Month: July 2020

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3 Reasons You Should Remodel Your Basement

Have you been thinking about a basement remodel in your home, but just aren’t sure if it’s worth it? If so, you have come to the right place.

For most homeowners, the basement is a burden they would rather ignore. Instead of using it as a living space, they will simply fill it with junk and clutter. While using the basement for storage is completely normal, in some cases the clutter can become a hazard. Too much clutter will often lead to a rodent infestation problem, which will ultimately end up costing you more money.

Basement remodeling project during construction phase
Basement remodeling project

Most homeowners shy away from remodeling their basement because they believe it will be too expensive, and too time consuming.

Those are no doubt very real concerns. But the reality is, a finished basement is well worth the initial hassle. Not only will it be financially rewarding, but it will also add a new level of comfort to your home.

With that being said, here are a few reasons you should consider finishing your basement.

The Return on Investment Is Amazing

Yes, a basement remodel can no doubt be expensive. And it is for that reason most homeowners will put it off.

However, if you look at the return on investment, you might quickly change your mind. A remodeled basement can add a great deal of value to your home.

As a matter of fact, in 2017, homeowners who finished their basement were able to recoup up to 70% of the cost once they sold the home.

So while it can be a huge investment, it will more than pay for itself in the long run. And even if you don’t sell your home, the increase in equity can still prove to be valuable.

Here are a few tips to help you better manage the cost of a basement remodel.

It Will Give You More Livable Space

Don’t overlook how valuable the space in your basement can be. Especially if you are running out of room in other parts of your home.

Let’s say for instance your twin teenagers have now reached the point where they want their own space. If you have a basement you can turn it into an additional room. And depending on how big your basement is, you may even be able to turn it into two rooms.

Other ways you can turn your basement into a livable space are by turning it into a game room, office, gym, man cave, or theater.

Truth is, you can use the space for anything you want. The possibilities are endless!

It Will Make Your Home More Appealing

I think it’s safe to say we all want a home we can be proud of. We want to be able to take our friends on a tour of the entire house, not just the upper levels.

Most people don’t even look at their basement unless they need to throw something down there for storage.

And hey, we get it. Most basements are cold, damp, and scary. But they don’t have to be. A simple remodel can add a new layer of appeal to your home.

And when we say simple, we mean adding some new paint to the walls and furnishing the basement can go a long way. Although basement windows are small, don’t forget to keep them clean for a more polished look. You don’t have to spend thousands or do something extraordinary to turn your basement into something appealing.

It’s all about learning how to be creative and using what you have at your disposal.

A Final Tip on Basement Remodeling

If you do choose to remodel your basement, make sure you work with licensed contractors only. This way you know you will be protected should something go wrong.

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DIY Carpet Cleaning

The U.S. Census Bureau says that the carpet industry accounts for over half of the current U.S. flooring market. Even though there are many materials used for flooring, for some reason it has been, and continues to be the most popular.  This may be due to it requiring less upkeep than other surfaces.  On hard surfaces, dirt becomes very apparent, and you can feel it on your feet way easier.  However, with carpet, it tends to absorb a lot of that. With a little vacuuming, and the occasional blotting, you can generally keep it in pretty good condition. However, sometimes unexpected things happen, and you may consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning service. Before you do that, consider these DIY tricks to keep the carpet cleaner away.  Keep in mind, with all of these techniques, you should blot, not scrub.

Person using a spray bottle and cloth to clean carpet.
Cleaning carpet stains with water and vinegar and a cloth

Carpet Cleaning With Homemade Solutions

Club soda is an old adage, because it works.  Add club soda to a cloth, and start blotting the stain.  Make sure to not rub.  If you see a reduction of the stain, repeat the process.  If you don’t, combine half white vinegar, and half water in a spray bottle.  Spray it onto the affected area.  Wait 10-15 minutes.  Use a sponge to absorb the solution and the stain.  It may not work the first time, so you may have to do it over until it is gone.  After it’s gone, make sure to use fresh, warm water to wash away whatever excess solution remains.  To dry the area faster, weigh down some paper towels over the area.  The towels will soak up whatever excess dampness remains.  This may take about a day to dry.

Cleaning Carpets Of Stuck Gum

Someone was kind enough to drop their gum on the ground, and you step in it.  You come home, and track it deep into your fibers.  This leaves one of the stickiest messes you can deal with.  Not to mention it’s unsanitary.  However, don’t fret, the solution lies in the ice in your freezer.  Take some cubes, and place them on the gum for a minute or so. Wait until it freezes.  Then, take a spoon, lift the gum, and use something to cut the carpet it is stuck to.  The less you cut, the less detectable it will be. If you are considering a basement remodel project, see our post on the benefits of remodeling.

Cleaning Carpets of Wax

Candles add a nice ambiance to most situations.  However, the downside of candles is that they drip.  Some of this wax often lands on the ground, where it solidifies and form fits to the fibers.  A simple solution?  Re-heat the wax.  Take a white cloth, place it over the wax.  Then plug in a clothes iron, avoiding the steam setting.  Apply heat until the wax melts.  After it’s reheated, use a butter knife to scrape away the wax.

Clean Carpets of Grease

Let’s say you’re having a BBQ, and as someone is walking from the kitchen, to the porch, they drop a hot dog.  This is an all too common scenario, and one of the more difficult to remove.  However, like you’d cut grease from your dishes, you can do the same with carpets.  Mix dish soap into a vessel of warm water in a spray bottle.  Spray the grease vigorously.  After it’s soaked, use a paper towel or white cloth to blot it up.  Repeat the steps as necessary until it is gone.

If these techniques don’t get the job done, it may be time to hire a residential carpet cleaning service.  They come with the experience and tools to get the job done, without you having to worry about damaging your carpet, or wasting time.  However, if the stain is manageable, a little bit of ingenuity goes a long way to save some money.