’re all going to have idiosyncrasies and blemishes that you’ll have to compromise on. What kinds of things are we talking about? Here’s a handy list: 1. Cosmetic Problems: There might be a crack in a tile, some scratched paint or old carpet you’re not a huge fan

5 Signs You Might Have a Foundation Problem

August 15, 2018

Foundation issues can easily be one of the most expensive things you’ll deal with as a homeowner. The thing is, most of the time it’s kind of hard to tell what a real foundation problem is and what isn’t. Since literally everything rests on your foundation, you can see subtle signs that might spell foundation trouble all over your house—you just have to know where to look. Before We Begin It’s important to note that the following warning signs of foundation problems don’t necessarily mean you have one. The truth is that all houses settle over time—there’s no way around it, and a little bit of settling is to be expected. However, if you’re noticing many of these occurring at once, it’s a good idea to bring in a professional to get their opinion. Also, keep in mind that the age of your home isn’t the only factor involved with foundation issues. Depending on the condition of the soil, the climate and more, even new houses can exhibit the problems below. 1. Doors and Windows are Tough to Close A substantial shift in your foundation often causes doors and windows throughout the home to misalign. Windows might be difficult or