Articles

Finish Your Basement with These 20 Renovation Ideas

Completing your unfinished basement? Finishing your basement is a great way to add livable square footage to your home, make it more attractive to buyers, and provide a place for entertaining guests. While the upfront average cost to finish your basement can be pricey...

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How to Keep Your Basement Warm in the Winter

Homeowners across the United States use their basements for so much more than storage, including for additional bedrooms and recreational rooms. But this makes keeping them warm in winter that much more important. A basement is naturally insulated by the...

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How To Heat A Cold Basement

Basements are a fantastic additional space in a home. They're perfect for extra storage, creating a family area, even extra bedrooms. One thing many basements have in common though is that they're often chilly. Why are basements naturally cold and how can you....

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Why Do People Put Kitchens In Their Basement?

People often choose to install a kitchen in their basement for a variety of reasons. Firstly, a basement kitchen offers additional space when the kitchen on the main floor is overcrowded. This is especially beneficial in smaller homes, as it provides additional space for storing...

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Everything You Need to Know About Installing a Basement Bathroom

Unfinished basement space often goes unused for anything more than storage, and even finished basements often lack a bathroom, forcing guests and household members alike to climb up at least one flight of stairs when they need to use the facilities. Basement bathrooms...

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Modern Basement Bar Ideas To Bring Home The Good Times

Making a modern basement bar is a great way to create an entertaining space in your home. There's nothing better than relaxing and unwinding with friends in your very own drinking den. Since you're probably looking for ideas to make your basement bar pop...

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What Flooring is Best for a Basement? Don't Make an Expensive Mistake

One challenge you might face as a homeowner is choosing the best flooring for your basement. Whether you're refinishing the space, updating the existing flooring, or searching for a moisture-resistant solution, selecting the right flooring for your basement is essential...

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How Much Does It Cost to Add a Basement Entrance?

Your basement holds endless possibilities, especially if you've been dreaming of transforming it into a cozy TV room, a basement bar, or even renting it out as a separate apartment. In these cases, adding a basement entrance to the outdoors is your first step and top...

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How Much Value Does a Finished Basement Add?

A finished basement is a home improvement project you get to enjoy twice: for the added living space, and again at resale when you're paid back for much of the project. Finishing the basement has become a popular home remodel in recent years, and no wonder...

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Is a Basement Included in the Square Footage of a Home?

This is the tale of two basements in otherwise comparable houses. One is a finished basement with a den, bedroom, and full bathroom. The other basement has some Sheetrock, an exposed toilet, and a painted floor. The listing for the first house reflects the basement...

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10 Basement Stair Ideas That Will Transform Your Home's Lower Level

Anyone with a basement knows that having a lower level is a design dream. But, while you might be fixated on how to make the most of your space be it a home office, play area, or private theater there's a good chance you've overlooked your staircase while decorating...

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A Complete Guide to Basement Lighting

Lighting is a design element that can become an afterthought when building or remodeling a home. Yet developing a solid lighting plan enhances other design elements, increases your home's value, and adds to your safety and enjoyment of the home...

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How To Choose The Best Basement Paint Colors For Your Home

Tucked away beneath the house is a room that may not get the same stylistic attention as spaces like bedrooms and living rooms, but certainly deserves it. Basements are often neglected spaces where boxes of decorations and the occasional mismatched pieces of...

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Tray Ceilings: Are they Dated or Desirable?

Tray ceilings are unique in design but are they too dated, and are they worth keeping? Here's everything you need to know. Tray ceilings: a cool architectural update to your room, or an outdated feature you want to get rid of? A tray ceiling is one of those room...

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Basement Ideas - 20 Valuable Ways to Convert your Space

These clever basement ideas will be essential if you are considering transforming an unfinished basement into a habitable zone - or even excavating to create one for a home built without. Converting or decorating a basement so it's a liveable space is a smart way to...

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12 Unfinished Basement Ideas for Your Home

Most people only go into their unfinished basements when it's time to adjust the heat or look at an appliance. But that subterranean space is valuable and can be utilized if you open your mind and get creative. Here 12 unfinished basement ideas...

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Why Is Winter The Best Time To Remodel Your Basement?

The winter season is a great time to remodel your basement. Don’t believe us? Then here are some reasons why winter is the best time to remodel your basement: 1. Contractors Aren’t As Busy - Typically, December through February are the least busy months for...

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Adding a Basement Bathroom & What You Need To Know

If you have chosen to add a basement bathroom, that’s great. A bathroom in your basement is useful if you have guests over a lot or if you have a rental unit. Also great if your family spends a lot of time in the basement. A bathroom remodel is also a smart...

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The 10 Best Colors for a Brighter Basement

In the ongoing quest for more living and storage space, homeowners often overlook the basement. But this neglected space can be incredibly versatile. With a few simple upgrades it can become a den, playroom, guest quarters, craft studio, laundry room, and more...

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Do I Need to Install An Egress Window In My Basement? Legal Requirements & Costs Explained

If you're planning to renovate your basement, you might also need to budget for installing an egress window to ensure your home is compliant with state building codes. Egress windows come in a range of shapes and sizes, and the installation process can be impacted...

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The Benefits of Building A Kitchen In Your Basement

As you've probably seen in home remodeling magazines, on HGTV programs and throughout the internet, finished basements are 'in.' You've probably seen some elaborate game rooms, high-tech media centers and even playrooms fitted with every toy imaginable. The next...

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10 Cool Ideas for an Entertaining Basement

The basement is often a neglected and under utilized space which is mainly reserved for storing stuff. And it is also considered to be dark, musty and uninviting. But by implementing creative decor schemes, and introducing stylish colours, furniture and lighting, you can...

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10 basement bedroom ideas that you would never know are underground

On the hunt for basement bedroom ideas? Let's be honest, they aren't always the easiest of spaces to design or decorate. Basements do get a bit of a bad rap and it's assumed that they lack natural light, have low ceilings and feel a bit... gloomy. BUT, we've found...

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7 Creative and Beautiful Basement Ceiling Ideas

Ceilings are often overlooked when finishing a basement, but a ceiling upgrade is one of the most transformational ways to update a space. In fact, the right ceiling design can make your basement feel inviting and help turn it into the preferred hang out spot of the house...

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Tips on Designing Your Basement Gym into a Workout Haven

Adding a basement gym to your renovation project can be very exciting. There are many wonderful advantages to having your workout room downstairs. You'll no longer need to drive hours to the gym, or wait to use your favorite piece of equipment...

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Should You Install a Bathroom in Your Finished Basement?

While adding a bathroom in your finished basement can be useful and a solid investment, there are some challenges that come with below ground plumbing. You'll need to consider drainage and ventilation when designing your below-ground bathroom...

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Three Reasons to Consider Putting a Home Bar in Your Basement

So you're finishing your basement and are looking for something cool, unique, and useful to do with your new space? Consider adding a home bar. Home bars are not only stylish and trendy, but they are also extremely useful for people who enjoy entertaining...

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Reasons Why Your Basement is the Perfect Place for a Home Office

There are many reasons why people would like to work from home. Unfortunately, not everyone has space. Your house might be full such that you can find even that tiny space to put your desk and hair. However, there are many places that people tend...

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8 Tips to Transform Your Basement Into a Wine Cellar

Many of us keep wine bottles stacked on the counter or a few whites chilling in the fridge. A true wine enthusiast balks at this idea - wine requires proper storage, and an everyday kitchen cabinet doesn't quite cut it. If you've been considering...

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Basement Home Theater Design Ideas

It's a statement of fact that if you own a home, you want to maximize opportunities to maximize and utilize that space for multiple reasons. Whether it's to improve the resale value of your home, to have an exceptional entertainment area or simply...

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8 Tips for Living in a Basement Apartment

We've prepared tips for living in a basement apartment because you need to have all the information available, so you can make the best decision about the next place of residence. Basement apartments are becoming more popular as a more affordable housing option...

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14 Smart Design Ideas for Underused Basements

Basements are probably one of the trickiest spots to design. They're often sprawling, oddly shaped and limited in scope, so it's easy to feel stuck when you're trying to think through the design of your space...

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17 Amazing Ways to Transform Your Basement into a Stunning Space

Whether it has been relegated to little more than a dusty storage place or you just never got around to doing much of anything with it, the odds are that your basement more so than any other room in your home isn't being used to its full potential....

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The 10 Best Colors for a Brighter Basement

In the ongoing quest for more living and storage space, homeowners often overlook the basement. But this neglected space can be incredibly versatile. With a few simple upgrades it can become a den, playroom, guest quarters, craft studio, laundry room...

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What You Need to Know About Egress Windows

To convert your basement into a bedroom, you'll need an egress window. Discover what they are and why they're so important. One of the best ways to improve the value of your home is to add an extra bedroom. If your home has a basement, unused space...

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10 Crucial Things to Consider Before Finishing Your Basement

While an unfinished basement works great as extra storage space, your basement could be used much more effectively if it were finished. A lower-level remodel can transform that under-utilized space into an additional living area, such as a home theater, craft room...

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Basement Bathroom Ideas

Whether you're finishing a basement or remodeling one, be sure to include a bathroom. Add a stylish powder room - If your basement will serve primarily as a space for entertaining, you may need only a powder room instead of a full bathroom...

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43 Insanely Cool Basement Bar Ideas for Your Home

Have you ever wanted to have a place in your home that you'd feel passionate about, a place with which you would identify yourself? I bet the answer is yes. Most of us want something that can make us feel comfortable and welcome and you...

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16 Amazing Ideas to Give Your Basement a Stylish New Look

If you're considering remodeling or updating your basement, there are several trending basement ideas that will help bring your space from drab to fab. Having a finished basement means extra space to entertain along with a profitable return...

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Basements and Bonus Rooms From Our Favorite TV Shows

Looking to give your basement or other under-utilized space in your home a makeover but don't know where to start? Take a look at some impressive makeovers from our top shows.

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10 Basement Remodels You Have to See

Basements can be daunting spaces for remodeling. Cluttered, dark, and chilly, basements often convince homeowners to turn their attention to other projects in the home. But basements don't have to stay that way. They can be remodeled and finished so that they not only integrate with the rest of the home but become beautiful and valuable assets to the property.

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Things to Consider Before Adding a Bathroom to Your Basement

Adding a bathroom to your basement can make your life easier and boost your property value in the process. If you've turned your basement into a guest bedroom, a game room, man cave, or office, a basement bathroom will allow you to enjoy the space without having to climb up and down the stairs every time nature calls.

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Adding a Bathroom to a Basement

Wondering how to install a bathroom in a basement? You're not the only one. While adding a bathroom to a basement can boost your home’s value, basement bathroom designs are hard to come by, and lots of people aren’t sure where they can save some money or how to get creative with their unique basement bathroom design.

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8 Tips to Transform Your Basement Into a Wine Cellar

Many of us (myself included) keep wine bottles stacked on the counter or a few whites chilling in the fridge. A true wine enthusiast balks at this idea — wine requires proper storage, and an everyday kitchen cabinet doesn’t quite cut it. If you've been considering building a proper home for your wine collection, try taking a look at your basement — it is probably the right spot for a wine cellar.

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Basement Lighting Ideas

Track lighting can be a remodeled basement's best friend. It is easy to install, doesn't take up floor or wall space, and is remarkably flexible. Many systems, such as the one shown here, combine both spot fixtures for accent lighting and pendant or flood fixtures for ambient lighting. Track lighting also allows you to easily change the room lighting when you rearrange the room's furnishings or design--without having to change the fixtures.

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8 Basement Renovations That Really Pay Off

Basement renovations are up next up in our new series, Renovations That Really Pay Off! Sure, walking down rickety stairs and gazing into a dark, dank cellar might put you off the idea of dropping wads of cash to hang out there. For motivation to clear away the cobwebs, consider the fact that updating a basement could net you a 72.8% return on investment, according to Remodeling magazine - that's higher than a rehabbed kitchen or bathroom!...

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Finishing Your Basement? Avoid These 7 Common Blunders to Take Your Space to the Next Level

The idea of finishing a basement can inspire the greatest of possibilities: Extra space for that pool table you've always wanted! Rooms (galore) for the kids to play! A place to host the ultimate Super Bowl bash that won't leave your living room in shambles!...

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How to Convert Your Basement Into an Apartment

Are you looking to make your basement work for you? Converting your basement into an apartment or rental unit is a great way to earn extra income, and most homeowners earn back their investment within the first year.

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Tips for a Finished Basement

One of the best ways to make the most of your living space is to add on a finished basement. Say farewell to cobwebs and cardboard boxes and hello to your new favorite room in the house...

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10 Home Theater Design Ideas That'll Make Movie Night So Much Better

The only thing better than going to the movies is enjoying one from the comfort of your very own home theater. If you're ready to commit or just starting to research the process, these ten home theater design ideas, renovation tips, and decorating examples will help

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5 Reasons to Add a Finished Basement to Your Home

As a homeowner, you want to maximize all of the available space in your home. Here are five reasons to consider adding a finished basement to your home.

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Someone living in the basement? Make sure it's safe

Don't ignore fire prevention rules for basement bedrooms.

At this time of year, many college students head home for the summer to live with their parents. Some work summer jobs before heading back to school. Graduates often stay at home until they land that first job and can afford to pay their own rent

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How To Create A Cozy Basement

If you've recently finished your basement, congrats! Basement remodeling can sometimes be a challenge to get the beautiful new space you've dreamed of. But, a comfortable finished basement can make all the difference in the way you use your home. From basement playrooms to home theaters, what you choose to furnish and decorate your room with will make a difference on where you spend your time. If you want to relax in your newly finished basement, here are a few cozy ideas.

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8 Tips for Designing a Basement Home Gym

Even with Colorado's 300+ days of sunshine each year, not every day proves ideal for outdoor exercise. And, with busy schedules, going to a gym can be a hassle. If you want to make working out more convenient, the answer may be right under your feet! Consider a basement's natural properties that make it the ideal location for a home gym:

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4 Basement Remodeling Trends

These days, your basement can be a valuable addition to your home. Investing in basement remodeling is a common way to add extra living space without the hassle of a full addition. As you begin to brainstorm your basement remodel, you may want to consider trying out one of these top remodeling trends for 2019.

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Top Five Uses For A Basement Space

Basements often house little more than a fuse box, a water cylinder and some storage boxes. Converting a basement into a usable living space can add great value to your property and is a popular way that homeowners cope with changing household set ups without needing to move. However, there a number of things which make basements more difficult to alter than other areas of the home.

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Easy Tips for Choosing the Right Basement Paint Color

Basements were the original bonus rooms long before they became a popular feature in new homes. Originally designed with utility in mind, the basement was the place to do laundry, store food and tools. Basements today are versatile spaces that expand the living area of your home...

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Tips for Making Your Basement Warmer (Continued)

Humans have long been burrowing underground as protection against intruders and elements, and in the modern home, a cozy basement has an archetypal appeal to this very human instinct. But the major drawback to basement living is that this space can be cold and drafty, and not very appealing to anyone seeking a burrow on a cold winter's night. A basement that can be refreshingly cool on a hot summer day can chill you to the bone when the weather is cold. In many homes, a basement that is otherwise nicely finished remains largely unused unless it can be made warm and cozy enough to use.

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Tips for Making Your Basement Warmer

Humans have long been burrowing underground as protection against intruders and elements, and in the modern home, a cozy basement has an archetypal appeal to this very human instinct. But the major drawback to basement living is that this space can be cold and drafty, and not very appealing to anyone seeking a burrow on a cold winter's night. A basement that can be refreshingly cool on a hot summer day can chill you to the bone when the weather is cold. In many homes, a basement that is otherwise nicely finished remains largely unused unless it can be made warm and cozy enough to use.

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4 Basement Ceiling Myths Debunked

When picturing a standard basement, do you think of a damp and dingy room with old, dark wood paneling and horrendous drop ceilings? Well, wipe that picture from your mind, and imagine your basement becoming an extension of your home.

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How to Manage the Cost to Finish a Basement

Finishing, remodeling or renovating: While contractors might see subtle differences, all three terms describe a basement improvement project. No matter what you call it, finishing typically involves adding walls, a floor, electricity and lighting so the basement is ready for habitation.

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Basement Home Theater Ideas

Basement home theaters are increasingly common nowadays—they provide tremendous entertainment value for families, and they may even increase a home's resale price. If you consider having a home theater installed in your basement, you may just have the perfect location for your entertainment space. Check out these basement home theater ideas, and get ready to create a comfortable and stylish entertainment space in your basement.

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The Ins and Outs of Sauna Installation

The problem with building a sauna for your home is that it can cause mold and other moisture issues if the proper precautions and building methods aren't followed. It must be properly sealed, waterproofed and ventilated. If you choose to not hire a professional, it may not be worth the risk.

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Top Trends in Basement Design For 2018 (Continued)

Basement design has clearly taken over homes by storm. People are finding real creative uses for their basement, expanding their viable living space and increasing their home value in the process. The ideas are endless, and you can even put a single basement space to multiple uses as we have listed.

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Top Trends in Basement Design For 2018

In the past, basements were considered an unused and unutilized space. For many kids, it was where the scary things lived. Now all that has changed and homeowners have an increased interest in basement remodeling. Homeowners have realized that they can put this large expansive space to good use and maybe even add value to their home in the process.

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How to Turn Your Basement Into an Office

Put your Monmouth County basement to work as a productive, comfortable home office. Here are 12 tips to help you get started

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Transform Your Basement into a Fun and Colorful Kids' Playroom

It seems that kids today are all about the indoors. Adapting to this trend, many Monmouth County parents are turning towards exclusive playrooms to provide them with a dedicated space to have loads of fun. The basement can be a great location for a playroom. With a smart renovation, you can even add an adult space alongside the playroom and enjoy the new-found room along with your little ones. Here are a few tips and things to consider before you start to turn the basement into a fun playroom

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How to Turn Your Basement into a Gym Powerhouse

The biggest challenge of a workout is often just showing up. At the end of a long day, changing clothes and fighting traffic can often be enough to bring us right to the couch. If you're a victim of this struggle, it may be time to reassess your gym membership and give in to the luxury of convenience: a home gym in the basement.

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Finished Basements Raise Home Values

Monmouth County homeowners know that having extra space in your house is a valuable bonus. With careful planning you can design the perfect space that can also add resale value to your home

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Deciding Whether To Add A Bathroom In The Basement

In many homes, basements can be something of a blank slate. This area often has enough space to make it into a rec room, man cave, or other useful getaway. You may even be able to convert the entire area into living space by putting in new flooring, walls, and other features. You may also consider whether a bathroom is a useful feature for the basement. After all, there's easy access to the plumbing and a lower level bathroom saves a trip upstairs. It can also help improve the value of your home.

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6 Tips That Will Help You Choose The Right Basement Contractor In Monmouth County

Sometimes it makes more sense to hire a professional rather than handle the job alone. However, picking the wrong individuals may result in subpar work, legal problems or delays. These guidelines will assist you to pick the right basement contractors who will guarantee an excellent working relationship.

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Are Hazardous Vapors Seeping Into Basements Across the United States?

Totally Basements Of Monmouth County Highlights The Actions Needed For International Environmental Issues.

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Cost And Causes Of Flooded Basements

Basements are an essential part of any home. If your street experiences torrential rain, or Mother Nature's opens up her skies, the water levels could rise. If your basement floods you are going to need to know where the water came from and how much it is going to cost to repair.

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The Ultimate Guide for Basement Moisture Control

It is important to explore all options when the health and safety of your family relies upon keeping your basement free from moisture. It begins with some easy and quick DIY fixes, but you still might find the moisture to be persistently problematic. Then what? The help of a professional ventilation system will be your best option. Totally Basements encourages you to follow the proper steps to reducing moisture while achieving that fresh (breathable) air!

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A Better Basement

Increasingly, New Jersey homeowners are remodeling the subterranean level recognizing the feeling of escape and promise of a good time that a transformed basement brings. The basement often has a lot of square footage that isn't being maximized, so it makes sense that more homeowners are spending remodeling dollars to spruce up this space. Basements of today have everything from guest suites to workout spaces, saunas, wine storage, music rooms, theater seating, wet bars, fireplaces and arcade games. Here are some things to think about when considering a basement remodel:

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Soundproofing Basement Ceilings

If you want to block noise from traveling upstairs or downstairs, there is something you can do. Here's how — and how much it costs — to soundproof your ceilings and floors.

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Ideas and Tips for Finishing a Basement Ceiling

Finishing your basement ceiling instantly turns your basement into a warmer, more comfortable living space. Here are some smart ways to finish your basement ceiling, making it possible to have a nice, smooth, uninterrupted ceiling.

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10 Tips for a Smooth Home Remodel

Follow these 10 tips when you embark on an exciting home remodeling project!

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Remodeling Ideas

You want to change the look and feel of your house, but you also want your remodeling job to look fresh for a number of years and complement the existing features of your home. How do you choose the right project and design for you and your family?

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Remodeling Investments

If you want to increase the size of your home, the answer lies right beneath your feet. Remodeling basement space is a good way to gain living area without building an addition, and it's a good investment. Basement remodeling offers a high return on your investment — 69% — and it adds valuable living space without increasing the footprint of your home.

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Basement Flooring Ideas: How to Choose the Right Surface

Choosing the right flooring has different rules in a basement than it does in other rooms; if you make the wrong selection, it could be potentially disastrous. That's why we've laid the groundwork to give you the best basement flooring ideas for your basement.

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Home Theater Lighting Ideas

If a home theater installation or redesign is on your agenda, you'll want to explore home theater lighting ideas to ensure that your entertainment space has plenty of adjustable, ambient lighting. You'll have plenty of choices when it comes to home theater lighting.

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Home Theater Design Ideas

Home theaters have become more commonplace in recent years, whether tucked away in the basement of a cozy bungalow or as an elaborate wing of a palatial estate. These custom entertainment spaces can add to a home's enjoyment factor, not to mention its resale value. If you're considering adding one to your home, you'll want to browse some home theater design ideas for inspiration.

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Designing Your Home Theater

Den. Basement. Living room. Garage. You'd be surprised how easy it can be to transform these boring spaces into the kind of home theater that'll make you the envy of the neighborhood. All you need is a great TV, the perfect speaker arrangement and the right extras for the ultimate viewing experience.

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Hiring A Remodeler

Few home improvement projects generate excitement, suspense, and uncertainty quite like remodeling - and for good reason. A beautifully remodeled interior can improve your quality of life and, in some cases, increase the value of your home. On the other hand, a shoddy build could mean years of dissatisfaction, not to mention thousands of wasted dollars.

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The Wonder of Wine Cellars

Traditionally, wine cellars have been relegated to basements, and often consisted of nothing more than floor-to-ceiling wine rack set up in its own little room. These days, the wine cellar is undergoing a bit of a renaissance.

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Building A Home Theater System

Do an image search for "home theater" and you'll see photo after photo of huge, lavish theaters with seating for up to twenty (or more!) and giant screens. These ideals are every tech geek's dream, but let's face it; most of us don't have the money or space.

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9 Remodeling Mistakes

Basements once were the second-class level of a home, a place where some families hung out, but not as a first choice. And home owners rarely spent a lot of money to fix them up. But necessity may be the mother of invention as more home owners have seen the basement as underutilized square footage that can be improved, and for less than adding to an upper level.

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Choosing Your Basements Flooring

When selecting a basement flooring, the primary aim should be towards the use of the flooring. Ask yourself, do you want to use the basement as a family room, or a storage room? So, note down the function of your basement, and then accordingly select the basement flooring. Every type of basement flooring has its pros and cons.

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Top 5 Reasons To Get A TV Wall Mount

TV wall mounts continue to offer the easiest way to install a flat panel TV by hanging on a wall or other suitable surface, providing a professional look that quickly gets noticed. But there is a lot more to wall mounting a TV than just show. If you have been weighing the pros and cons of using a TV wall mount for your flat screen TV, here are the top 5 reasons to get one.

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Bathroom Remodeling

Before you call a professional plumber, tiler, construction contractor or before you start a DIY project to remodel your bathroom, it can be helpful to stop for a minute and consider the sort of things you might need to do. Remodeling a bathroom will involve plumbing, carpentry and painting as well as heavy lifting in some cases.

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?How much does a typical basement cost?

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?Do I need to get a permit?

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?What is the first step?

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