A Wet Basement May NOT Actually Be Leaking in Windsor

The basement is the heart of many a home. Most of the air that we breathe comes from this part of the house. If the air is humid, dank and dirty then this might have a negative effect on the health of people living in the home. Water damage is a major problem in many homes because it gets into the basement and begins to cause a range of troubles. In order to prevent this from occurring it might be a good idea to install a vapor barrier.

What most people might not realize is the fact that vapor can sink into the walls of your basement and cause water damage on the inside. As the vapor begins to condense inside the house, the room becomes humid and this air spreads throughout the rest of the house. If you have concrete basement walls then you might be at a loss as to what else need to be done to keep the water our. A vapor barrier is the answer.

A vapor barrier is attached to the foundation of the basement and it keeps the moisture from sinking through the walls and into the basement itself. It's important to note that the vapour barrier must ALWAYS be installed on the warm side of the basement insulation and will not function properly unless the insulation is present. 

Less moisture equals less humidity and this means a whole range of advantages. Not only will water damage be less of a concern but you will also be able to prevent mold from forming in your home. Mold usually thrives in dark, moist places and a basement is a prime suspect for harboring it. With a vapor barrier you can keep the air in your basement dry and prevent moisture from causing a variety of troubles in your home. 

It's important to take note of the reasons for the high humidity in your basement. If the moisture is coming from another source then it might not help to simply keep the moisture from outside the home out. If the moisture is coming from inside the home then you will need to sort that problem out before you can gain some relief. 

There are a range of other advantages that come with installing a vapor barrier and this is perhaps why it is so popular. The item itself is usually quite durable, so it won't have to be replaced very often but it also has the ability to keep bugs and other creepy crawlies out of the basement. These creatures are perhaps one of the main reasons that many people do not want to venture down into their own basements, and this is one way to ensure that you are not one of them. 

Water damage can end up costing you more than money; it can end up costing you the health of your family, which is why it is such an important concern. The best way to combat it is to find measures that work and a vapor barrier is one of them. This is a simple solution that any good contractor will be able to implement in your home for you. Contact us at Lakeside and we will be happy to advise you on the best options for your home.

We are now available on facebook as well as on linkedin. Like us on facebook and follow us on linkedin!

While you're on the site, feel free to download the FREE E-book there to help you with your bathroom renovation plan, more books are in the planning stages, but I started with bathrooms.

Get all the latest tips and articles delivered right to your inbox by signing up for our free newsletter. 

If you have any questions you'd like answered or you would like to see an article on a particular subject, there are comment windows for you as well as a form for you to fill out to send a message directly to my personal inbox.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback you may have, especially any ideas you may have concerning future articles you would like to see.

If you would like advice concerning your summer project or you would like a cost estimate for a project you are considering, please dont hesitate to contact us.

Lakeside Interiors dedicates a portion of its profits to the community we work in by using our skills to assist the elderly or underpriviledged free of charge. If you know of someone in your area who could use our assistance, please let us know. 
 

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor & Barrie Ontario

705-881-4456 in Barrie or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

226-946-9651 in Windsor or,

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

Bathroom Design Ideas to Reflect Your Personal Style in Windsor

Today, people want different things from a bathroom. While a number of bathroom design ideas can inspire functional and stylish spaces, finding ideas for a bathroom that suits an individual's specific lifestyle is more challenging. One person may simply want to update a functional bathroom with a new look. Another may want to create a luxurious home spa. When it comes to creating the perfect bathroom, it's all about personal preferences. 

Designed for Speed

Many people long for a bathroom makeover that will help them get up in the morning and get them out the door on time. A bathroom design that makes the room operate more efficiently isn't just about speed, however, but about creating an invigorating atmosphere as well. A bare-bones space that lacks any decorative style can leave spirits deflated. When designing a highly functional bathroom, the right combination of color, materials and lines will add a sense of energy to the room. 
lines lend a feeling of energizing movement to the space. Chrome finishes 
Colors on the cool side can make the room feel more expansive. Sleek not only add sparkle, but catch the eye, creating dynamic visual interest. Among all the bathroom design ideas for a bathroom designed for speed, however, nothing adds more energy than a fixture on the cutting edge of technology. Technology is intrinsically linked with an active, modern lifestyle. Whether it's a shower with multi-faucets, a wall-mounted toilet or a sink faucet with a motion detector, a single high-tech amenity invigorates a bathroom's style.

Designed for Pampering

For many people, an ideal bathroom is one that provides a relaxing escape from the stress of everyday life. Ensuring physical and emotional comfort is the key to creating a bathroom that helps the owner unwind at the end of a busy day. It's as important to provide proper light, temperature and ventilation as it is to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. When a person's idea of an indulgent spa experience is a soothing steam shower, an efficient ventilation system becomes all the more important. When the bathroom design includes a luxury bathtub, amenities like heated flooring and ambient lighting coax bathers to linger and relax. 

A warm, minimal color palette and organic materials like wood, stone and bamboo help create an inviting environment. Natural colors, textures, materials and finishes enrich the look of a bathroom designed for relaxation without add too much visual clutter. The right proportion is important, too. Large, square bathroom tiles are visually less distracting than smaller tile work. Perhaps surprisingly, an asymmetrical design is generally more soothing. Too much symmetry can feel rigid or commercial.

While function is the main priority for some people and style the priority for others, setting clear design goals is always essential for a satisfactory result. The best interior designers always address the preferences of those that will inhabit the space. No matter what the personal preference, an abundance of bathroom design ideas ensures the right design for each person that uses this utilitarian room.

We are now available on facebook as well as on linkedin. Like us on facebook and follow us on linkedin!

While you're on the site, feel free to download the FREE E-book there to help you with your bathroom renovation plan, more books are in the planning stages, but I started with bathrooms.

Get all the latest tips and articles delivered right to your inbox by signing up for our free newsletter. 

If you have any questions you'd like answered or you would like to see an article on a particular subject, there are comment windows for you as well as a form for you to fill out to send a message directly to my personal inbox.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback you may have, especially any ideas you may have concerning future articles you would like to see.

If you would like advice concerning your summer project or you would like a cost estimate for a project you are considering, please dont hesitate to contact us.

Lakeside Interiors dedicates a portion of its profits to the community we work in by using our skills to assist the elderly or underpriviledged free of charge. If you know of someone in your area who could use our assistance, please let us know. 
 

This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-946-9651 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
lakesidekitchener@gmail.com

5 Ideas to Transform Your Basement in Windsor

If your basement has become the home's default storage room, what you need are some basement remodeling ideas.  Fortunately, we're here to help. Every day many homeowners try to think of ways they can transform their boring basements into something new. The first thing you must do as a homeowner is throw away any preconceived notion that a basement is just a dark, cool place to use as storage. Think of it as extra space with the potential to become something amazing. 

There are many ideas for transforming your basement depending on the needs and wants of your family. Some of these ideas include:

Game Room: Turn your basement into a space that the whole family will love. A great game room will first need some fun colors for the walls to give the room some extra life. This room will be all about fun and will need to look like a happy exciting place. This type of remodel will need the most comfortable furniture you can find that will also be durable. How about a refrigerator? A pool table, foosball table, video games, and pinball machines are the most popular types of entertainment. Include a bar area and you won't be able to drive away your guests. This idea will bring the family and friends together and be a positive experience for everyone.

Guest Room: Decorating a guest room or in-law suite is a great way to utilize your finished basement.  It adds extra space as well as provides an area for out of town family and guests to relax while visiting your home. This type of room should be filled with tranquil, comfortable furnishings.  It should provide all of the conveniences of a home away from home. It should also provide a place for your guests to retreat after a long day.

Gym or Workout Room: This is ideal for those who would like a dedicated room for exercise equipment without losing the space in their home. It is amazing to know that when you want to work out you don’t have to get in the car or leave the comforts of your own home.  A place to exercise in your home will pay for itself in more ways than just the value of your home; it will pay in added years to your life.  For the health-conscious, this just might be the greatest of the basement remodeling ideas. 

Office or Study Area: Turning your basement into a home office is a great way to provide a quiet, tucked away workspace in your home. A basement turned home office provides a perfect “work away from work” space when you need to be at home or just need a change of scenery.

Children Play Room: If you have a house with small children, a play room might be the perfect remodel for your basement. Because a basement often provides a blank canvas with which to work, a play room could easily be made with any style and any budget depending on the needs of your family. This is the perfect time to get more creative with paint-polka dots or stripes on the walls, hiring someone to paint a mural, etc. Bean bag chairs for reading, or small tables for tea parties will provide hours of entertainment for years to come. 

There are many basement remodeling ideas besides these, there are also many basement finishing ideas and basement ceiling ideas.  The key is to consider what would benefit the entire household--and go with that.

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario

226-787-5835 or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

lakesidekitchener@gmail.com

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

How to Get Your Home Ready to Sell in Windsor

Due to the economy here in Windsor, we've been getting quite a few requests for information on how to get your home ready for sale in order to maximize the value . Since I don't profess to be an expert in this field, I've asked my good friend, Randy Rock of rockhomesales.com to write this post.

This article is in the form of a printable checklist so you can use it to check your progress, just print it out and go, I hope it will be of help.

Getting Your House Ready to Sell in Windsor When getting your home ready to sell, you need to look at your house in a new way. Think of your house as a product about to go on the market where it is probably competing with brand new housing. It needs to show well – which means clutter-free and well kept. Today’s homebuyers lead busy lives and may not be interested in taking on major repairs or improvements upon moving in. You need to make your house a “10”. This document will help you spot what is right and what is not so good about your "product". It will give you the opportunity to take corrective action to ensure your house looks fresh, clean and well maintained when the “For Sale” sign goes up. Fix It First If you need to make improvements to your home, do the work before it goes on the market. Potential buyers are not interested in hearing about your good intentions to look after defects before a transfer of ownership takes place. Even if fix-up work is underway, buyers may not be able to visualize what your home will look like when the work is finished. They will just remember it being in a state of disrepair. Professional Inspection: Yes or No? A serious buyer may want to have a professional home inspector check your house from top to bottom before making an offer. Even though this guide will help you identify problems on your own, the option of hiring a professional home inspector is open to you as well. If you can afford it, an inspection in advance of putting your home on the market is a good idea. It is your best way of finding and taking care of serious deficiencies before an inspector hired by a potential buyer discovers them. Homeowner’s Inspection Checklist This practical, easy-to-follow guide for homeowners will help you identify common house problems and deal with them. In it, you will find how-to tips offering effective solutions for every room of your house. Let’s Begin Outside Check Your House’s Curb Appeal How does your house look from the street? That is where prospective buyers will be when they first see your home; and, that is where they will form that all-important first impression. Stand at the curb in front of your house and note what you see. Remove any clutter in your yard. Repair cracked or uneven driveway or walkway surfaces. If your lawn has bald spots, apply some top dressing and re-seed. Prune trees and shrubs of dead wood. Weed and mulch flower beds, if you have them. If it is the right time of year, consider buying some flower-filled planters to enhance the eye appeal of your property. Make sure your lawn is mowed regularly. Ensure that the composter area is tidy. Are your windows and walls clean? Does your front door need paint? Ensure your eaves and downspouts are clear of debris and in good repair. Are your backyard deck and walkways clean? If not, use a power washer and do any necessary painting, staining or sealing. If you have a swimming pool, are the deck and pool clean (when in season)? Do all outside lights work? Replace any burned out bulbs, and clean fixtures of dirt and cobwebs. Is there a shed? Does it look presentable? Do windows and exterior doors need recaulking? Even at 6-7 years of age, the caulking may be dried out and in need of replacement. Do you have decorative wooden poles on the porch? Is the wood at the bottom in good condition? Overall, does it need a new coat of paint? If you have a gate, is it well oiled? When you have completed the curb appeal inspection, carefully check the rest of your home’s exterior. Will Your Roof and Chimney Pass Inspection? If you are uneasy about climbing onto your roof, you can inspect most items from the ground using binoculars. Otherwise, be careful when working or moving about on your roof. Unless roof repair is a simple matter of applying new caulking, you will probably need the services of a professional. Check the general condition of your roof. Sagging sections, curled shingles, pooled water on flat roofs and corrosion on metal roofing mean it is time for repair or replacement. Both masonry and metal chimneys need to be straight and structurally sound, have proper capping on top and watertight flashing where they penetrate the roof. All roofs undergo stress from snow and rain loads, so a truss or rafter may become damaged, resulting in a noticeable small depression. A professional should do this inexpensive repair. Examine Your Walls The condition of your exterior walls directly affects the look and curb appeal of your home. Replace old caulking. You may have to cut or scrape away old caulking to get a good seal. Do not seal drainage or ventilation gaps. Is your exterior paint looking good? If you see faded colours and cracked or peeling surfaces, you need to repaint. Be sure to get competitive bids if you hire professional painters. You can clean vinyl siding but defects or damage to it and to metal siding usually means replacement. Stucco can be repaired but some skill is required to blend patches with existing stucco. Now, Let’s Go Indoors A prospective buyer will usually enter through your front door; so, that is where you should begin your interior inspection. You want your buyer to see a neat, clean, well-lit interior. Get clutter out of sight; ensure that carpets are clean and floors are scrubbed and polished; and that walls and trim show fresh paint (preferably neutral or light colours). Take a sniff. Are there any unpleasant odours in your home? If so, track them down and eliminate them. Ensure all your lights work and are free of cobwebs. You want your home to look spacious, bright and fresh. If you have considerable family memorabilia, consider thinning it out. Your objective is to help potential buyers feel as if they could live in your home. That mental leap becomes more difficult for them if your house resembles a shrine your family. Professional realtors and decorators say the most important areas of your home to upgrade and modernize are the kitchen and bathrooms. Buyers also want to see new or recently installed floor coverings throughout. General Interior Check stairs for loose boards, ripped carpeting, and missing or loose handrails and guards. Most problems with interior walls are cosmetic and can be repaired with spackling compound and paint. Ensure doors open and shut properly. Minor sticking is normal but excessive binding indicates possible structural problems. Open and close all windows to ensure they work properly. Fogging between the panes of a sealed window indicates the seal is broken and the unit needs to be replaced. Keep furniture to a minimum so rooms do not appear smaller than they are. If your room contain bookshelves or cabinets overflowing with books, magazines and knick-knacks, remove some of these items. Ensure closets look spacious, organized and uncluttered. Create space by getting rid of old clothes and junk. Remove or lock away valuables such as jewellery, coins, currency, cameras and compact discs. Kitchen and Bathrooms People splash water around in the kitchen and bathrooms so check around sinks, tubs and toilets for rotting countertops and floors. Problems could be due to poor caulking or plumbing leaks. Fogged windows, molds and sweating toilet tanks indicate high humidity levels, which you can remedy with exhaust fans. In the kitchen, clean all appliances, including your oven. Clean or replace your greasy stove hood filter. Clean your cabinets inside and out, as well as your countertops and backsplashes. Repair dripping faucets. Remove anything stored on top of your fridge and remove artwork and magnets. Remove any items stored on countertops. Remove items stored under the sink. In bathrooms, scrub sinks, tubs and toilets, taking care to remove any rust stains. Remove mildew from showers and bathtubs. Fix dripping faucets or trickling toilets, and vacuum your fan grill. Clean mirrors, light switch plates and cupboard handles. Consider installing new 6-litre toilets if you currently have water-guzzlers. If you have ceramic tile in either your kitchen or bathroom, ensure grouting is intact and clean. Basement The condition of the foundation and main structural members in the basement are critical to the fitness of any house. The purpose of your inspection is to make sure these are sound and durable. Look for cracks, water seepage, efflorescence (white powder-like substance), crumbling mortar or concrete, and rotting wood. If any of these problems are present, you need to do further research to learn about causes and possible solutions. If your basement is damp or musty, consider using a dehumidifier. Like all other areas of your home, your basement should be organized and clutter-free. Change the filters in the furnace and have it cleaned–this is the number one item purchasers want done after a home inspection. If you have a pet with a litter box, ensure the litter box is clean. Garage Get rid of the broken tools, old car parts, discarded bicycles, empty paint cans and the hundreds of other useless items that accumulate in garages. Again, you want a clutter-free zone. Use cleaning solutions to remove oil stains from the floor. When it’s Showtime! You have inspected your house and taken care of problems. Now you are ready for showings. You will need a plan of action that assigns duties to each family member so the place can quickly be whipped into shape. Open all drapes, blinds, etc. and turn on lights to make the house bright. Air out the house to get rid of cooking, pet odours, and so on. Have fresh flowers in view. Pick up clutter, and empty garbage. Make sure everything is spotless. Set your thermostat at a comfortable level. Remove pets from the house or put them outside. If you have an agent, leave when the house is being shown. In poor weather, provide a place for boots, overshoes and umbrellas. Display photos of the house in summer to show landscaping if selling in the winter months. Leave out heating and hydro bills. For those on a septic system and/or well, leave out inspection and maintenance information.

Contact me anytime for a free home evaluation!!!                                                                                                             

Randy Rock - Sales Representative

Coldwell Banker Essential Realty Brokerage                                                      

Office - 519-251-1611

Cell - 519-792-4373

e-mail  randy-rock@coldwellbanker.ca

Web - www.rockhomesales.com

ROCK SOLID SERVICE 

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor & Barrie Ontario

226-946-9651 in Windsor or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

Incredible, Ask Anyone!

How Much Will My Kitchen Renovation Cost Here in Windsor?

When setting a budget for any improvement project around the home, it can be difficult to know where to start. When setting out to renovate, there are often hidden costs that can creep in and sink your budget, especially in an older home.  When renovating a kitchen, a good place to start is at at 15% of your home value. Adding a 20% cushion to your kitchen renovation cost estimate will cover you if anything unforeseen arises. 

It can be difficult to stick to your budget and keep it under your target, but research, planning and a solid estimate can help you to keep costs down.  A good place to start is with a middle of the road estimate at about $45,000 for a $250,000 home.  Things like kitchen cabinets, appliances and countertops are the highest priced items in a kitchen renovation along with flooring, lighting, fixtures and hardware.  Electrical, plumbing and gas add to the costs, making a kitchen renovation a much pricier change than any other room in the house.  

Your kitchen renovation estimate should be your guide.  Everything else should be documented and added as things come up.  Begin with your absolute necessities and things you cannot live without.  Then move to your most desired items such as increasing workspace in your kitchen for preparing meals or the type of materials used for your countertops, cabinets and flooring.  After that you can add in your “wish list” such as a television, computer, kitchen nook, bay window, etc.  A kitchen renovation cost estimate can and should include everything, including your cushion. Keep a separate spreadsheet of items you would like to add and add them later if you can.

If you choose to and have the ability to do the actual work yourself, this will be where the estimating process will end, however if you choose to have a contractor such as Lakeside do the work for you, you will need to estimate the labour cost as well. Over the years, I’ve noticed a pattern in all the projects that Lakeside has done for our clients. By the time you add in labour, permitting, overhead, profit and taxes, when all is said and done, the original material estimate accounts for approximately 40% of the finished project. This being the case, if you take your original estimate and multiply by 2.5, you will be very close to the cost of having a contractor handle the project for you.  

A few things to take into consideration when planning your kitchen renovation is your family size, your entertainment style, your frequent guests and how much counter space you will require.  If you have a large family you will want to have enough seating in the kitchen.  If you entertain a lot, a big table and lots of counter space is nice.  If you love to cook and cook a lot, design your kitchen with appliances that are strategically placed for optimum production.  

A refrigerator all the way across the room from the sink or counter top makes for repeated trips and unnecessary steps. Moving appliances can drive up costs for plumbing , gas and electrical, but it can be well worth it to you if you end up with the kitchen of your dreams. 

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor & Barrie Ontario

226-946-9651 in Windsor or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

Lakeside Interiors Turns a Corner

This post has nothing at all to do with home renovations but I'm sure that some people in my audience would like to know what the heck I've been up to lately.
Those of you who know me personally know a great deal concerning what has happened over the past two years, but not all and as for the rest of my readers, I will attempt to bring you all up to speed.
At the beginning of July 2009, my beautiful wife of 11 years, Gidget, who had suffered with kidney disease most of her young life, took a turn for the worse. We were informed that she would be on dialysis beginning in June of that year and remain on it until she received a kidney transplant at some undetermined point in the future.
At that time, since my Gidget required round the clock care and refused to leave our home to be in a nursing home, I was forced to virtually shut down all operations of Lakeside Interiors in order to personally care for her.
To make a very long and unhappy story short, my Gidget lost her battle last May of 2011 and my world ended.
A month and a half later, my best friend, Terry Dunster, who we had lived with and cared for, for years, died as well.
Through some oversights and legal wranglings, the estate, managed to end up with everything that we had worked so hard to establish, our home, my place of business, everything.
By the time all this had transpired, I had nothing left, so I moved to Kitchener to spend time with my son Jason and his wife to be Carrie-Lynn, working at starting over in that area and trying to re-invent myself.
During that time, I met a beautiful girl, my Rayshelle, and was in the process of re-establishing my company in Barrie to be near her when I started to go blind from cataracts.
The type I have is a fast moving type and  I was told that it would be a year before I could get the required surgery in the north of Ontario so we were forced to part and I returned to Windsor to get the surgery since wait times are drastically reduced here.(my surgery here is scheduled for the beginning of July).
Exactly 2 days after arriving back in Windsor, I had a "significant heart attack" and following two surgeries for that, I'm back.......but I still can't see much yet until July 9.
So to make a long story short, I'm back, I'm here in Windsor, and I'm busy building Lakeside Interiors to be everything I set out to make it before all this started!
Ok, now to get to the corner and the turning of it!
A few days ago, I was lucky enough to find the teachings of Marcus Sheridan of TheSalesLion.com and I ordered his free E-book.
This is, without a doubt, the most comprehensive guide to turn your business around that has been written to date!
You will not believe the change it will make in your life, I can't believe the simple principles that Marcus teaches that can completely change the way you do business if you just take the time to read them!
I can't say enough about  Marcus' free E-book and the change it can make in your life, if you own a business or you're self employed or you work for a company......this book will help you, just read it, it"s free!
This guy is a genius! Not because he's saying anything different, but because he can explain what he's saying so that anyone can understand it!
I've embraced the principles that Marcus teaches and I'm beginning to implement them as quickly as I can, one thing at a time.
You'll notice changes in the blog such as a totally new look, a bunch of new pages being added to the site, this blog will now be coming out with new content every Sunday and Wednesday, as well, there is now a newsletter that will be emailed out to customers and subscribers every Sunday and articles will be written by guest authors as well as by me.
Those are just a small sample of what's coming, if you'd like to know more about what to expect from Lakeside over this summer......READ MARCUS' BOOK!!!

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario

226-787-5835 or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

lakesidekitchener@gmail.com

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

Basement Renovation Money-Saving Tips in Windsor, Ontario

Summer has arrived here in Windsor, or as we call it here…..construction season! Many families here are considering a variety of DIY projects around the house, one of the most common is to expand useable floor space by renovating an unfinished or partially finished basement area. Here are some money saving tips that we use in the industry to reduce cost, increase useable space or improve appearance of the finished product. I hope you can make use of one or more of them in planning your project.

 · Make use of wasted space under the lower end of the stairway leading into the basement. Consider roll-out bins or shelves to hold laundry or other supplies.

 · Finish off the floor if your plan is to incorporate a family room or home office. If the floor in your basement is concrete, decide on the flooring you will use; laminate or engineered flooring, or carpet.

 · If you decide on carpet, and your floor is smooth, carpet and padding can be easily tacked down and stretched directly on top of the concrete. It’s important to know that once the carpet is stretched that it will lay flat across the entire floor. An uneven floor will cause the carpet to be unsupported underneath any low spots. If you prefer not to go to the expense of leveling the floor properly, then glue the carpet down, otherwise the carpet will wear much quicker in the unsupported areas.

 · If you decide on laminate or engineered flooring, you will have a great looking basement. The material and installation is more expensive than carpeting a floor, but usually cheaper than using a ceramic tile. Laminate is essentially saw dust and glue, made under great pressure and a lot of heat. The finishes on laminate are very tough; the floor is sturdy and wears very well – and good for high-traffic areas. Engineered flooring is essentially made by laminating a thin layer of hardwood flooring to the top of thin plywood and will wear similar to actual hardwood flooring of the same wood, however since it is plywood, it will resist warping under the high humidity conditions generally found in basements.

 · If part of your basement renovation includes a bathroom, time and costs can be cut if bathroom fixtures are located near existing plumbing. This means designing the bathroom floor plan close to the main waste-vent stack and house drain – with reduced cost involved in the installation of underground pipes.

 · When deciding on small bathroom design, it is easier and less complicated to arrange the bathroom fixtures along a line on one wall. Check local codes for plumbing and electrical requirements for your project.

 · Always remember when planning for ANY basement project that wood must NEVER touch concrete, under ANY circumstances! Concrete is inherently porous and absorbs small amounts of moisture directly from the ground under itself and will eventually rot any wood touching it. Any wood product which must be touching concrete, such as the base of a wall, should be installed with a gasket under it.

If you would like advice concerning your summer project or you would like a cost estimate for a project you are considering, please dont hesitate to contact us.

 Lakeside Interiors dedicates a portion of its profits to the community we work in by using our skills to assist the elderly or underpriviledged free of charge. If you know of someone in your area who could use our assistance, please let us know.

This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-946-9651 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com